A Tribute to a Pioneering Black Leader

by William Seraile, PhD, Class of ’59

I had the honor of participating in a historic event on August 11, 2024, when I joined a group of scholars and activists to pay tribute to John Edward Bruce, one of the most influential Black leaders of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Bruce was a journalist, historian, activist, and diplomat who advocated for the rights and dignity of African Americans and other oppressed peoples around the world. He was also a close friend and colleague of Marcus Garvey, Booker T. Washington, and W. E. B. Du Bois. I have been studying his life and writings for many years, and I published a book about him, Bruce Grit: The Black Nationalist Writings of John Edward Bruce (2003). At the event, I spoke about Bruce’s remarkable achievements and legacy, and I witnessed the unveiling of a temporary headstone at his unmarked grave in Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, NY. The headstone marked the 100th anniversary of his death on August 7, 1924, and it was a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom and justice.

Earlier in the summer, I lectured on another topic I am passionate about: the role of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) in the Civil War. The USCT, regiments of Black soldiers who fought for the Union army, played a crucial part in turning the tide of the war and securing emancipation for millions of enslaved people. My lecture, which took place on June 19, 2024, at the St. Paul Church Historic Site in Mount Vernon, NY, explored the history, challenges, and contributions of these brave men who risked their lives for a cause that was not always appreciated or supported by their white comrades and commanders. I also discussed the significance of June 19, also known as Juneteenth, which commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Texas learned that they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. My lecture was part of a series of events organized by the church to celebrate and educate the public about the rich and diverse heritage of the African American community in Westchester County and beyond.