THE GOOD FIGHT celebrates members of “The Greatest Generation,” African-American men and women who served their country even when their country didn’t always serve them.

 

Over seventy-five years after the D-Day invasion, WQED shares the stories of WWII veterans and war workers – men and women who fought the good fight — battling racism at home while fighting for democracy overseas. Written and produced by Chris Moore and Minette Seate, “The Good Fight” introduces viewers to these remarkable Americans who share the experiences that helped make history.

 

African Americans have played a role in our country’s defense since the American Revolution. World War II was no exception, with an estimated 1.2 million Black Americans serving on the home front and overseas.

Extras

Mager Ely

We visit the Sen. John Heinz Medical Center in Aspinwall to meet Mager Ely and his family and learn how a dedicated group helped make a Navy Veteran’s dreams come true.

Charles Wiggins

Mr. Charles Wiggins, 102, of Wilkinsburg, recalls the challenges he faced as an African American veteran and the determination it took to pursue his dream.

With compelling interviews and memorable archival footage, the documentary salutes the legacy of these Southwestern Pennsylvanians and their lasting impact on American civil rights. Featured interviews include:

Mr. Henry Parham, believed to be the last surviving African American veteran to land on Omaha Beach during the D-Day Invasion.

Ms. Althea Skelton, a Schenley High School grad who became a real-life Rosie the Riveter, helping to build bombers for Boeing in Seattle.

The Tuskegee Airman Memorial – the Sewickley Cemetery is home to the largest outdoor memorial of its kind, dedicated to the famed Black fighter pilots.

THE GOOD FIGHT is a proud new addition to WQED’s Black History Month programming lineup.

  • Black women aircraft workers during wartime

    Ms. Althea Skelton, center, and women who worked on the B-29 Bomber at Boeing during World War II.

  • Memorial for Tuskegee Airman of Western Pennsylvania.

    The Tuskegee Airman Memorial located in Sewickley Cemetery.

  • Harry Truman's Executive Order establishing equality of treatment and opportunity in the armed services.

    President Harry Truman’s Order Desegregating the U S Armed Forces in 1948.

  • wartime, soldiers tethering a reconnaissance balloon

    Barrage Balloons like these were used by Henry Parham and the members of the 320th Barrage Balloon Unit who were part of the Normandy Invasion.

  • Minette Seate, Chris Moore and the Boyers

    World War 2 Veteran Eugene Boyer Jr. and his son, Eugene Boyer III, pose with Chris Moore and producer Minette Seate during their interview.

SPECIAL THANKS:

Association for the Study of African American Life and History

Sheila Tunney and Hope Nelson

VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

Carnegie Museum of Art, Charles “Teenie” Harris Archive

New Pittsburgh Courier

Rivers Club

Senator John Heinz History Center

Veterans Breakfast Club

Corey Martin, KDKA-TV

ARCHIVAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND FOOTAGE COURTESY OF:

Carnegie Museum of Art, Charles “Teenie” Harris Archive

KDKA-TV

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

National Archives and Records Administration

Senator John Heinz History Center

U.S. Department of Defense. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
Visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.