Documentary Shines Light on Black Soldiers in WWII

African-Americans soldiers in WWII have been "largely been edited out of history … and I was interested in discussing the plight of these soldiers,” documentary producer Gregory Cooke told an Oct. 29 newsmaker where clips of "Choc’late Soldiers from the USA" were shown.

“When the story of a group of people is left out of American history, then we are all impoverished by its absence,” director Noel "Sonny" Izon said.

“This story is about choices," Izon said. "They embraced the choice to serve their country at a time when they were subjected to mistreatment. They choose to return home to help transform America into the same democracy they fought for. Many chose to take a reduction in pay and rank in order to fight alongside their white counterparts. … African-Americans crossed the bridge of unexpected friendship in Britain and they saw the possibilities for America.”

"Choc’late Soldiers from the USA" will premier at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Marion and Gustave Ring Auditorium and Sculpture Garden.