The World Today is a Mess

Little Donna Hightower - Citizen of the World

Donna Hightower in Paris
circa the 1950's- photo by Eddy Wiggins

Donna Lubertha Hightower also known as “Little Donna Hightower”, was born December 28, 1926, in Caruthersville, Missouri. Growing up, she enjoyed listening to Ella Fitzgerald and other legendary jazz artists, but it was never her dream to become a singer.  By the age of 23, she had been married and divorced with two children.

She had been working in a diner in Chicago, when Bob Tillman, a reporter with the Chicago Defender newspaper, heard her singing.  This lead to bookings as a singer at the Strand Hotel and eventually a recording contract with Decca Records where she recorded her first single, "I Ain't In The Mood", in 1951.

During the 1950s she recorded, often accompanied by the Maxwell Davis Orchestra and she toured the US, with the stars like B. B. King, Johnny Mathis, Della Reese, and many others. By 1958, the invitations to perform and tour dried up, so she took a job with a music publishing company in New York where she would record demonstration records of new songs.  This led to a recording contract with Capitol Records and established her international career.

1964 in Europe

In 1959, she moved to Europe, living first in France, then Belgium finally settling in Madrid. In 1971 she won the Costa del Sol International Song Festival, then in 1972, She recorded “The World is a Mess Today” which sold over one million copies worldwide and was a major hit in France where she would perform to sold-out audiences.

In 1990, she returned to the United States to live in Austin, Texas where she was active in the Austin Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. In 2006 she performed at a jazz festival in Spain.  It was her last performance before her death on August 19, 2013, in Austin in 2013 at the age of 86. 

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Host A Screening of African Americans in Paris

Paris Noir -African Americans in the City of Light, a one-hour documentary by Blue Lion Films, tells that outstanding story of pioneering men and women who found liberté, egalité and fraternité (freedom, equality, and brotherhood) abroad, that they did not find at home in America.

Paris Noir has options for hosting, from educational viewing to screening as a fundraiser.

Choose a screening option that meets your needs:

High definition DVD to host and promote a single community film screening, INCLUDING Skype talk with one of the filmmakers, can introduce the film, the answer questions during a post-viewing Q&A. Includes 10 copies of the companion book African Americans in the City of Light for sale to your attendees.  $250.00.

High definition DVD to host and promote a single community film screening, PLUS one of the filmmakers attend your screening, introduce the film, then answer questions and facilitate a community building exercise after the film. $500.00- + Lodging

Option for multiple screenings is available.  Contact us for more information and pricing.  

Increase your fundraising potential!  Additional books available to sell at your event, or separately to raise funds for your organization. 

Books must be ordered by the organizer in advance. Shipping cost is additional.

The organizer keeps 100% of the revenue from the sale of books. Discounts apply as follows:

10 -19 books = 10% off

20 – 29 books = 20% off

30 or more items = 25% off

For more information or to schedule a screening Email:

info@africanamericansinparis.com
AfricanAmericansinParis.com

Eddy Wiggins - The Lost Historian

Recently a friend introduced me to an incredible book.  Printed in French, and unknown to many, "Eddy Wiggins: Le Noir et Le Blanc", is a loving tribute to a man who captured African Americans in Paris, Gilles LeRoy, published a beautiful book of photographs that would have been lost forever.  Lost, like the history of this man who documented so many incredible moments of African American's in Paris.

Eddy Wiggins in Paris

Eddy Wiggins was born in the Jim Crow South in1904 in Mississippi.  It was a time of racial violence against blacks by white supremacists, but also important gains for African Americans.  In 1904 Mary McLeod Bethune that today is known as Bethune-Cookman University, while Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller, the first Black psychiatrist, was heralded as a pioneer in Alzheimer’s disease research. There were many other significant first, but there was far more violence. 

At the age of eighteen, Wiggins took off for Chicago hoping to escape the violence in the South and sought to work odd jobs.  But by 1933 fed up with the lack of opportunities, and racism that also existed in the North, he left for Paris, never to return. 

In Paris he worked as a journalist for various American magazines, serving as a jazz correspondent.  This gave him access to all the legendary artists from America and France.  He was able to engage with them backstage in concert halls such as the Olympia, or during more casual moments at dinner, bars or the home of friends.  He captured, the spirit of freedom experienced by African Americans in Paris far from shores of segregation in America.

Louis Armstrong at Haynes Restaurant
(LeRoy Haynes in white tee-shirt)

But while he was able to capture and document the history of African American freedom in Paris, his own history seems to have faded into the past.  In his later years Eddy, almost blind, lived in solitude and poverty.

"Eddy Wiggins: Le Noire Et Le Blanc"
Text by Gilles Leroy; Published by Naive

Denis Trinez, a Trinitarian priest and Member of the Association of the Little Brothers of the Poor, cared for him until his death. Denis maintained possession of Eddy’s pictures and prints a collection which represents the essence of his work.   The collection was given to the Atelier des Épinettes, which Denis Trinez had founded to help AIDS patients. Now part of BASILIADE Eddy’s collection was published in a book published by Naïve, "Eddy Wiggins: Black and White", with a preface by Gilles Leroy.  Sale of the book helps to raise funding to support BASILIADE.  Ironically the photographic work in the BASILIADE collection is all the remains to tell the story of this African American genius who captured the spirit of freedom in Paris far from discrimination in the United States.  Now his work helps others who are often alone and in poverty as they fight against AIDS and the stigmatization it often brings upon them.  We may not have much of his history before his death, but he lives on in the aid his photos provide for others.

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Host A Screening of African Americans in Paris

Paris Noir -African Americans in the City of Light, a one-hour documentary by Blue Lion Films, tells that outstanding story of pioneering men and women who found liberté, egalité and fraternité (freedom, equality, and brotherhood) abroad, that they did not find at home in America.

Paris Noir has options for hosting, from educational viewing to screening as a fundraiser.

Choose a screening option that meets your needs:

High definition DVD to host and promote a single community film screening, INCLUDING Skype talk with one of the filmmakers, can introduce the film, the answer questions during a post-viewing Q&A. Includes 10 copies of the companion book African Americans in the City of Light for sale to your attendees.  $250.00.

High definition DVD to host and promote a single community film screening, PLUS one of the filmmakers attend your screening, introduce the film, then answer questions and facilitate a community building exercise after the film. $500.00- + Lodging

Option for multiple screenings is available.  Contact us for more information and pricing.  

Increase your fundraising potential!  Additional books available to sell at your event, or separately to raise funds for your organization. 

Books must be ordered by the organizer in advance. Shipping cost is additional.

The organizer keeps 100% of the revenue from the sale of books. Discounts apply as follows:

10 -19 books = 10% off

20 – 29 books = 20% off

30 or more items = 25% off

For more information or to schedule a screening Email:

info@africanamericansinparis.com

Lieutenant from the Talented Tenth

The Negro race, like all races, is going to be saved by its exceptional men. The problem of education, then, among Negroes must first of all deal with the Talented Tenth...

- W.E.B. Dubois, September 1903

Lt. Thomas J. Bullock, of Wilmington, circa 1917. 
Property State Archives of North Carolina.

Approximately 350,000 African Americans served in World War I.  Due to the racial hatred, and discriminatory attitudes, their tour of duty was a very different experience than that of white soldiers.  The military leaders felt African American were inferior and intellectually incapable. Thus, African Americans were relegated to labor intense inferior positions. 

About 22,000 of these soldiers came from North Carolina including Thomas J. Bullock.  Thomas J. Bullock, of Henderson NC, was one of the first African American Soldiers to receive a commission.

After a military career that included service in the war with Spain, and the 25^th Infantry Regiment in the Philippines, Bullock enrolled at Lincoln University and graduated in 1911. He worked as an educator for five years but returned to service during rising tensions with Mexico.  He joined Company M of the 15^th Regiment New York National Guard in October 1916. When the war broke out in 1917, Bullock’s military experience and advanced education made him a prime candidate for the first and only World War I cycle of officer candidate school for African American soldiers. Sergeant Bullock was one of 1,250 African Americans who began the class and came out in the top ten percent of the 650 who ultimately graduated and received commissions.

Bullock, now a 2^nd Lieutenant decided not to return to the famed 369^th Infantry, aka, “Harlem Hellfighters.”  Instead, he reported to the 367^th Infantry of the 92^nd Division.  The Division received advanced training in Bourbonne-Les-Bains, France, and later relieved American and French troops in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges towards the end of August. When they arrived, the 92^nd and thirteen companies took up a position in the front-line trenches to hold the line against the Germans angry at the recent loss of Frapelle. 

The officers of the 367th Infantry on September 4, 1918, minus Lieutenant Bullock,
who was killed in action two days before this photo was taken. Property National Archives.

On September 1, the Germans advanced upon the portion of the line held by the 367^th.  Bombarding the 92^nd Division with mustard gas and shells.  The Germans were beaten again by the American troops but the following morning, 34 African American soldiers were wounded, and 4 were dead including Lieutenant Bullock. He was the division’s first officer killed in combat. He was forty years old.  Lieutenant Bullock was buried in La Chappelle, but in 1921, his family had his remains moved to his home to Wilmington where he’s buried beside his wife, Cleopatra. and his father in law George Cleapor in the Pine Forest Cemetery.

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Paris Noir: African Americans in the City of Light is the most comprehensive and compelling documentary existing on the remarkable migration of pioneering African Americans to France and the impact both cultures had on each other.

Available to rent or buy via streaming on Vimeo.  

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/parisnoirdocumentary

Buy the Book! 

An 83-page museum-quality Film Companion Book with scores of high-quality photos, engaging text, plus augmented reality content that delivers additional film and footage. Includes a list of recommended reading and media plus sources of archival material. This book excels as a valuable stand-alone resource or a comprehensive extension of the documentary.

https://www.africanamericansinparis.com/flipbook

FROM HEROES TO HANGED MEN: African-American Soldiers in WWI (Part One of Two)

369th Infantry - Harlem Hellfighters

When the United States entered World War I, African Americans saw it as a chance to serve their country. It was also an opportunity to show a segregated America, they were not second-class citizens, but viable contributing members of their Country, for which they were willing to die.

But they did not find the respect they hoped would be realized when they stood beside their white counterparts on the battlefields of Europe. In fact, what they found was more of the segregation, hatred, and disrespect they sought to overcome.

Before the start of World War I, African Americans were turned away from military service, despite the willingness to serve. They were seen as inferior; lacking the intelligence and ability needed for military service.

However, when the United States declared war against Germany in April of 1917, it was apparent the standard volunteer system could not adequately raise an Army without creating the draft. African American men from around the country joined seeing it as an opportunity to prove they were worthy of equal treatment in the United States.

Although technically eligible for many positions in the Army, very few blacks got the opportunity to serve in combat units. Most were limited to labor battalions. The first black troops sent overseas belonged to service units.

But as the war raged on, the situation grew desperate in France. They turned to the United States to send men. Gen. John Pershing, promised them four American regiments, deciding to give them the African American 93d Division since the French, used French colonial troops from Senegal, and knew how to work with black soldiers in combat.

The 369th Infantry was the first regiment of the 93d Division to reach France. After three months with the Supply Unit, the 369th received orders to join the French 16th Division. For nearly a month they held their position against the Germans, earning them the nickname the “Harlem Hellfighters.”

France awarded the entire unit the Croix de Guerre, along with 171 individual awards for exceptional gallantry in action. They were heroes headed back home to a country they would soon learn would never recognize them as heroes. They had helped win the war, but now they would face the worst battle of their lives.

Learn More about the role African Americans played in World War I and their lives in France.

Host A Screening of Paris Noir African Americans in Paris and Raise Money for your Organization

 

Host A Screening of African Americans in Paris

It's been 100 years since jazz burst onto the French cultural scene, marched in by the 369th Harlem

Infantry Regiment during World War I. Thus began the love affair between France and African American music, art, literature, and culture.   

Paris Noir -African Americans in the City of Light, a one-hour documentary by Blue Lion Films, tells that outstanding story of pioneering men and women who found liberté, egalité and fraternité (freedom, equality, and brotherhood) abroad, that they did not find at home in America.

 

Josephine Baker

Paris Noir has options for hosting, from educational viewing to screening as a fundraiser.

Choose a screening option that meets your needs:

High definition DVD to host and promote a single community film screening, INCLUDING Skype talk with one of the filmmakers, can introduce the film, the answer questions during a post-viewing Q&A. Includes 10 copies of the companion book African Americans in the City of Light for sale to your attendees.  $250.00.

High definition DVD to host and promote a single community film screening, PLUS one of the filmmakers attend your screening, introduce the film, then answer questions and facilitate a community building exercise after the film. $500.00- + Lodging

Option for multiple screenings is available.  Contact us for more information and pricing.  

Increase your fundraising potential!  Additional books available to sell at your event, or separately to raise funds for your organization. 

Books must be ordered by the organizer in advance. Shipping cost is additional.

The organizer keeps 100% of the revenue from the sale of books. Discounts apply as follows:

10 -19 books = 10% off

20 – 29 books = 20% off

30 or more items = 25% off

For more information or to schedule a screening Email: 

info@africanamericansinparis.com

A Haven from Hatred

During WWI African Americans and African Canadians wanted to serve their Countries but found racism a barrier to entry.  After fighting their way in, they fought valiantly on the battlefields of France. 

What they discovered during the war was tolerance and acceptance by the people of France.  They found gratitude from the people they helped to save from the Germans.  They found recognition with honor when they received the Croix de Guerre for their contribution.   They found a haven from the hatred they lived with daily at home.

When on leave and before withdrawal from France at the end of the war, these men were able to taste a sense of freedom, of equality they never found at home.  It surprised them when white American soldiers were berated and disciplined for aggressive acts against them by the French.  They enjoyed integration, mingling with the French in clubs and cafés.  They enjoyed the expressions of gratitude, not aggression they experienced at home.  

Some stayed.  Most returned home and died on the battlefields of a racist America that was neither grateful or proud.  They were angry that these men they considered too inferior to fight had come back as heroes.  They refused to recognize them as heroes, choosing instead to murder them and other innocent African Americans for having the temerity to believe they could be equals.

France, but most especially Paris, had taken them to the mountaintop.  They were able to see what equality could be like, what acceptance felt like, and reveled in the newfound freedom. 

What was France like for these heroes?  The African Americans introduced jazz to France, but France introduced them to equality. 

To get more of this slice of African American history watch the documentary Paris Noir: African Americans in the City of Light.  This one-hour documentary by Joanne Burke is the most comprehensive and compelling documentary existing on the remarkable migration of pioneering African Americans to France and the impact both cultures had on each other. Winner of the Henry Hampton Award for Film Excellence at the 2017 Roxbury International Film Festival.

Also available is a Museum-Quality 83-page Film Companion Book.  Enjoy it as a stand-alone resource or a comprehensive extension of the documentary; this invaluable book is filled with scores of high-quality photographs and engaging text.

African Canadians: The Forgotten Heroes of WWI

Members of the No. 2 Construction Battalion in 1917

Whenever I’m in Canada it’s not unusual to hear some from the States, say they are visiting from America.  Some Canadians are quick to remind us: “This is America.”  The United States and Canada share the North American continent, reminding us we are all Americans but not all from America.  The shared history of African Americans on both sides of the North American Border during World War One, however, is sadly, very similar. 

When World War I began African Canadians were eager to serve, but they faced the same prejudice as African Americans in the States.  Just as in America, they wanted to do their part.  They wanted to serve their country, but attitudes of people in charge of military enlistment for them to join.

On July 5, 1916, the No. 2 Construction Battalion, the first Black military unit in Canadian history, was formed. Reverend William White who place a key role in getting the unit formed and was made Honorary Capital, making him one of the first Black commissioned officers to serve the Canadian Army at the time. More than 600 men were eventually accepted, and the segregated battalion performed non-combat roles, much like the Black troops in the United States.  It seemed the same narrow-mindedness toward African Americans capacity to serve in battle existed in Canada as well.

The Battalion was sent to eastern France later in 1917 as part of the Canadian Forestry Corps. While the Construction Battalion, never saw battle and never carried weapons, eventually, some Black Canadians, were able to join regular combat units.  Many of them earned medals for bravery, like their brothers in the United States. 

When the War ended they returned home forgotten heroes. They were not hunted and lynched like their U.S. brethren, but their contributions were barely registered in the history books.  Their involvement seemed to be fading into oblivion until the late Senator Calvin Ruck made it his personal mission to document their contributions.  His book Canada's Black Battalion: No. 2 Construction, 1916-1920, is a history of the No. 2 Construction Battalion and the African Canadians who risked their lives and gave their lives in the name of King and Country. 

The No. 2 Construction Battalion, November 1916