Founder Vision       

Leon Watkins, USMC 1980-1986

                        The Walking Ghosts of Black History is a historical and educational organization, exploring the history of African American men and women’s engagement in the history of the United States Military. We promote educational programs and community outreach focused on the preservation of African-American Military History and Culture.

               We are dedicated to the telling and the preservation of this story in a living way.  This is not a dry recitation of history - rather we educate through an accurate display of the past through inter-action and community events.  Our events allow participation by anyone and everyone wanting to learn how, when and where African Americans were involved in the US Military both in the United States and aboard.                 It is the aim of the founders and our sponsors to foster awareness and understanding through knowledge thereby creating constructive exchanges within the community.

                 The Walking Ghosts of Black History was first established in Hercules, California 1989. The conception of this organization began when Leon Watkins was cast as the flag bearer for the national colors with the Massachusetts 54th Regiment in the motion picture "GLORY". Recognizing Watkins’ true commitment to his ideas and vision, the film producer, Freddie Fields, contributed 20 Civil War uniforms used in the movie to help start THE WALKING GHOSTS OF BLACK HISTORY organization (TWGOBH).

          Since then both founders, Leon Watkins and Larry Thompson have participated in numerous community events and school lectures.  Participation has included; winning First place in the City of Oakland’s Veteran’s Day parade in 1991 for authenticity, presentation of a commemorative wreath at the ceremony for the 9th and 10th Cavalry / 24th and 25th Infantry in Honor of National Buffalo Soldiers Day in the City of San Francisco, July 1992,  the Home Front Festival / Rosie The Riveter Historic Society - Richmond, CA., Oct 2012 and the 1st annual commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Burning of Darien Festival-Darien,Ga. June 2013 – just to name a few.  

           Our objectives are to work with historians and community leaders to present to the public documentaries and film showcases about African American  involvement in the US military. This will create a visual and multimedia platform for educational programs along with a living history archive and reenactments held yearly. We strive to have Veterans play an active role in TWGOBH.

Make a Free Website with Yola.