Logan Phillips
Reporter
This past Wednesday, November 11th, Veteran’s Day, an award-winning author, Peter Nelson, came to NCHS to discuss his non-fiction book, A More Unbending Battle, the True Story of the Harlem Hellfighters Struggle for Democracy in WWI and Equality at Home at the assembly. His book tells the story of the 369th Regiment, a unit of African American soldiers who faced extreme dangers during World War 1, but didn’t receive recognition in the United States.
Mr. Nelson tells the untold story. “When you write a history book, you want to write about something that other people should know,” Mr. Nelson said. “I don’t want to retell something that’s already been written. With the Harlem Hell Fighters, (The 369th Regiment), there was something here that clearly had to be told. It was kind of an injustice that no one knew their story.”
During the assembly Mr. Nelson filled NCHS student in on the history of the 369th Regiment and the fear felt among racists that surrounded retuning African American soldiers. “[After the war,] the non-racist whites said we have to realize these men fought just as bravely as white soldiers”, Mr. Nelson said. “People began to say, “We served in the war. We gave our blood. We lost our children for you.” Racist Whites became afraid of black empowerment that they felt rising. White Mobs went into black neighborhoods. This time, the blacks fought back.”
Along with Social Studies Department Chair Richard Webb, and Principal Tony Pavia, Library Media Specialist Chair Michelle Lutahla was very involved in Mr. Nelson’s visit to NCHS. “This kind of fell into my lap,” Ms. Luhtala said. “I’m not normally involved in the planning of the Veteran’s Day assembly. Mr. Nelson had been here in 2004 giving a presentation on another book. He contacted me and told me he had a new book, and that he was interested in doing another presentation. We thought he was a great fit for Veterans Day.”
Students who are interested in A More Unbending Battle can buy a copy from Ms. Luhtala at the New Canaan High School Library for $24, however supplies are limited. Also, Ms. Luhtala is willing to send copies of Mr. Nelson’s book to him so they can be signed.
The first chapter can be found here.
Nice job, Logan! Thanks for covering the story.
Juniors and Seniors! You received an email about the assembly. Please complete and submit the evaluation. The feedback so far has been mixed. While 68% of attendees said they learned something new, only 56% said it was relevant for Veteran’s Day. In response to the “cool”& “warm” feedback question, students liked the slide show, but wanted something more lively and interactive, with actual veterans.
Mr. Webb wanted to know whether students would prefer a school-wide assembly for Veterans Day or in-class activities. Sixty percent of respondents opted for a school-wide affair, 27% voted for in-class, and 13% wrote in their first choice: a day off. An equal number of males and females responded to the survey. It is not too late. If you attended the assembly, you can still contribute! Complete the evaluation form at .
Consider getting involved in planning Veterans Day and Memorial Day activities. There is no rule that says this has to be orchestrated by adults!