Ellen Hansen, Assistant News Editor
On March 30, journalist and author Wil Haygood spoke to students, faculty, and community members about his experiences of being a journalist, as well as his new book “A War Within a War, The Black Struggle in Vietnam and at Home,” and much more.
The special event was brought to Denison by the Journalism Department and the Black Studies Department, with the inspiration of the visit from professor Alan Miller, a longtime colleague and friend of Haygood.
Miller, a journalism professor, had met Haygood 20 years prior when Miller was working at The Columbus Dispatch and Haygood served as a writing coach for them.
Haygood’s new book “lays out in excruciating detail the challenges that black soldiers faced during the war in Vietnam, at home, and as a journalist,” Miller said.
During the event, Haygood told personal stories including befriending a bus driver who often stayed past the stops departure time to ensure Haygood made it on the bus and home safely, tracking down a childhood neighbor who ended up becoming the cover of his newest novel, as well as the challenges of being a journalist in America during this present day and age.
“These Monet of history that test our faith in the government will not last long. They are cyclical and the nation will bounce back and when it does everyone must be ready to re-energize the fight for democracy in the belief that our constitution means something,” Haygood said when asked about advice for college students who are feeling discouraged by the world we live in right now. He continued by saying that he wants journalism students “to know that what we do as journalists is of paramount importance to the survival of a nation that cherishes free speech.”
The special event ended with a book signing following the discussion. Haygood’s book is currently available at the Denison bookstore for purchase.