|
||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
JANUARY 3, 2007
JANUARY 19 TRIBUTE IN MILWAUKEE TO HONOR FORT LAWTON DEFENDANT BOOKER TOWNSELL
Celebration to include members of Congress, US Army officials, community leaders and friends and family
Citizens and dignitaries of Milwaukee, Wisconsin will gather on Saturday, January 19, 2008, to honor the life and memory of Booker Townsell.
Mr. Townsell (1915-1984) was one of 43 U.S. soldiers—all of them African-American—whose legacy had been tainted by the largest and longest U.S. Army court-martial of World War II. On October 26, 2007—63 years after the trial— the United States Army Board for Correction of Military Records overturned the conviction of Mr. Townsell and, by extension, of all the other Fort Lawton defendants.
On January 19, representatives of the U.S. Army will assist with the conferring of belated military honors, including the presentation of an American flag to the Townsell family. Graveside honors will be bestowed at 9:00am at Graceland Cemetery 6401 North 43rd Street , Milwaukee. Dignitaries will be in attendance; media are welcome to attend.
At noon on January 19, Wisconsin State Senator Spencer G. Coggs will host a public ceremony at the Milwaukee County War Memorial. A proclamation from Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle is expected, as are remarks from the Secretary of the Army. Confirmed speakers include:
- U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott (WA)
- State Sen. Spencer G. Coggs (Madison, WI)
- County Supervisor Michael Mayo (Milwaukee County)
- former Alderwoman Vel Phillips (Milwaukee civil rights pioneer)
- Common Council President Willie Hines (City of Milwaukee)
- Alderman Willie Wade (City of Milwaukee)
- Howard Cooley (attorney, Annandale, VA)
- Jack & Leslie Hamann (authors, Seattle)
Renowned Milwaukee community leader and attorney James H. Hall will serve as master of ceremonies. Reverend Dr. Brenda Kearney of Maranatha Christian Fellowship will offer the invocation and benediction. Members of the Townsell family—including Marion Williamson (daughter), Ricky Townsell (nephew), and Lashell Drake (granddaughter)—will offer personal tributes. The ceremony will include a special presentation from Andre Lee Ellis, founder of his acclaimed eponymous theater company.
For more about the celebration, please visit www.bookertownsell.org.