Wil Haygood to Spotlight Black Veterans in Forthcoming Book "The War Within a War"
06 Aug 2025
Acclaimed journalist, bestselling author, and APB exclusive speaker Wil Haygood is preparing to release a major new work of narrative nonfiction titled The War Within A War: The Black Struggle in Vietnam and at Home, scheduled for publication on February 10, 2026. Known for his vivid biographies and cultural histories—including The Butler and Colorization—Haygood now turns his lens to the untold stories of Black soldiers, medics, pilots, nurses, and advocates who served during one of America’s most polarizing conflicts.
In The War Within a War, Haygood tells the sweeping and emotionally charged story of Black Americans who were sent to fight in Vietnam even as they fought for justice and recognition at home. These personal narratives are placed in context alongside figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Berry Gordy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and others, offering a broader cultural and political reckoning.
Drawing from decades of research and interviews, as well as his own reporting from global conflict zones, Haygood’s lectures contain gripping stories, shining light on vital, often neglected parts of American history. A powerful storyteller, Haygood brings audiences the deeply human stories behind his works.