We Were There

Black Americans have fought in every war in American history, from the Revolution to the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet their contributions are often reduced to a footnote of history, if noted at all. In the inspiring oral history We Were There, twenty-five black veterans speak about their experiences in combat, in the barracks, and in their hometowns after they returned from war.

Each profile is accompanied by photographs of the subjects from their days in uniform, along with contemporary portraits from acclaimed photographer Ron Tarver. With stories that cover every war since World War II, We Were There is an inspiring account of the extraordinary sacrifices of these brave Americans.

Yvonne Latty is a native of New York City. She earned a B.F.A. and Master's Degree in Journalism from NYU before becoming a reporter for the Philadelphia Daily News and an Adjunct Professor of Journalism at Villanova University. Latty has also freelanced with various internet sites, including BET.com. She lives in Philadelphia, Pa.

Ron Tarver has been a photographer with the Philadelphia Inquirer for over twenty years. His previous work includes a photo essay on African American cowboys, which is featured on the National Geographic website. He lives in Philadelphia, PA.

"Latty has collected scores of stories from black veterans ... their commitment to their country is an inspiration to us all." -- Mark Bowden, author of Black Hawk Down