The Book of Names

“The narrative of the struggle of Black people for our freedom must be told in its full truth. We were always at the forefront of that struggle and the names of our ancestors who fought in the war to end slavery is a major testament to our devotion to our freedom. It has been an intellectual, emotional and physical fight that began at our points of capture and continued on the ocean and the land. We hail those who fought and their names embodied here fuel our continuing struggle.”—Cheryl Johnson-Odim, Ph.D., Provost Emerita and Professor of History, Dominican University

“Like the Spirit of Freedom Memorial itself, this moving The Book of Names is both a tribute to the heroic Black soldiers who ended slavery and saved the Union, and an invaluable resource for all those who seek to recover and preserve their stirring stories. These names are sentinels guarding our freedoms, and truths that cannot be effaced.”—Elizabeth Varon, Ph.D.

“As a proud descendant of a United States Colored Troops soldier, I am grateful to the staff of the African American Civil War Memorial Museum for this wonderful book. It is a tremendous tribute to the men who fought for their liberation and to keep our nation united under one flag. It is a wonderful resource for civil war historians and anyone seeking their connection to these valiant soldiers.”—Dana Hallman, 135th USCT Descendant

“This rich compendium names United States Colored Troops (USCT) whose courage and sacrifice helped save the Union. The USCT provided a foundation for later family generations to not only survive, but also prosper, as they continued the struggle for freedom and justice in America.”—Walter R. Allen, Allan Murray Cartter Chair and Distinguished Professor of Education, Sociology, and African American Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles

“The Book of Names is an invaluable treasure of African American history and the rich tapestry of the American Civil War. This work is an essential addition to any Civil War library, offering a captivating resource for scholars, genealogists, and community members alike. It illuminates the courageous individuals who fought for freedom and the restoration of the Union, ensuring their legacies are recognized and remembered.”—Charlene J. Fletcher, Ph.D., Frances S. Fessler Assistant Professor of History at Butler University

“For too long, the names of the African American freedom fighters of the Civil War were hidden in the musty halls of the Archives. It has taken years to get them out to the public on to a National monument in Washington. I hope this public will take full advantage of this publication to fill in the blank pages of history and tell the full story of the fight for freedom and democracy in America.”—Silvia Cyrus, Executive Director, Association for the Study of African American Life and History