A Reason to Remember the Black Roses of East Texas: Honoring Over 1100 Heroic Buffalo Soldiers and Servants of God During World War II.



A Reason to Remember the Black Roses of East Texas: Honoring Over 1100 Heroic Buffalo Soldiers and Servants of God During World War II.



Buffalo Soldier Descendants of Reverend Julius L. Leach to Honor East Texas Veterans on Veterans Day Weekend – November 8, 2025, in Tyler.




TYLER, TEXAS — The descendants of the late Reverend Julius L. “Big Daddy” Leach, Jr. will bring together families, veterans, elected officials, and faith leaders for a historic day of remembrance and recognition. On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the East Texas community will gather in Tyler at the Evergreen Cemetery to pay tribute to the unsung heroes of World War II—especially the Black veterans whose sacrifices have too often gone uncelebrated.




This heartfelt tribute, The Black Roses of East Texas, is a commemorative event marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It honors the enduring legacy of the men and women who served with courage and conviction, especially Rev. Leach—a beloved Baptist pastor, decorated Buffalo Soldier, and faithful servant of the East Texas community.




Born on July 9, 1920, in Arp, Texas, to Julius and Leona Leach, Reverend Leach’s life was forged in faith, tested in war, and anchored in service. He answered the call to serve his country during World War II as a proud member of the legendary Buffalo Soldiers—Black servicemen who fought with resilience and honor amid the crushing burden of segregation and racism.




Upon his return, Rev. Leach exchanged his uniform for a robe and the battlefield for the pulpit. For over 41 years, he served as a pastor and a guiding voice in the East Texas Baptist Ministers Alliance, where his leadership shaped generations of spiritual leaders.




Reverend Leach passed away on April 14, 1999, but his legacy continues through the many lives he impacted. He was deeply devoted to his beloved wife, Martha Ann Reed Leach, and together they raised a large family rooted in faith, love, and service. At the time of his passing, Rev. Leach was lovingly remembered by 37 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and a host of spiritual children, friends, and admirers.




Now, 80 years after the end of WWII, his descendants are honoring not only his legacy, but also the legacy of the thousands of Black men and women who served valiantly—often without recognition or reward. This includes the courageous women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black and Latina, all-female unit to serve overseas during the war.




“This is an honor long overdue,” says Wally Jernigan, businessman and grandson of Rev. Leach and the owner of an East Texas moving company. “Our family is proud to lead this effort to ensure these heroes are never forgotten. They fought for freedom abroad while fighting inequality at home. Now we fight to keep their memories alive.”




Join Us in Tyler – Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 12:00 noon


Through storytelling, sacred ceremony, songs, and generational reflection, The Black Roses of East Texas will honor these veterans and their families with the dignity and gratitude they richly deserve. Descendants of Buffalo Soldiers, members of the Women’s Army Corps, and the wider community are especially invited to take part in this day of unity, remembrance, and celebration.



Their sacrifices were made in silence.

Their service endures through us.

Their stories will never be forgotten.





Event Details


🗓 Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 12 noon

📍 Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery, Tyler, Texas

🕊 Presented by Black Texans, Inc.


For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact:

📞 Wally Johnigan at (903) 316-7802

📞 Pastor Kyev Tatum at (817) 966-7625

📧 Email: kptatum1@gmail.com


“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:21




Let us gather to remember, reflect, and rise—as a new generation of Black Roses in bloom—rooted in courage, watered by sacrifice, and flourishing in truth.




A Reason to Remember: The Black Roses of East Texas


Descendants Honor the 80th Anniversary of WWII and the Legacy of Rev. Julius L. Leach, Sr. and the Buffalo Soldiers and 6888th of East Texas

📅 Saturday, November 8, 2025 • 📍 Tyler, Texas

🕊 Presented by Black Texans, Inc.


⸻


✨ Surprisingly, Texas is home to more African Americans than any other state in the U.S.

🔗 blackdemographics.com/population/black-state-population

#BlackTexans

#BuffaloSoldiers

#BlackRosesOfEastTexas


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NOT GUILTY IN TARRANT COUNTY! Joseph Delancy Stands Victorious with His Grandmother by His Side. Pastor Kyev Tatum, Sr.

Image
NOT GUILTY IN TARRANT COUNTY! Joseph Delancy Stands Victorious with His Grandmother by His Side. Pastor Kyev Tatum, Sr.  https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article301585229.html FORT WORTH, TEXAS - When the words “Not Guilty” rang through the courtroom, Shonette “Mama Shon” Hill felt the weight of the world lift from her shoulders. Her grandson, Joseph Delancy, had endured an unimaginable trial—accused of a crime he did not commit, fighting against a system determined to make him a scapegoat. But through it all, Mama Shon stood firm, unwavering in her belief in Joseph’s innocence. With the love only a grandmother can give, she had been his rock, his shield, his fiercest defender. When others turned away, she remained. When doubt crept in, she stood taller. And when the verdict came, she held Joseph close—her faith and love carrying him through the storm. This was not just a victory for Joseph. It was a testament to a grandmother’s unbreakable love. A FIGHT FOR JUSTICE, ...
Read more

Aunt Liz the Angel: A Champion for the Six Triple Eight. By Pastor Kyev Tatum, Texas 6888th Project.

Image
Aunt Liz the Angel: A Champion for the Six Triple Eight. By Pastor Kyev Tatum, Founding Director, Texas 6888th Project. WASHINGTON, D.C. – On April 29, 2025, inside Emancipation Hall beneath the sacred shadow of the Capitol dome, the soul of America was stirred as our nation finally paused to say “thank you” to the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. That day, wrapped in dignity and destiny, the Congressional Gold Medal was placed upon their legacy. And standing at the center of this divine moment, like a hidden angel sent for such a time as this, was none other than Retired Master Sergeant Elizabeth Anne Helm-Frazier—known across our community, and to the cast of the Tyler Perry film, simply and lovingly as Aunt Liz. Let me say it plain: Aunt Liz is God’s gift to the memory of the Six Triple Eight. When the final living members of the battalion took her in, they said something Master Sgt. never forget: “Liz can’t do no wrong in our book.” And I declare today—neithe...
Read more

JUST A LITTLE RESPECT WHEN WE GET HOME: President and Mrs. George W. Bush Celebrate the Heroic Legacy of the 6888th.

Image
JUST A LITTLE RESPECT WHEN WE GET HOME: President and Mrs. George W. Bush Celebrate the Heroic Legacy of the 6888th:  https://www.youtube.com/live/ggYiNQ4b45g?si=avtQ8wO8Q2HCpIyb #RealRespect DALLAS, TEXAS - On February 12, 2025, the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, hosted an extraordinary event honoring the trailblazing women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, affectionately known as the “Six Triple Eight.” This all-Black, all-female unit of the Women’s Army Corps made history during World War II by clearing a staggering 17 million-piece mail backlog in Europe, ensuring that American service members received their much-needed letters from home. Their dedication and efficiency not only boosted troop morale but also shattered racial and gender barriers of their time. In recognition of their extraordinary service, the battalion was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022, the highest civilian ho...
Read more