THE HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS OF EAST TEXAS.



THE HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS OF EAST TEXAS


History is marching to Washington, D.C., and East Texas is going with it! When Pastor Kyev Tatum travels to our nation’s capital for the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring the legendary **369th Infantry Regiment—the Harlem Hellfighters—**he won’t be going alone. He will carry in his heart the memory of his late grandfather, Rev. Julius L. Leach, a proud WWII veteran, along with Joe E. Johnson of Tyler, Texas, and the many other brave sons of East Texas whose courage changed history.




And it wasn’t just the men—the daughters of East Texas stepped up, too. Among them was Ms. Zorah Irene Christian, who served proudly in the famed Women’s Army Corps. Her legacy stands alongside the Harlem Hellfighters, proving that East Texas produced not only fearless soldiers on the frontlines of Europe but also pioneering women who broke barriers and served with dignity and devotion.





According to the Texas Historical Commission’s Centennial Perspective on Texas in the Great War:

• At least 65 African Americans from East Texas served in the Harlem Hellfighters, one of the most decorated and fearless units of World War I.

• Their heroism on the frontlines didn’t just earn medals—it carved out a legacy of Black military excellence that continues to inspire generations.




The Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony takes place on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 3 PM in Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol.







But the celebration won’t stop in Washington! Pastor Tatum and the Texas Buffalo Soldiers Association are bringing that fire back home. On Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Texas African American Museum (309 MLK Dr., Tyler, TX 75702), they will honor the descendants of the 369th Harlem Hellfighters, the trailblazing women of the 6888th Battalion, the Women’s Army Corps, and every Black Texan who has served this nation from 1775 to 2025.



In a moment of powerful recognition, Commander Debra Christian will be presented with a Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of her beloved aunt, Ms. Zorah Irene Christian of East Texas, ensuring her sacrifice and service will never be forgotten.



This is more than a ceremony—it’s a movement of remembrance, pride, and power. As Pastor Tatum journeys to Washington, the spirits of Joe E. Johnson, Rev. Julius L. Leach, Ms. Zorah Irene Christian, and countless other sons and daughters of East Texas will march right beside him, reminding America that freedom was forged in the courage of Black Texans who refused to be denied.

 


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