In a remarkable turn of events, Private Albert King, a Black soldier, was finally laid to rest with Army honors 83 years after his death [4a484ed7]. Private King enlisted to fight in World War II and tragically lost his life in a fight with white bus drivers and soldiers on a segregated bus. Initially, his death was covered up as a result of his own misconduct. However, in 2022, it was officially recognized as occurring in the line of duty [4a484ed7].
Advocates such as Rose Zoltek-Jick and Helen Russell played instrumental roles in clearing Private King's name and ensuring his sacrifice was honored. They worked tirelessly to bring attention to his case and correct the historical injustice related to race. Representative Sanford Bishop and Black judge William H. Hastie also played key roles in advocating for Private King's recognition [4a484ed7].
The Army's decision to reinstate the original ruling on Private King's cause of death is part of a broader initiative to correct historical injustices related to race. This decision reflects a commitment to acknowledging and rectifying past wrongs [4a484ed7].
Private King's cousin, Helen Russell, spearheaded the push for a military memorial to honor his memory. Additionally, plans are underway to incorporate Private King's story into the school curriculum in Michigan, ensuring that future generations learn about his sacrifice and the ongoing fight for justice [4a484ed7].
The inscription on Private King's headstone serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring fight for justice and the commitment to keeping his memory alive. It symbolizes the recognition of Private King's sacrifice and the broader struggle for racial equality [4a484ed7].
Meanwhile, in another act of justice, the restoration of the Rattigan family tomb is being completed at Kensal Green Cemetery in north-west London. Terence Rattigan, a renowned playwright, will have his name inscribed alongside other family members [e7443c0f].
Terence Rattigan enjoyed success from a young age, surviving the Second World War and producing his finest work afterwards. His plays have a rare quality of music, with top notes, middle notes, and lower, darker notes. The Terence Rattigan Society, of which David Suchet is the president, launched a fundraising project to renovate the family memorial. Suchet, who appeared in a neglected Rattigan play called Man and Boy in the West End almost 20 years ago, will be making dedicatory remarks at the ceremony [e7443c0f].
David Suchet, the author of the article, hopes to see a theatre named after Rattigan, such as the Duchess Theatre, where many of his plays were performed. This would be a fitting tribute to Rattigan's contributions to the world of theatre [e7443c0f].