The War Within a War: Wil Haygood on Race, Vietnam, and America’s Reckoning

Acclaimed journalist and bestselling author Wil Haygood returns to the Columbus Metropolitan Club to discuss his powerful new book, “The War Within a War: The Black Struggle in Vietnam and at Home” (Penguin Random House, 2026). In this sweeping narrative, Haygood illuminates the untold stories of Black Americans who fought for freedom abroad while demanding equality at home. Drawing on decades of research and vivid storytelling, Haygood explores how the Vietnam War became a mirror for America’s racial and political divides—echoes that still shape our nation today. Join us for an unforgettable conversation about history, justice, and resilience.

Featuring Wil Haygood, Author, Journalist, Professor, with moderator Algenon L. Marbley, Chief Judge, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

Gramercy Books of Bexley will offer copies of Haygood’s new book for purchase at the forum, followed by a meet-and-greet and book signing with the author.

If you would like to dive more deeply into this topic, our friends at the Columbus Metropolitan Library suggest checking out Until the Last Gun is Silent: A Story of Love, the Vietnam War, and the Fight to Save America’s Soul, by Matthew F. Delmont, 2026.