Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
The amazing true story of America's first Black generals, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. and Jr., a father and son who helped integrate the American military and created the Tuskegee Airmen. Perfect for fans of Devotion and Hidden Figures. When author Doug Melville set out to rediscover his family's story--one of sacrifice and perseverance--a valuable lesson revealed itself as he sifted through five generations of artifacts: sometimes, you have to be invisible to make history.
Invisible Generals shares Melville's incredible trip across three centuries, a journey from post-Civil War America to modern-day Europe. He uncovers the lives of two great men who sacrificed much for the country they always believed in, regardless of the hardships they endured. These trailblazers never received the recognition and fame they deserved in their lifetimes because they humbly prioritized service over self.
You're invited to join Melville's adventure as he brings these hidden stories into the light, fully honoring his family's legacy and setting forth valuable examples you can follow as you draw strength from your own reclaimed history:
- Utilize your ancestors' victories to broaden your vision of what's possible today.
- Become a voice for the voiceless, advocating for those who have been silenced.
- Harness the power of perseverance to understand and overcome generational challenges and change the course of your family's story.
- Build on and grow your family legacy, treating it like the high-value brand it is.
Our stories are America's story, full of everyday heroes who worked behind the scenes to give their families, communities, and nation a better future--and the world needs to be inspired by them.
Synopsis
This amazing true story of America's first Black generals, Benjamin O. Davis Sr. and Jr., a father and son who helped integrate the American military and created the Tuskegee Airmen, is "the book Black America needs in this moment" (Eboni K. Williams, lawyer and cohost of State of the Culture). Red Tails, George Lucas's celebration of America's first Black flying squadron, the Tuskegee Airmen, should have been a moment of victory for Doug Melville. He expected to see his great-uncle Benjamin O. Davis Jr.--the squadron's commander--immortalized on-screen for his selfless contributions to America. But as the film rolled, Doug was shocked when he realized that Ben Jr.'s name had been omitted and replaced by the fictional Colonel A. J. Bullard. And Ben's father, Benjamin O. Davis Sr., America's first Black general who helped integrate the military, was left out completely.
Dejected, Doug looked inward and realized that unless he worked to bring their inspirational story to light, it would remain hidden from the world just as it had been concealed from him.
In this "thoughtful, highly readable blend of family and military history" (Kirkus Reviews), Melville shares his quest to rediscover his family's story across five generations, from post-Civil War America to modern day Asia and Europe. In life, the Davises were denied the recognition and compensation they'd earned, but through his journey, Melville uncovers something greater: that dedication and self-sacrifice can move proverbial mountains--even in a world determined to make you invisible.
Invisible Generals recounts the lives of a father and his son who always maintained their belief in the American dream. As the inheritor of their legacy, Melville retraces their steps, advocates for them to receive their long-overdue honors and unlocks the potential we all hold to retrieve powerful family stories lost to the past.