is a celebration of African-American soldiers, their contributions and how they shaped our country. From Yorktown to Afghanistan, from Slave Patriot Austin Dabney to General Colin Powel, Wolfert has created a “masterful work” in order to examine these extraordinary Americans and their incredible contributions to world history. “Considering the stresses and strains endured by African-Americans in the defense of our country, it’s little wonder that we have so many heroes among us…” Former Secretary of Defense William Cohen, 1998.

During this sixty-five minute production audiences will meet:

Air Force Col. Guion S. “Guy” Bluford, after combat missions over Vietnam, this pilot flew on to become America’s first Black Astronaut.

Benjamin O. Davis Sr. on Oct. 25, 1940, became the first African American to hold star rank in the U.S. Army and in the armed forces. He goes on to become a member of the “Tuskegee Airmen”.

1862  Harriet Tubman, Described as "the only American woman to lead troops, black or white, on the field of battle," she and men under the command of Colonel James Montgomery freed 750 to 800 slaves, confiscated property worth thousands of dollars, and destroyed several million dollars of commissary stores and cotton.

Lillian Fishburne, the first female African-American to be promoted to flag rank in the U.S. Navy, “is a woman whose story helps us to understand the truth that women are an indispensable part of today’s military,” former Secretary of Defense William Cohen. 1998

Sergeant Henry Johnson, the first African American to win the prestigious “Croix de Guerre awarded by the French government for actions during WWI. Sergeant Johnson was a member of the 369th Infantry Regiment, the first all-black U.S. combat unit to be shipped overseas during WWI. The Germans dubbed this unit “Hellfighters.”

First Officer Harriet M. West, was criticized for remaining in uniform while her sister soldiers suffered. In a 1943 radio broadcast, “Waddy” addressed her detractors, saying that joining a segregated military "which does not represent an ideal of democracy" was not "a retreat from our fight" but a contribution to realizing the ideal.

Slave Patriot AUSTIN DABNEY who on 14 February, 1779 won fame for his participation in the Battle of Kettle Creek, Georgia. During this clash, American militia successfully defeated a Tory brigade. Dabney was the only black who fought in this military action.

RED, BLACK & BLUE is presented by the Veterans Center for the Performing Arts (VCPA), a Los Angeles based, professional theatre company presenting new works that deal with contemporary issues of acceptance. Committed to its mission of celebrating communities by uniting the civilian and the veteran, the VCPA presents artists of diverse ethnicities, genders, orientation and abilities.