Above: Within hours of being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Isaac Woodard was arrested, beaten and blinded by Batesburg, S.C., police, Feb. 12, 1946. (Library of Congress) Left: Woodard (right) is welcomed in the Blinded Veterans Association by its acting director, Lloyd Greenwood. (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Region 1 photograph collection, BANC PIC 1978.1.47:1.56-PIC. Courtesy of The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.) appeared bleak, he moved to the Bronx in New York, where his parents resided. His tragedy, however, would not go unnoticed. The story began to gain traction— sparking outrage. Heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis learned of Woodard’s plight and began helping. Actor and director Orson Welles produced a national radio show and spent five weeks discussing the injustice done to Woodard. His story was gaining national attention and support. The wheels of justice were turning. In fact, Woodard’s case is considered one of the first steps of the civil rights movement and led President Harry Truman to order the desegregation of the military in 1948. Woodard passed away in September 1992, but his story did not end there. In 2015, retired Army Maj. Don North began researching the case in-depth. North is an avid African-American historian and became inspired to ensure the nation knows and remembers Woodard’s tragic story. Working with other researchers and historians, as well as residents of Batesburg, North began creating a documentary about Woodard’s life and how it helped shape the way toward ending racial discrimination. DAV.ORG | “I’ve been immersed in history since my ROTC days,” said North. “I knew of people and events, but I realized I didn’t know and understand them. I became passionate about African-American history, and although I heard Sgt. Woodard’s name, I didn’t know about him, so I began to study about him.” North began to educate others about Woodard and helped restore Woodard’s good name. The city of Batesburg has expunged the charges against him and has also helped North ensure Woodard’s story is told to all who visit the town by placing a South Carolina state historical marker near the place where Woodard was beaten. The historical marker was funded by donors around the country, including DAV. “I’m thankful that organizations and individuals helped Sgt. Woodard through his tough times and began to get our society to a place where people are protected from the prejudices of others,” said Day. “I commend Maj. North and his colleagues for the hard work they have put into making sure Sgt. Woodard’s story is never forgotten. I also commend the city of Batesburg for clearing Sgt. Woodard’s record and name, as well as helping to place his historical marker for all to see.” ■ @DAVHQ | DAVHQ 11 FACEBOOK.COM/DAV |