This presentation is free but registration is required.
Now, while we're all watching the brilliant movie “6888” which details the tribulations and successes of an African-American unit in the Women’s Army Corps in World War II, let’s take a deeper look at the records that genealogists can access to tell military stories about their own relatives.
Sybil J. Gilchrist, Camarades of War 7:00 PM Eastern Thursday, January 30, 2025
Massachusetts resident Sybil Gilcrist discovered five brave African American patriots from Pittsylvania County, Virginia, in her extended family. Bound by community ties, these men and their families shared a vibrant social, religious, and commercial life. Through compelling research, Sybil will delve into the soldiers' military tours, share the records that revealed their stories, and recount her own journey to uncover this poignant history.
Join us as Sybil Gilcrist brings their remarkable journeys to life:
Pvt. Esau Samuel Moorman (Army) served in France.
Sgt. Ernest Chaucer Moorman (Air Service) served in Virginia.
Cpl. Charles Harrison Flippin, Sr. (Army) served in Maryland.
Cpl. Herbert Flippin (Army) served in North Carolina.
Pvt. Edward “Eddie” Harrison Smith (Army) served in France.
This talk is not only a tribute to these heroes but also an exploration of the challenges they faced—and the resilience that defined their legacy. Their service sheds light on the harsh realities of military segregation and the paradox of risking their lives for a nation that denied them equality. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor their contributions. Gain insights into the unique records available to research your own family during World War I.
About the Presenter
Sybil J. Gilchrist is an inspiring educator, accomplished linguist, and passionate genealogist with deep roots in Portsmouth and Danville, Virginia. A lifelong learner and storyteller, Sybil earned her BA in English from Virginia Union University and an MA in French from Boston University. Her global perspective was shaped by a Junior Year Abroad at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and her life-changing experience teaching English in Francophone Cameroon as a Peace Corps volunteer in 1967.
After returning from West Africa, Sybil embarked on a distinguished career in education, teaching French and other languages for over three decades in the Medford Public Schools in Massachusetts. Beyond the classroom, she channeled her expertise into freelance French-English translation and community leadership roles.
Today, Sybil is an active force in regional organizations. She serves on the Executive Board of the New England Translators Association and the board of the New England chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS-NE). Her commitment to preserving African-American history is evident in the compelling articles she has written for the AAHGS-NE newsletter and her engaging virtual presentations on the Moorman-Flippin Legacy.
Her debut book, Camarades of War I, is the culmination of a research journey that began in 1982, fueled by her desire to uncover and honor her family’s history. Drawing on decades of research, official records, and treasured stories shared by family and friends, Sybil brings the experiences of five African-American World War I soldiers to life, offering an unforgettable glimpse into their courage, sacrifice, and legacy.
This presentation is free but registration is required.
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