George Washington Williams: The Man Who Told the Truth About the Congo

George Washington Williams turned experience into history. Soldier, preacher, politician, and pioneering historian — he was a man determined to tell the truth no matter the cost. Best known for exposing King Leopold II’s brutal reign in the Congo, Williams used his voice and pen to challenge injustice across the globe. But long before that, he was a 14-year-old boy lying about his age to fight in the Civil War. In this episode, we trace the extraordinary life of George Washington Williams — from the battlefields of the Civil War to the pulpits of America, from the halls of government to the heart of Africa. He was the first to write a thoroughly researched history of Black people in America, leaving behind works that shaped how we understand history today. His courage, curiosity, and commitment to truth still inspire us. And remember, you can find great Black history books at TheMulticulturalBookstore.com. Until next time...