Invisible Warriors Film

09/10/2024

RUTH WILSON 1922 - 2024

World War II "Rosie the Riveter" transitioned late last night; she was 102 years old. Mrs. Wilson was the first Rosie I interview for my documentary more than 14 years ago. Since then, we have grown especially close. Wilson was always willing and ready to do whatever she could to assist my journey - illuminating the historic journey of 600,000 Black women who helped win WWII. During the war, Mrs. Wilson was a sheetmetal specialist at the Philadelphia Navy Yard where she helped build the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge. At 88, Mrs Wilson posed for "Victory", the branding image for the critically acclaimed documentary, "Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II." While she was here, Mrs. Wilson helped change the employment possibilities for AA Black women. She was a giant and I will miss her greatly!

04/06/2024

The Daniel A. P. Murray African American Cultural Association - Library of Congress, is hosting a screening of INVISIBLE WARRIORS: AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN WORLD WAR II, in Washington on June 6, 2024. Invisible Warriors is the illuminating story of 600,000 Black women who worked in industry and government during the war. Three African American “Rosie the Riveters” – recent Congressional Gold Medal recipients – Dorothy Bogess 107, Velma Long, 106, and Susan King, 99 - will be honored during the event. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/women-who-inspired-rosie-the-riveter-receive-congressional-gold-medal/

The screening also marks the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, and I will acknowledge the 2,500 African American men – engineers, medics, and combat troops, including Medgar Evers, who came ashore on Omaha and Utah Beaches.

The screening is free and open to the public.
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Noon – 1:30pm
Mary Pickford Theater
3rd Floor, Madison Building

03/06/2024

It’s with great sadness to announce that INEZ SADDLER, 102, “Rosie the Riveter”, transitioned on May 20. I met Saddler late last year while interviewing her for a documentary. During World War II, Mrs. Saddler was an electronics assembler at Western Electric in Kearney, NJ. Sadly, Mrs. Saddler didn’t realize she was a “Rosie” until we met in 2023. Mrs. Saddler was one of 600,000 African American women employed in industry and government administration during World War II.

Mrs. Saddler defied her doctors and journeyed to Washington D.C. in April to receive the Congressional Gold Medal on April 10, 2024. Her son and daughter told me the Medal was the “greatest honor of her life.” Mrs. Saddler always had a broad smile, and her Spirit will certainly be missed by family, friends and all who knew her. She transitioned in her sleep, after have a life fulfilled. I’m proud that I met Mrs. Saddler, and helped her achieve recognition that had been denied for 79 years.

03/06/2024

It’s with great sadness to announce that INEZ SADDLER, 102, “Rosie the Riveter”, transitioned on May 20. I met Saddler late last year while interviewing her for a documentary. During World War II, Mrs. Saddler was an electronics assembler at Western Electric in Kearney, NJ. Sadly, Mrs. Saddler didn’t realize she was a “Rosie” until we met in 2023. Mrs. Saddler was one of 600,000 African American women employed in industry and government administration during World War II.

Mrs. Saddler defied her doctors and journeyed to Washington D.C. in April to receive the Congressional Gold Medal on April 10, 2024. Her son and daughter told me the Medal was the “greatest honor of her life.” Mrs. Saddler always had a broad smile, and her Spirit will certainly be missed by family, friends and all who knew her. She transitioned in her sleep, after have a life fulfilled. I’m proud that I met Mrs. Saddler, and helped her achieve recognition that had been denied for 79 years.

07/05/2024

I’m totally surprised to announce that I have been selected to receive the 2024
PRESIDENT'S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, September 28, 2024. This is an honor totally unexpected, and I am humbled and grateful to be added to a list of past Honorees including Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, The Honorable Thurgood Marshall (Posthumously), and Dr. Clarissa Myrick-Harris – Morehouse Professor and social activist, to name a few.

21/04/2024

“BAD-ASS BLACK “ROSIES” RECEIVE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL”

There an image of an African American woman – unmistakably, undeniably, a Black woman on the Medal. The recognition that Black Rosies are receiving is largely because of the critically acclaimed documentary Invisible Warriors: African American women inn World War II.

On April 10, 2024, 600,000 Black women –“Rosie the Riveters” – including my Mom, received the Congressional Gold Medal for their service to the nation during World War II. Black “Rosies” were pioneers who courageously battled against racism and sexism to help win the war, and create job opportunities in industry and government for all future generations of African American women. They are arguably the most significant group of Black women in the 20th Century. After 79 years, they finally received their long overdue recognition.

21/04/2024

“BAD-ASS BLACK WOMEN RECEIVE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL”

On April 10, 2024, 600,000 Black women –“Rosie the Riveters” – including my Mom, received the Congressional Gold Medal for their service to the nation during World War II. Black “Rosies” were pioneers who courageously battled against racism and sexism to help win the war, and create job opportunities in industry and government for all future generations of African American women. They are arguably the most significant group of Black women in the 20th Century. After 79 years, they finally received their long overdue recognition.

15/04/2024

On April 10, 2024, 600,000 Black women –“Rosie the Riveters” – including my Mom, received the Congressional Gold Medal for their service to the nation during World War II. Black “Rosies” were pioneers who courageously battled against racism and sexism to help win the war, and create job opportunities in industry and government for all future generations of African American women. They are arguably the most significant group of Black women in the 20th Century. After 79 years, Black Rosies finally received their long overdue recognition. CONGRATULATIONS FOR JOBS WELL DONE!

19/03/2024

BLACK WOMEN "ROSIE THE RIVETERS" CREATING LEGACY

Gregory Cooke, who will join us later this month for our WWII spotlight, talks about how his mother and 600,000 African-American Rosie the Riveters helped pa...

19/03/2024

DUTCH AMBASSADOR TO U.S. HONORS 600,000 BLACK WOMEN

This is "DUTCH AMBASSADOR HONORS 600,000 BLACK WOMEN.mp4" by Gregory S. Cooke on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

13/03/2024

NATIONAL BLACK WOMEN’S LABOR DAY
HONORING 600,000 BLACK ROSIE THE RIVETERS
DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AND PANEL DISCUSSION

Join us on April 5, 2024 as we celebrate the accomplishments of 600,000 African American women - “Rosie the Riveters” - featured in the critically acclaimed documentary, Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II.

Join us for an exceptional night celebrating the untold stories of influential Black women who shaped history.

13/03/2024

600,000 BLACK “ROSIE THE RIVETERS” FINALLY HONORED

World War II “Rosie the Riveter” SUSAN KING, 99, will be in attendance on April 10, 2024, when the U.S. Congress awards the Congressional Gold Medal to millions of American women for their wartime employment during World War II. King is one of 600,000 African American “Rosies” who worked in factories, shipyards, government offices, and hundreds of other job categories to help America win the war.

King, 99, worked as a “riveter” at Easter Aircraft in Baltimore. After the war, she earned a graduate degree from Morgan State University, and had a successful career as a teacher and high school counselor. King will be among the 4 African American Rosies (she’s the “baby” of the group) at the Gold Medal ceremony to be held in Emancipation Hall, Capitol Building, Washington D.C.