Last week, I had the honor of attending the Congressional Gold Medal Award Ceremony recognizing the Harlem Hellfighters. My great-grandfather, Sergeant Leander Willett, was part of this all-Black infantry regiment in World War I. Because of racial discrimination in the U.S. military, they were assigned to fight under the French Army. Under the French flag, they became one of the most decorated units of the war. 🪖 Representative Tom Suozzi spoke of my great-grandfather specifically, and honored the Harlem Hellfighters’ courage. My mom’s cousin Deb, whose dedication over many years lead to this, accepted the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of all the descendants. 🎖️ After the ceremony in Emancipation Hall, we were given a short tour of the Capitol, followed by a reception at the French Embassy. France credits the Harlem Hellfighters with introducing their country to jazz, which is why the back of the medal shows a rifle crossed with a saxophone—honoring both their valor and their...