by Farai Chideya

Farai Chideya

I have been traveling a lot lately and everywhere I go, I meet people who are listening to the show. Most of them are happy; some (as you can tell from our letters segment!) have a bone or two to pick. But I love being able to circulate and hear people talking about some of the most important ideas and issues of our time ... and hear from you that you think we're bringing up and exploring those issues.

So, here's what's next... or what's now: African Americans and the Military. It's our new monthly series, and I'm incredibly excited.

I come from a long line of military folks. My grandmother's grandfather was a water boy in the Civil War. One of my grandmother's uncles enlisted (at the age of 15... lying that he was 18) and fought in World War I. His younger brother fought in World War II. Two of my uncles served in Vietnam. Another was a Marine who traveled the world. And my cousin Jake got back not too long ago from Iraq.

Exploring the relationship between black communities and the military is incredibly important to me on a personal level and a journalistic level.

So it's with great pleasure that I bring you today's launch of the series.

For an overview on African-Americans and the military, we spoke with John Sherwood — a historian with the U.S. Naval Historical Center and author of Black Sailor, White Navy — and Gregory Black, a retired Navy commander and creator of the Web site BlackMilitaryWorld.

Vernice Armour
Courtesy Armou

Marine Capt. Vernice Armour

Then we talked to Marine Capt. Vernice Armour. She is the nation's first black female combat pilot. Armour served two combat tours in Iraq and left the Marine Corps this past June.

Tomorrow, we're talking about black anti-war movements and participation. As you can see, it's going to be a critical and controversial month ahead.

So: we want to hear from you. If you've got an opinion on the war, bring it. If you've served and want to be on the air ... or if you have family in service ... or if you have strong opinions that are against the war or military service, and you want to speak to the world, let us know. We're here to broadcast to you, but also to broadcast you. Let us know what's on your mind.