HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

Frank E. Bolden (1912-2003)

Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

Marker Inscription

Distinguished journalist, one of the first two African American accredited correspondents during WW II. He covered the "Buffalo Soldiers" and "Tuskegee Airmen," reporting from India, Burma, & China. Later, City Editor of the Pittsburgh Courier.

Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

The Story

Frank E. Bolden was one of the first two African American war correspondents accredited by the U.S. Army during World War II. Reporting from India, Burma, and China, he chronicled the service of the "Buffalo Soldiers" and the celebrated Tuskegee Airmen for readers back home. He later became city editor of the Pittsburgh Courier, one of the nation's most influential Black newspapers.

Why it matters

Bolden's dispatches ensured the wartime contributions of Black servicemen were recorded and celebrated, part of the Black press's long fight for recognition and civil rights.

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Related people

  • · Frank E. Bolden

Related events

  • · World War II
  • · Tuskegee Airmen

Themes & tags

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