A Special ‘Thank You’ to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Invitation to Speak for Black History

On Tuesday, February 21st, I spoke virtually for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their Black History Program. I would like to thank Deanna Maley from the Buffalo District for making the arrangements for me to speak. Ms. Maley is the Equal Employment Specialist for the Buffalo District. I was not sure that I could make it because I have been ill all week. However, thanks be to God I was able to do the presentation on Black History. I spoke from 12 to 1 p.m. I was told that there would be numerous people listening to the lecture. Many members were in other cities from Chicago, to Tennessee, to Detroit and beyond depending on where they were stationed.

I read sections my new book entitled, “My 45 Year Journey Teaching Black History in the Home, School, and Community.” Ms. Maley read my bio and parts of my website. I also read some of the articles that I have written over the years. These included: “The Statue of Liberty: A Symbol of Freed Slaves,” “The Haitians Who Fought in the American Revolution,” “A Tribute to Black Veterans from the American Revolution, the Civil War, the War of 1812,” “Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History,” “The Black Family On the Titanic,” “The African Roots of Composer Ludwig Van Beethoven,” The U.S. Presidents of Color Who Have Served in the White House,” “The Slave Trader John Hawkins and a Slave Ship Called Jesus.”

I gave my references and documentation for each article. I received many positive comments. However, one message stood out. I will not give his entire name, but he wrote the following:

Eva M. Doyle

“Dr. Doyle, I could have listened to you for hours. Your message of strength, inquisitiveness, thoroughness, and teamwork is compelling. I am going out to get and read your books. Thank you for your example of resilience and service of your family. (Here, he is speaking of the Veterans in my family which I listed during my presentation). Thanks again and I hope you are feeling better. I did notice how you gained strength by talking about your important work. Very respectfully.”