Marching Without Applause: Remembering a Forgotten Legacy
On December 1, 2025, Thomas Bradley releases his debut book, Marching Without Applause, a powerful retelling of America’s entry into World War I through the lens of Black soldiers who fought for the right to lead. Drafted into the Army, these men faced prejudice and exclusion, yet their persistence led to the creation of the first Army Officer Training Camp for Black men.
This milestone was not only a victory for the military—it was a victory for communities across America. It showed that courage and competence know no color, and that progress often comes through quiet perseverance rather than applause.
Bradley’s book reminds us that history is not distant; it is woven into the fabric of our communities. By telling this seldom-heard story, he invites us to honor the sacrifices of those who marched forward in silence, and to reflect on how their legacy continues to shape our neighborhoods, schools, and civic life today.
