Shoshana Johnson: Black Female POW Not Getting Respect She Deserves

Shoshana Johnson was shot in both legs and spent 22 days as a prisoner of war (POW) in Iraq. While America heard the story of many white POWs, especially Jessica Lynch, Johnson's story was ignored and not given the respect it deserved. Johnson, now 37-years old, has released a book to describe her mental health problems related to the captivity she experienced. Ms. Johnson is open about how it was a painful for her to be ignored while everyone else gave Lynch's story all of their attention. "It was kind of hurtful," Johnson told The Associated Press. "If I'd been a petite, cutesy thing, it would've been different." Johnson, who was the first black female POW in history, felt that she was portrayed differently because of race. At the same time as Lynch, there were also four male POWs from the 507th Maintenance Co. from Fort Bliss, Texas. Johnson was rescued by the Marines about two weeks after Lynch's rescue. Johnson's book is called, "I'm Still Standing." In the book, she sets the record straight about her capture and discusses the mental health issues that affect many veterans across the nation. She claims that the experience led to years of nightmares, which occurs regularly for veterans who've experienced the horrors of war. Just the other day, I was on an airplane headed to Fayetteville, NC. I sat next to a soldier on his way back from Iraq. I thanked him for his service to our county and I mentioned that I admire his bravery. Simultaneously, I felt a sadness from the fact that it was clear from the look in the soldier's eyes that he didn't know what he was getting into. The traumas of war are frightening, and it's sad that naive 18-year olds are the ones who are fooled into fighting for corporate money and oil. Not to sound cynical about war, but the bravery and patriotism of young Americans is often taken for granted. At the very least, when it comes to Shoshana Johnson, black Americans should remember the many sacrifices that African Americans have made for our nation. We must also make sure that the sacrifices of black women are recognized just as readily. Shoshana Johnson is an American hero and it's our job to support her. Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.