Picture an American storyteller who turned a White House butler’s quiet life into a cinematic sensation—meet Wil Haygood! Born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1954, this celebrated journalist and author has spent decades weaving narratives that illuminate the African American experience. With a knack for uncovering hidden stories, Haygood’s work, from his Washington Post articles to bestselling books, captures the heart of history with warmth and insight.
Haygood’s journey is one of grit and curiosity, blending journalism’s fast pace with the soulful depth of biography. His ability to connect personal tales to America’s broader civil rights story has earned him accolades, including Guggenheim and National Endowment for the Humanities fellowships. Ready to dive into a world where history sings? Let’s explore Wil Haygood’s remarkable life and legacy!
The Making of Wil Haygood
Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Wil Haygood found inspiration in literature, where faraway worlds sparked his imagination despite his family’s modest means. After graduating from Miami University in 1976 with a degree in urban planning, he pivoted to journalism, starting at the Charleston Gazette. His talent for storytelling soon took him to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Boston Globe, and, by 2002, The Washington Post. Haygood’s global reporting—from Nelson Mandela’s release to surviving a kidnapping in Somalia—honed his ability to find humanity in every story.
Wil Haygood’s Unforgettable Stories
Haygood’s books are vibrant tapestries of African American history, blending meticulous research with lyrical prose. His 2008 Washington Post article about Eugene Allen, a Black butler who served eight presidents, inspired the 2013 film The Butler, which Haygood co-produced. The companion book, The Butler: A Witness to History, traces civil rights milestones through Allen’s eyes, earning praise for its poignant storytelling.
Showdown: Thurgood Marshall and the Supreme Court Nomination That Changed America (2015) is another triumph, framing Marshall’s 1967 confirmation hearings against a fiery backdrop of racial tension. Haygood’s biographies, like In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis, Jr. and Sweet Thunder: The Life and Times of Sugar Ray Robinson, weave cultural history with personal drama, earning awards like the ASCAP Deems Taylor Music Biography Award. His 2021 book, Colorization: One Hundred Years of Black Films in a White World, explores Black cinema’s struggles and triumphs, cementing his role as a cultural historian.
Haygood’s style is patient and musical, a contrast to his deadline-driven journalism days. He “sits inside the paragraph,” refining rhythm and tone to give his stories a jazz-like sway. His focus on Black resilience—figures who rose above racism—makes his work both inspiring and accessible, inviting readers to see history through a human lens.
Why Wil Haygood Matters
Wil Haygood’s impact lies in his ability to make history personal. By spotlighting figures like Thurgood Marshall and Eugene Allen, he bridges past and present, showing how individual lives shape America’s civil rights narrative. His work has inspired films, earned him a Pulitzer Prize finalist nod, and resonated with readers seeking stories of triumph over adversity. As a professor at Miami University, Haygood mentors the next generation, ensuring his storytelling legacy endures.
His books don’t just chronicle history—they challenge us to confront its complexities and celebrate its heroes. From lecture halls to Hollywood, Haygood’s voice amplifies the African American experience, making him a vital figure in cultural storytelling.
About Wil Haygood
- Born: September 19, 1954, Columbus, Ohio
- Key Works: The Butler, Showdown, In Black and White, Colorization
- Awards: Guggenheim Fellowship, NAACP Image Award finalist, Dayton Literary Peace Prize finalist
- Fun Fact: Haygood’s The Butler article was sparked by his hunch that Barack Obama would win the 2008 election!
Snag Showdown or Colorization and dive into Wil Haygood’s soulful storytelling—history has never felt so alive!