About the Author
Cheryl W. Thompson
Investigative Journalist - Author - Educator
Cheryl W. Thompson is an award-winning investigative journalist for NPR and the author of the upcoming book “Forgotten Souls: The Search for the Lost Tuskegee Airmen," a deeply reported work that explores the untold stories of 27 brave, heroic Black pilots who vanished in combat in Europe during World War II.
The daughter of a Tuskegee Airman, Cheryl examines the lives these men led, why their planes went down, why all but two were never found and the impact their disappearances had on their families.
My Dad
The Book
Forgotten Souls: The Search for the Lost Tuskegee Airmen is a powerful new work by Cheryl W. Thompson that uncovers the long-overlooked stories of heroic pilots who risked everything during World War II.
Drawing on years of investigative research, Thompson brings to life the journeys and sacrifices of the Tuskegee Airmen, focusing on those whose lives and legacies have remained in the shadows.
Both poignant and meticulously researched, this book pays tribute to courage, resilience, and the enduring quest for recognition and justice.
The Book Tour
The Forgotten Souls Book Tour showcases Cheryl W. Thompson’s upcoming appearances at conferences, community gatherings, and speaking events. Join her on the journey as she shares the powerful story of the Tuskegee Airmen and the lasting legacy they left behind.
September 9-11, 2025
The New England Independent Booksellers Association (NEIBA) Fall Conference
Manchester, New Hampshire
Friday, October 17, 2025 - 11a.m.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Cheryl appears on Illinois Public Media. "The 21st Show"
Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
Monday, January 19, 2026 - 11 a.m. ET
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
4 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET
WURD Radio “Evening WURDs” daily show
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Thursday, January 22, 2026 - 3 p.m. ET
Daily Spark with Dr. Angela Chester
(February air date to come)
Sunday, January 25, 2026
8 a.m. to 10 a.m. ET
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 7 p.m.
Thursday, January 29, 2026 - 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 1, 2026 - 5 p.m.
Cheryl will be in conversation with former Washington Post Executive Editor Leonard Downie Jr.
Thursday, February 5, 2026 - 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 8, 2026 - 4 p.m.
Saturday February 19, 2026
Saturday February 21, 2026 - 2 p.m.
Saturday, March 14, 2026 - 1 p.m. (EST)
Friday, March 20, 2026 - noon to 3 p.m.
Sunday, March 22, 2026 - 2 p.m.
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Thursday, April 9, 2026 - 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Charlottesville, Virginia
More tour dates will be added here.
Watch this space!
Book Reviews
"Poignant, bittersweet lives of unsung and overlooked American heroes." - October 11, 2025
Stories of men and families who made the ultimate sacrifice for an often hostile homeland. Tuskegee Army Flying School in Alabama, established in January 1941 to train Black pilots for the military nearly a year before the attack on Pearl Harbor, was considered an experiment that some in the starkly segregated military never expected or hoped would succeed. Read More.
"Through extensive research, family interviews, and compassionate storytelling, Thompson restores identity and dignity to men too often ignored by the very system they served. This powerful book blends history and humanity, revealing the personal stories behind each missing airman and the generations who still carry the weight of unanswered questions."- December 27, 2025
Cheryl W. Thompson’s Forgotten Souls: The Search for the Lost Tuskegee Airmen shines light on 27 Red Tail pilots who vanished in combat during World War II and were never brought home. ...Set for release in January 2026, it stands as a vital contribution to both WWII scholarship and African American history. Read More
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