You probably remember Jessica Lynch’s story of being famously captured as a prisoner of war during the early stages of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. The media certainly played it up as an inspirational story of a young, blonde, female hero. But do you remember Shoshana Johnson’s equally harrowing story? Johnson, the first black female prisoner of war, has a new book out titled I’m Still Standing: From Captive U.S. Soldier to Free Citizen — My Journey Home.
According to AOL’s BlackVoices, Johnson was shot in both ankles as her U.S. Army convoy wandered into the city of Nasiriyah, touching off a violent skirmish that left 11 U.S. soldiers dead and six abducted and held captive, including Johnson and her friend, Jessica Lynch.
Recounting the terrifying experience, Johnson writes in her memoir:
“I was shaking. I was saying the Lord’s Prayer to myself…when someone grabbed my legs and pulled me from my shelter. And like that, I became a prisoner of war.”
Check out I’m Still Standing, released just in time for Black History Month, for more of Johnson’s gripping, yet inspirational story.