Robert and Tolbert Small as boys

Robert and Tolbert wearing German police whistles that were given to them by their Uncle Bill. Uncle Bill, whose actual name was Hosea Small, fought as as a sergeant in the Jim Crow army during World War II; he fought for a double victory against racism at home and against fascism abroad.

Although his real name was Hosea, a white neighbor, Bill Mar, insisted that he be named after him. Whenever Mr. Mar was around, Hosea's family called him Bill; the nickname stuck for nearly 100 years. (Uncle Bill is still alive at age 94 at the time this photo was posted here).