Willard Savoy facts for kids

Willard Wilson Savoy (born September 13, 1916 – died July 8, 1976) was an American writer. He was known for his work as a novelist and public relations specialist. Willard Savoy was born in Washington, DC.

Savoy published only one novel, Alien Land, in 1949. This book received a lot of attention when it was released. He also worked on a second novel, but it was never published.

Willard Savoy's Early Life

Willard Savoy was born in Washington, DC, in 1916. He came from a well-known Black family with strong ties to the city. His family had a history of important achievements.

His great-grandmother, Elizabeth Savoy, was an activist against slavery. She helped people escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. His great-grandfather was a successful caterer. He was known as the "head waiter of Washington." He served at many important events, including those at the White House.

Willard's grandfather, Edward Augustine Savoy, held a high government position. He was the Chief Messenger to the Secretary of State. This was one of the highest roles an African-American could have at that time. He worked for 21 different Secretaries of State.

Savoy's father, Alfred Kiger Savoy, was also a leader in education. He became an assistant superintendent for the public schools in DC. This was the highest position available to an African-American in the school district then. An elementary school in DC is named after him.

Education and Military Service

Willard Savoy went to Dunbar High School. At that time, schools were still separated by race. He then studied at several universities, including Howard University.

During World War II, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He became a First Lieutenant and a Lead Navigator. He worked in the 618th Bombardment Squadron. He stayed in the Air Force until 1949.

While in the Air Force, he worked at the Pentagon. He helped share information about Black military members. This information was used by newspapers and magazines worldwide.

Alien Land Novel

Willard Savoy's only published novel, Alien Land, came out in 1949. It was released by E.P. Dutton and received good reviews. The story is about a light-skinned African-American man. He could "pass" as white in the mid-1900s.

The main character, Kern, faces racism from both Black and white communities. This happens as he grows up in a segregated society. At a boarding school, his true background is revealed by a classmate.

Kern then returns to Washington, DC. He works for a civil rights group with his father. Later, he goes to college in the Jim Crow South. There, he experiences strong prejudice and hate.

He eventually moves back north. For a time, he tries to live as a white person. In the end, he accepts his mixed heritage. He finds peace through an interracial marriage.

What Critics Said

Many newspapers and journals reviewed Alien Land. Leading authors and critics wrote about the book. Ann Petry, a famous writer, reviewed it for The Saturday Review.

She wrote that the book was "written with passion and with anger." She said it had a "vitality which makes it linger in the mind." Petry explained that the book was about a man's struggle to regain his personal dignity.

Willard Savoy's Later Years

From 1950 to 1952, Willard Savoy worked with the "Marshal Plan." This was a program to help rebuild Europe after the war. He worked in divisions that handled media and programs for the Far East.

After that, he worked as a freelance writer. He also got into marketing and advertising. He wrote a second novel, but it was not published. This book talked about segregation in Washington, DC.

Willard Savoy passed away on July 8, 1976, in Washington, DC. He was 59 years old. At the time of his death, he was a Deputy Director of Information. He worked for the Federal Power Commission.