Lest We Forget: A Story Written in Blood

by Mikel Wilson, Jacqulyn Ward (Editor), Kevin Wayne

In the shadows of Alabama's 1920s coal mines , a forbidden love blossoms between Dub and Clarissa, a woman whose white skin starkly contrasts his own. Their secret, hidden under the cloak of moonlight, offer a fragile sanctuary from the harsh realities of their world. But a storm is brewing. The coal mines ignite in a fiery uprising led by Dub's closest friend, William Baird, whose fight for justice threatens to expose the deep-seated racism poisoning the industry.
With Sgt. Lancaster and his men hot on his trail, determined to silence William forever, Dub is caught in a heart-wrenching crossfire.

Based on a true story buried by history, Lest We Forget unearths a forgotten chapter of American history, marred by racism and ignited by the enduring power of love. From USA Today bestselling author Mikel Wilson and bestselling author Kevin Wayne comes a gripping tale of courage, betrayal, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. A story written in blood, whispered in shadows, and finally brought to light.

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2025

About the author

Mikel Wilson, is a USA TODAY best-selling and award winning author who has taken the literary world by storm with his captivating series, "Shattered Series and his Orphans Revenge Series." His imagination knows no bounds, crafting vibrant worlds within the realms of science fiction and fantasy. Mikel's stories are rich tapestries of action, mystery, romance, and fascinating characters, featuring everything from werewolves and vampires to Greek gods.

Born and raised in the spirited city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Mikel is the youngest of seven siblings. Growing up in a bustling household with two brothers and five sisters, he was never short on inspiration or companionship. His upbringing was deeply influenced by faith, being the son of a preacher. This spiritual foundation remains a guiding force in his life, as he now serves as the minister of music at his local church, where he finds joy in combining his love for music with his faith.

Outside of his literary achievements, Mikel is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Danielle, are blessed with four incredible children who inspire him daily with their curiosity and creativity. Together, they navigate the beautiful chaos of life, drawing strength from one another and the values instilled in them.

Through his writing, Mikel seeks to take readers on unforgettable journeys, exploring the limitless possibilities that the fusion of science fiction and fantasy has to offer. His work invites readers to join him on these adventures, promising that there is always more to discover.

You can contact him on social media

Fb:Authormikelwilson
IG:Authormikelwilson
Tiktok: Authormikelwilson

Email: authormikelwilson@gmail.com

Reviews

[countryhuntress01 · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW did Mikel Wilson & Kevin Wayne deliver😱With an author who has practice behind the screen, it’s no surprise that this novel was so deep and so thought provoking… This is my first novel I’ve read of theirs and I was impressed. “I wanted to believe him, to hold onto that glimmer of hope, but the weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future threatened to overwhelm me.” Talk about deep quotes. In Lest We Forget, readers are brought back in time to the mining region of Alabama, and a society deep set in its prejudice. When Dub saves the little boy from the creek, it’s the first real instance readers come across displaying the reality of the divide between Black & White in the novel. Then we meet Clarissa and get to know the forbidden love that blooms in 1920s Alabama. Throughout it all, and maybe even in spite of it all, a friendship prevails as William & Dub, two men from “either side” of back then society form a camaraderie during the long years of mining, and racial tension and even a rebellion? I am definitely excited to see this in its documentary form and compare to the novel⛏️💎

[Holly Rife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dub is a person of color in 1920s Alabama and he deals with the daily dangers of being a miner. Then one day, he sees a beautiful girl named Clarissa who gives him hope beyond this town and beyond the pain. The main issue is that she's white and he's black…

William wants change for the community, for those around him. He wants equality regardless of skin color and he believes it's possible for this Dub’s community. But not everyone likes to hear about change, especially when it will affect them.

Dub’s world is changing quickly and I love how the authors show his continual changing thoughts in such a poignant way. Clarissa and Dub have such a fragile relationship and I don't want to breathe too hard, because I'm afraid I'll crack it. Clarissa is such a beautiful soul and is willing to see life from a different view and I really appreciate that

This story is living and breathing. I felt like I was there, hiding behind rocks, walls or behind bushes (depending on the setting). ‘Lest We Forget’ is a poignant read for our current time because we *cannot* forget.

[Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lest We Forget” isn’t just a book, it’s a heartbeat, a protest, and a prayer.

Mikel Wilson (and Kevin Wayne) take readers on a beautifully brutal journey through love, race, rebellion, and legacy. Dub and Clarissa’s story unfolds like a forbidden melody against the backdrop of 1920s Alabama, where every coal-dusted chapter drips with tension, truth, and tenderness.

The historical setting feels so authentic, I could almost smell the smoke from the mines. The romance? Forbidden but magnetic. And William Baird? A revolutionary spirit that still echoes long after the last page.

This is the kind of book that makes you stop, breathe, and whisper: “Did this really happen?” It did. And thank goodness Mikel is one of the voices bringing these buried stories back to light.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves historical fiction that doesn't flinch and storytelling that refuses to be forgotten.

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a firm believer in the importance of making sure certain episodes in history are never forgotten. With extremist views on the rise worldwide once again, I think it’s even more important to look back at times and consider what parts of history should remain firmly in the past. I like how this book adds to that narrative for me, and even though it’s on the short side, it still manages to pack a punch.

This book is a combination of a fictional interracial love story with true events from the past, and it’s easy to see how it could have all been real. The authors did a good job an giving these people a voice. I sincerely hope many will listen, and not just think about the past when reading, but also what they want for the future.

[Michael Olsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fictional historical stories never caught my attention until I read this one.
You get to feel the wings of history and its like you are there with Dub and learn all about the struggles and the pain that was the history of our country.
But you also learn that there is things worth fighting for freedom love and the right for everyone to be who they are.
This is a highly recommended book by two great authors and hopefully there will be more of the same genre from either of them or both.
This is a story of bravery and the fight for equal right for everyone and the fight must go on in the memory of the ones started it.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An historical story of Dub and his life as a 1920s black man and the racism he faced daily, as his forbidden interracial love with Clarissa, for the most part was well written, however there were times that I found the story jumped a little and was a bit harder to follow. The story was very emotive and told of struggles with the Klan and explored not only forbidden interracial relationships but friendships as well and the challenges they faced as well. Good read

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely got lost in this story. Clarissa and Dub’s story is one that packs a punch. It’s a historical story and it highlights the struggles this couple faced back in 1920 but you can’t help but draw parallels to today’s time. I really don’t even have the words to write a proper review…just go read it. Trust me you’ll be glad you did.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about two people who live in Alabama on the opposite side of the tracks. The world the author develops feels very real as it is based off a buried true life story and this story hits the heart. I loved the characters but found the story did feel like it jumped around a little bit. Their world is so restrictive yet they find a path they can live with. Highly recommend.

[Courtney Boykin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an eye opener. Historical events like this should never be forgotten. I'd be lying if I said this book didn't make me emotional. I highly recommend reading this book. You won't regret it. It shows the importance of not letting your skin color prevent you from making friendships and demanding equal rights.

[June McKibben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarissa and Dubs story will touch your hearts. This book takes you back in time when racism is very much alive. You enjoy a forbidden love story and a chance for the characters to prevail then you will enjoy this.

[Heather Waite · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good take on what it was like as a coal miner in the 1920's and how different people are not allowed to be friends or lovers. Learn a bit more about how the Klan handled things in small towns that wanted to make changes.

[Jacqueline Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story based on true events. This is a well written description of the times both past and present in Alabama and much of the country. It was not dry and it definitely gives all the feels. Would love to see more of this from these authors. Definitely recommend

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clarissa and Dub - a well written forbidden love tale. A fictional tale of an interracial love story that takes place during a real time in history. A story that includes lots of emotions and drama along with the struggles and life challenges during this time in history.

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story that was heartwrenching. Clarissa and Dub faced such opposition and hardship in Alabama in the 20s where racism was rife with a look at how hard working in the coal mines was. A story based on true events that hit hard based on the world today. A wonderful read.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dub and Classica have fallen in love in the coal mine they work in but the color of their skin may lead to danger. Life is not easy as they try to hide their relationship from all those around them. This is based on a true story and a very powerful read

[BLT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Fiction, but no less powerful.
A great story, the characters are well written, the authors draw you in to the past and the struggles and sacrifices that were made during these times.
Well told and a wonderful read.

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story that blends a fictional relationship with actual historical events. The main characters have a forbidden love which leads to the story being full of emotions.

[Brittany Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story shines a light on a terrible time in American history. The relationship itself might not be real but the instances, and treatment very much are. I feel it’s very important that we hear these stories so we don't forget, or worse, repeat history.

Great attention to detail, descriptions, and characters that bring the point home. This was a first book for me by the author, but after this I would say won’t be the last.