United States District Court Judge Algenon L. Marbley served as the moderator for a Columbus Metropolitan Club (CMC) event that featured acclaimed journalist and bestselling author Wil Haygood.

The two discussed Haygood’s new book, “The War Within a War: The Black Struggle in Vietnam and at Home,” on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. For an hour, Judge Marbley and the author of The Butler engaged in a dialogue about the Vietnam War and its effects on Columbus and the rest of the country.

“It was an honor to moderate the discussion with Wil Haygood, whose storytelling continues to make an important impact," said Judge Marbley. "Conversations like this one at the Columbus Metropolitan Club are important because they bring the Judiciary into the community we serve.”

The forum, set at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in downtown Columbus, was a highlight of the CMC’s seasonal programming, drawing a diverse crowd of civic leaders, students, and history enthusiasts.

"We were honored to have Judge Marbley host this memorable CMC forum," said Columbus Metro Club President and CEO Sophia Fifner. "His research helped shape a thoughtful, energizing discussion with author Wil Haygood that connected the Black experience during the Vietnam War to the struggles that still shape society today."

By participating in such high-profile civic dialogues, the Court continues to demonstrate that the Judiciary is not an isolated institution, but a vital part of the community’s ongoing conversation.

The video of the discussion can be found on the Columbus Metropolitan Club’s YouTube page.