Podcasts about black veterans

Monday, March 17th, 2025Today, Chuck Schumer caves on the continuing resolution and leaves House Democrats in the lurch; Trump and Marco Rubio have defied Judge Boasberg's temporary restraining order barring the administration from deporting people under the Alien Enemies Act; a second judge orders thousand of probationary employees to be reinstated; classified U.S. intelligence reports cast doubt on Vladimir Putin's willingness to end the war against Ukraine; Newsmax has settled with Smartmatic for $40M; Trump has asked the Supreme Court to allow him to end birthright citizenship; Arlington National Cemetery has scrubbed links about black and female veterans; Trump and Netanyahu look to move Palestinians to Africa; Trump has shut down 7 agencies including Voice of America; a Long Island man is the first to be cured of sickle cell anemia; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Guest: Felipe Torres MedinaAmerica, Let Me In – Abrams BooksFelipe Torres Medina.comFelipe Torres Medina (@felipetmedina.bsky.social) — BlueskyFelipe Torres Medina (@felipetmedinaa) -  TwitterThank You, Delete MeFor 20% off your DeleteMe subscription go to Deleteme.com/dailybeans code dailybeans.Thank You, Pique LifeGet 20% off on the Radiant Skin Duo, plus a FREE starter kit at Piquelife.com/dailybeans.Stories:AP Exclusive: US and Israel look to Africa for moving Palestinians uprooted from Gaza | AP NewsPutin still intends Ukraine domination, U.S. intelligence reports say - The Washington PostNewsmax reveals it agreed to pay Smartmatic $40M in settlement with the voting machine company | NBC NewsSecond judge orders thousands of probationary employees fired by Trump to be reinstated | NBC NewsTrump asks Supreme Court to curb judges' power to block policies nationwide - POLITICOLong Island man is first in New York history to be cured of sickle cell anemia | CBS NewsChuck Schumer's stumbles leave Democrats without a message | NBC NewsArlington Cemetery website removes links about Black, female veterans - The Washington PostUS deports hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members despite court order | BBCTrump Orders Gutting of 7 Agencies, Including Voice of America's Parent - The New York TimesGood Trouble:Buy the book, read it and put in in your local little library - America, Let Me In – Abrams Books Federal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen. Check out other MSW Media podcastsShows - MSW MediaCleanup On Aisle 45 podSubscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on SubstackThe BreakdownFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaAllison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote, Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewroteDana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyShare your Good News or Good Trouble:https://www.dailybeanspod.com/good/From The Good NewsSupreme Court Justice William O. DouglasWon Over: Reflections of a Federal Judge on His Journey from Jim Crow Mississippi@biomadd_art - IGDOGE Privacy Act Requests - Jamie Raskin for CongressBerks County Democratic CommitteeHand Off!! APRIL 5TH. Nationwide protests  Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! Federal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen.Share your Good News or Good Trouble:https://www.dailybeanspod.com/good/ Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote, Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewroteDana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/Patreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts

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In this episode of America's Heroes Group, host Sean Clayborn speaks with Richard Berkshire, CEO and co-founder of the Black Veterans Project. They discuss the organization's mission to address the historic inequities faced by Black veterans, focusing on reparative justice, benefit obstruction, and the ongoing legal and advocacy efforts to bring about change. This conversation highlights the systemic issues surrounding the G.I. Bill, VA benefits, and the military's role in perpetuating racial disparities.Topics:Introduction to Richard Berkshire and the Black Veterans Project (00:00:24)Historical benefit obstruction for Black veterans (00:01:18)Legal efforts and reparative justice (00:03:24)Impact of racial disparities in military benefits (00:05:02)Successes and challenges in advocacy and litigation (00:11:30)The legacy of racial discrimination in U.S. military history (00:12:23)Black veterans' stories and their importance in shaping future legal efforts (00:16:02)The future of reparative justice for Black veterans (00:17:12)

In this episode, Treazure Owens, U.S. Army Veteran and CEO of Treazure, L.L.C, sits down with Paul Azania, a National Guard Veteran and business owner, to discuss the impact of military service on their careers, mental health, and personal growth. They also delve into their experiences at the Black Veterans Expo, the importance of entrepreneurship, and how they navigate the challenges faced by veterans. Tune in to hear their inspiring stories and insights on transitioning from military life to successful civilian careers.

America's Heroes Group Roundtable Live Stream Digital Media Show July is American Diabetes and National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Wednesday July 17, 2024Wednesday's Topics:5:30pmcst  - 6pmcst Partners:Treazure Owens - U.S. Army Veteran and CEO of Treazure, L.L.C Kouri Marshall - Community Outreach Leader and Advocacy AHG Ambassador 

(Airdate 5/15/24) You can always count on us to give you the ‘Good, Bad, & Ugly Headlines' in your national news round up (4:00) Founder of the Black Veterans Project, Richard Brookshire is today's guest (16:00) and wants us to reclaim our history (36:00) ‘Quiet Part Out Loud' (47:00). Last, but not least, ‘Let Me Finish' (53:00).

Al Reynolds And Armon Wiggins are dishing the latest celebrity gossip with Claudia Jordan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Time for an Awakening” with Bro.Elliott & Bro.Richard, Sunday 5/05/2024 at 7:00 PM (EST) guests was Richard Brookshire, CEO & Co-Founder of the Black Veterans Project, and Raillan Brooks, Law intern at the Veterans Legal Clinic, Yale Law School, Black Veterans Activist, executive director of NVCLR, Gary Monk. Our guests shared information on the Historic Black Veterans Reparations Lawsuit. The case involves racial discrimination against Black veterans in housing, education, and disability benefits since the inception of the GI Bill following World War II. https://www.blackveteransproject.org raillan.brooks@ylsclinics.org richard@blackveteransproject.org https://www.nvclr.org monkexecdir@nvclr.org

 Randee Howard is the operations associate for The War Horse. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, she earned her bachelor's of arts in urban studies from Columbia University in 2021. She was the women's veterans representative for two academic years and volunteered as a nonfiction writing tutor to incarcerated women at Rikers Island. Prior to her enrollment, she served four years on active duty in the United States Navy as an aviation electrician on helicopters in San Diego, California. She deployed on USS Makin Island (LHD-8), an amphibious assault ship to Southeast Asia and the Middle East. She also volunteers as the director of policy for Black Veterans Project.  She talks about the Navy and the writing project for Black veterans with host Jim Fausone.

The founders of SK8 Shot Studios are taking Kansas City roller-skating rinks by storm. Their plan is to revive the once thriving scene and grow it into a global destination for Black skate culture — one class and skate party at a time.

City leaders gather in Dorchester to celebrate and remember Boston's Black veterans. WBZ's Mike Macklin was there.

Marine Gunnery Sergeant Tweila Rochell-Cauthen discusses her military experiences and the role of the National Association of Black Military Women, advocating for the service academies to boost the number of minorities admitted so that the number of black officers increases. NABMW filed with the US Supreme Court supporting military academies to use race as a factor in admissions to increase black officers. She talks to host Jim Fausone about the value of military service and the benefits of diversity.

It's come to my attention that the Alice Desmond and Hamilton Fish Library in Garrison is discussing changing its name, and that this is being done because of allegations that former Rep. Fish, the library's co-founder, collaborated with pro-German interests before World War II, thinking that we could and should avoid entering the war. Among his friends and supporters there were many who disagreed that America should be involved in European problems. I am not a historian, but there was a time when even the late and great Franklin Delano Roosevelt indicated that he would never send our troops abroad. Having said that, the main thing that I can add to this discussion is that the late Capt. Hamilton Fish III was one damn cantankerous patriot and warrior when it came to African Americans and their performance in combat under his leadership. I know much more about racism in the U.S. than I do about fascism in the 1930s, but I can assure you when African Americans - who were known as "Negroes" at the time - needed a friend, Ham Fish III was there. Most people don't know that our great country refused to allow Negroes to participate even as volunteers in World War I. An exception was made for the 369th Regiment in New York, an all-Black unit. They were trained in segregated facilities, and as our military refused to allow them to fight with U.S. troops, they were sent to Europe to fight alongside French troops. Not only did Capt. Fish help prove that American Negroes were capable of fighting in World War I, he brought his troops home as the most decorated American soldiers that fought in that war. In 1950, I was a volunteer in the U.S. Army stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington, with an all-Black, 155-mm howitzer artillery unit in an all-white division, then known as the 2nd Indian Head Division. We were the first U.S.-based troops to arrive on the Korean peninsula to help halt the Communists from invading below the 38th parallel, which had been set up by the United Nations to separate North and South Korea after World War II. By the time I was discharged in 1952, I had a Purple Heart, four battle stars and Korean presidential citations, yet I was not well received in stateside veterans' organizations, whose leadership was largely composed of white men who had served in World War I and World War II. However, right in my community - only a dozen blocks from where I was born and raised and where I live today - stood the 369th Armory and the home of the Harlem Hellfighters of World War I. They welcomed veterans of every war, including veterans of the Korean War. The support that I received marked the beginning of the journey of a high school dropout who went on to serve as a member of the House of Representatives for 46 years, culminating eventually in my becoming the first Black chair of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. I cite this long history because the 369th played such an important role in the formation of my career and that of the many veterans of World War I who were attending meetings of the 369th Veterans Association. There I heard the stories of the 369th's role in Europe, and the legend of the courageous Capt. Fish battling racism in America and abroad in order to give Black soldiers an opportunity to defend our great country. It made me more proud than any of the medals I had earned in Korea. I went on to become president of the Manhattan branch of the 369th Veterans Association and I participated for decades in the parades that we held each year. Black people and Black leaders would come from all over the country to share in our pride as we marched up Fifth Avenue, just as the 369th had marched after their return home from World War I. Each year as we passed the grandstand, there was one elderly white man, standing tall and erect and proudly saluting the veterans of the 369th. As president of the association, I would return Capt. Fish's salute, while he stood there, in his 80s and later his 90s, saluting the troops...

"These kinds of heroes and veterans often aren't mentioned among the people who got gold stars or medals, but they are Black veterans." This Veterans Day, Wypipologist Michael Harriot celebrates those who served and fought for Black freedom. Veterans like Harriet Tubman, Lord Dunmore's Regiment, Moses Dixon, Colonel Tye, Robert Smalls, Marylou Vester, and Cathay Williams contributed to the fight for Black freedom, even if they were left off military rolls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We know heading outside helps us all sort through the junk of life -- a tough day, actual trauma, relationships, whatever. And veterans know spending time in nature also has special power over the wounds of military service. For Vedia Barnett, a disabled Black Air Force veteran and founder of the nonprofit organization Black Vets Outdoors, spending time outside has extra power. She's seen it work to heal the double trauma carried by those who carry both the burden of military service and the weight of racism. In this episode she talks about: Creating a sense of belonging outdoors Why reaching out and supporting Black veterans is important The power of heading outside for everyone Join us as we explore the transformative impact of nature on veterans, the incredible resilience and camaraderie found within veteran-led groups like Vedia's -- and how you can make an impact for them, too. Connect with this episode: Visit Black Vets Outdoors Connect with Vedia Barnett on LinkedIn Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Some of the good stuff: [3:33] Vedia Barnett's favorite outdoor space [4:01] Vedia's outdoor story [4:40] About Vedia's military service [6:18] Yes, to join the military, she really did have to sign over custody of her son [9:08] Vedia's work with veterans [11:06] How does going outside help veterans? [14:06] Why a sense of belonging matters outside [16:44] Do military veterans experience healing outdoors differently from other people? [20:03] All about Black Vets Outdoors [22:38] Why outdoor affinity groups are important [25:00] Simply finding outdoor joy [29:02] How spending time outside impacts the Black veteran community, specifically [32:00] The impact of historic trauma [35:18] How Black vets can access the group and how allies can help [43:12] Vedia's favorite outdoor moment

Dead Presidents is a 1995 American crime film co-written, produced and directed by the Hughes Brothers. The film chronicles the life of Anthony Curtis (Larenz Tate), focusing on his teenage years as a high school graduate and his experiences during the Vietnam War as a Recon Marine. As he returns to his hometown in The Bronx, Curtis finds himself struggling to support himself and his family, eventually turning to a life of crime. Dead Presidents is based partly on the real-life experiences of Haywood T. Kirkland (aka Ari S. Merretazon), whose true story was detailed in the book Bloods: An Oral History of the Vietnam War by Black Veterans by Wallace Terry. Certain characters from the film are based on real acquaintances of Kirkland, who served time in prison after committing robbery in face paint. The film also is loosely based on several incidents involving the Black Liberation Army, notably the Brink's armored truck robbery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when you lose it all? When you think you know your life plan, and then suddenly that changes? Dominic Lawson knows all about change and loss. He wouldn't tell you that there is some magical cure all on the other side. What you would learn from him, is that he is a man of service, a man who loves his community, and a champion of mental health who is STILL on his own journey. Through storytelling, he is finding his own healing AND success. In going Man to Man with David, Dominic shares about growing up in the Lamar Terrace projects in Memphis, Tennessee, his time in the Army, and being an Angel parent, but they also share what it means to find the joy in the margins. You can keep up with Dominic and his podcasts right here @therealdominiclawson  and  @blackisamericapodcastor tap in with him over on LinkedIn Have suggestions on who David should go Man to Man with next? Connect with him @wasicki ========The award-winning

In honor of Memorial Day, we observe the contributions of Black service members like The Harlem Hellfighters and the Tuskegee Airmen. In this episode, host Roy Wood Jr. chats with the cofounder of the Black Veterans Project, Richard Brookshire and the author of Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad, Matthew F. Delmont. They discuss the racism and segregation Black soldiers have had to face in the military, how Black Veterans were excluded from GI Bill benefits, and how the GI Bill Restoration Act would be a step toward repairing the damage done to Black Veterans and their families. Original Air Date: November 8, 2022. Beyond the Scenes is a podcast from The Daily Show. Listen to new episodes every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts, or watch at YouTube.com/TheDaily Show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All too often history repeats itself -- with tragic results. During the last 100-years, the killing of one person becomes symbolic and spawns a larger tragedy. Irregularly bubbling to the surface these crises rise from elemental rents and systemic failures in the fabric of society. We call to mind the deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25th, 2020 and beating of Rodney King in Los Angeles on March 3rd, 1991 and so on cascading back to the stoning and subsequent drowning of Eugene Williams on July 27th, 1919 off Chicago's 29th Street Beach. The violence inflicted on these three men (and countless others) focused outrage to rally outcries, spark civil unrest and riots lasting multiple days. The conditions fanning the flames did not occur in a vacuum nor isolation, but built over time, due to compounding slights, inequality, and oppression. Although intermittent riots sprang up in different eras and regions of the country, the basic facts were the same; Black men were killed or beaten by white policemen or in Eugene Williams' case, stones thrown and the palpable anger of whites against Blacks caused the drowning of the 17 year-old. In the aftermath of these deaths and days of violence people asked, “Why did this happen?” In Windy City Historians podcast Episode 29 - “The Chicago Race Riots of 1919” we explore the conditions of that hot, “Red Summer”, where Chicago, (and other cities) wrestled with the chaos of civil unrest. Through interviews with Claire Hartfield, the author of “A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919”, as well as commentary from Professor Charles Branham, Ph.D. we walk through the riot's lasting legacy on Chicago, it's Black community, and the many questions raised by an oppressive summer a century ago. Questions that are still being raised today, more than a century later. Robert S. Abbott, Publisher of the Chicago Defender Crowd in front of a storefront during the race riots in 1919. Examples of 1919 Commemoration Project glass blocks Crowd of men and National Guard Soldiers at tail end of 1919 Riots Black Veteran encounters National Guard Soldier during Riots. Black Veterans defended their neighborhoods from whites, while Guardsmen's job was to quell violence. Links to Research and Historic Sources: "Chicago Race Riots of 1919" by Julius L. Jones, Chicago History Museum Blog "Chicago Race Riots", Chicago Encyclopedia "City on Fire: Chicago Race Riot 1919", by Natalie Moore, WBEZChicago, Nov. 23, 2019 "Carl Sandburg and the Chicago Race Riots of 1919", Carl Sandburg Home, National Park Service, website Carl Sandburg poem “I am the People, the Mob” by Poetry in Voice 2016 winner Marie Foolchand at the Griffin Poetry Prize awards - audio used in this episode (at 39:20) In Memoriam, August Meier, by David Levering Lewis, Perspectives on History, Sept. 1, 2003 The book, “A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919” by Claire Hartfield The book, ”City of Scoundrels: The 12 Days of Disaster that Gave Birth to Modern Chicago” by Gary Krist. "Black Soldiers in American Wars: Chicago's 'Fighting 8th' and the 370th Regiment" from Black History Heros Blog "Flashback: Chicago's first black alderman sat as the lone African-American voice on the city's council - and then, Congress", by Christen A. Johnson, Chicago Tribune, Feb. 14, 2023 The book, Big Bill of Chicago by Lloyd Wendt and Herman Kogan, Forward by Rick Kogan The Negro in Chicago; A Study of Race Relations and a Race Riot, by the Chicago Commission on Race Relations The Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project (CCR19) by Peter Cole, Franklin N. Cosey-Gay, Myles X Francis Robert S. Abbott, Chicago Literary Hall of Fame website "1919 Race Riots Memorial Project will honor victims where the died -- in streets all over city", by Michael Loria, Chicago Sun Times, Feb. 20, 2023 "1914--Chicago Surface Lines", Chicagology

The Department of Veterans Affairs released a study of patients of color with mental health issues and found they have an overwhelming number of chronic pain cases. After testing nearly 400 Black Veterans at Atlanta's VA healthcare system, they learned many require more intense therapy that they rarely receive. Herman Anderson is a Vietnam Veteran and Founder of Veterans Helping Veterans, Atlanta. He discusses the needs local veterans are still waiting to have addressed.Author Jonathan Eig discusses his new book, “King: A Life.” It's the first full-life biography of Martin Luther King Jr. in decades. Eig shares new details on King's family history and the role media and the federal government played in creating a negative public opinion of him.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the first time, U.S. Army bases will be named after women and Black officers instead of only white men. Fort Lee, named for Robert E. Lee, became Fort Gregg-Adams for two Black officers who made significant contributions to the Army. It is one of nine renamed bases, part of a Congressional and military effort to commemorate American heroes rather than traitors. Nick Schfirin reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Community Outreach with Black Veterans Project Panelist:Richard Brookshire - is a Co-Founder of Black Veterans Project a non-partisan 501c3 non-profit elevating Public Education around the unique History of Black Veterans in the United States.

Community Outreach with Yale University Veterans Legal Services Clinic Panelists:Claire Sullivan - is a law student intern at Yale Veterans Legal Services Clinic Adam Henderson - is a law student intern at Yale Veterans Legal Services Clinic 

Demetra Kaye reports on a study showing that Black veterans were denied their VA benefits more than W/veterans. Connect with Demetra:  @demetrakaye ​ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/africandiasporanews/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/africandiasporanews/support

Greg Payton, an African American veteran of the Vietnam war, turned international peace activist with Vietnam Veterans Against War, Veterans for Peace, War Resisters' League, and Black Veterans for Social Justice. Here he shares his stories from the racial battlefields of Vietnam to homeless vet to international peace activist. You will hear Greg relate how he was transformed and then how he has transformed the world he has touched, from Vietnam to South Africa, to Bosnia and Northern Ireland, and then to the local high school.

Community Outreach with Black Veterans Project Panelist: Richard Brookshire  - is a Co-Founder of Black Veterans Project a non-partisan 501c3 non-profit elevating Public Education around the unique History of Black Veterans in the United States Gary Monk - is Vietnam Veteran Conley Monk Jr younger brother 

A former student of Dr. Christina Greer joins The Blackest Questions to share some laughs and hardships with his mentor. While playing along with Black history trivia, Richard Brookshire also gets candid about his mental health struggles and explains why starting The Black Veterans Project was a defining moment in his life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sen. Mike Lee SOTU meme goes viral -- Hyrum Museum director Jami Van Huss on Utah's Black Veterans exhibit

Welcome back Black Body Health listeners! Here is part three of our Black Veterans series with Black Veterans Project Co-Founder, Richard Brookshire. Did you miss out on part 1? Click here to catch up. Send your feedback to csellars@centerforblackhealth.org CREDITS: Host, Natasha Phelps Producer,Chelsey Sellars Logo Designer, Ashlee Woods

Community Outreach with Black Veterans Project (BVP)Panelist:Richard Brookshire - is a Co-Founder of Black Veterans Project a non-partisan 501c3 non-profit elevating Public Education around the unique History of Black Veterans in the United States

Community OutreachPanelist: Richard Brookshire - is Co-Founder of Black Veterans Project a non-partisan 501c3 non-profit elevating Public Education around the unique History of Black Veterans in the United States

A new lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs alleges decades of discrimination against Black military veterans. To learn more, Geoff Bennett speaks to Conley Monk Jr., a Vietnam War veteran whose VA benefits were denied for nearly 50 years, and Richard Brookshire, an Army veteran who co-founded the Black Veterans Project. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

A new lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs alleges decades of discrimination against Black military veterans. To learn more, Geoff Bennett speaks to Conley Monk Jr., a Vietnam War veteran whose VA benefits were denied for nearly 50 years, and Richard Brookshire, an Army veteran who co-founded the Black Veterans Project. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

K.A. Owens interviews Mike King of the Rotary Club of Louisville Suburban, The Woody Williams Foundation and the National Association of Black Veterans. Topic: preservation of Greenwood Cemetery, in the West End of Louisville, KY-where many Black veterans are buried. Recorded Wednesday November 23, 2022, 2PM.

Partner Veteran Legislative VoicePartner:Stephanie Kalota - US Army Reserve Sergeant First Class Veteran and Founder/Creator of Veteran Legislative Voice

In this Season 5 opener, come back to Fenway Park on July 30th, 2022 for the 13th Annual Run to Home Base. This is our first RTHB at the Park since Covid, and this year Home Base and The Red Sox Foundation honors and celebrates Black Veterans and Families of all eras. From the first base line and Sam Adams Deck, Dr. Ron Hirschberg interviews WWII Tuskegee Airman Enoch "Woody" Woodson II, WWII Army Veteran Marvin Gilmore, Brigadier General Joe Carter, Lieutenant Colonel Brian Kitching, Green Beret Julian Kitching, Colonel Dana Sanders-Udo, Mass General Brigham leaders who have and continue to support the Home Base mission, and other champions like NESN's Tom Caron and famed Red Sox Pitcher Tim Wakefield. Happy Veterans Day to all who've served and to all the families who have served along with you. We are very grateful for the efforts of the following staff at Home Base who made RTHB 2022 as special and inspirational as ever:-Cheryl Brathwaite, Daughter of Army Veteran, Home Base Office Manager -Leonard Montgomery, Marine Veteran, Home Base Veteran Outreach Coordinator-Kevin Dillon, Navy Veteran, Home Base Veteran Outreach Coordinator-Felicia Pinckney, Army Veteran, Home Base Program Manager Network Development___If you are your loved one is experiencing any emotional, mental health struggles, you are not alone and please contact Home Base at (617) 724-5202, or visit www.homebase.org.Theme music for Home Base Nation: "Rolling the tree" by The Butler FrogsFollow Home Base on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedInThe Home Base Nation Team is Steve Monaco, Army Veteran Kelly Field, Phebe Garver, Justin Scheinert, Chuck Clough, with COO Michael Allard, Brigadier General Jack Hammond, and Peter Smyth.Producer and Host: Dr. Ron HirschbergAssistant Producer, Editor: Chuck CloughChairman, Home Base Media Lab: Peter SmythTo Donate to Home Base where every dollar goes to the care of veterans and military families that is cost to them, go to: www.homebase.org/donate.Home Base Nation is the official podcast of Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families, a partnership of the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation. To learn more and connect with us at Home Base Nation: www.homebase.org/podcastThe views expressed by guests to the Home Base Nation podcast are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base, the Red Sox Foundation or any of its officials.

Welcome back, Black Body Health listener! Host Natasha Phelps starts off November with part one of our Black Veteran series. In this episode, we introduce you to Richard Brookshire, one of the brilliant minds behind Black Veterans Project. The nonprofit works to advance racial equity for those in and out of uniform by using storytelling and national reporting. They have positioned themselves to be watchdogs of policy and change that could affect the health and well-being of Black veterans. Not only does he detail the hard work of Black Veterans Project on the podcast, Brookshire also shares his own experience with the military. He joined in his early twenties for many reasons but a major incentive was to pay off student loans. This is a theme that is common among Black male military recruits. Brookshire also shares how his return to civilian life had some dark moments – one of which became the catalyst for the creation of Black Veterans Project. To commemorate those who served this Veteran's Day, go listen to this podcast now! Look out for part two where we will dive into the topic of Black veteran health. Send your feedback to csellars@centerforblackhealth.org CREDITS: Host, Natasha Phelps Producer,Chelsey Sellars Logo Designer, Ashlee Woods

Guests include: Matthew Delmont is a Guggenheim Fellow and the Sherman Fairchild Distinguished Professor of History at Dartmouth College; his book, “Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad,” was just published in October; that interview begins at the 0:47 mark; And Holly Pinheiro, Jr., is an assistant professor of history at Furman University; his research focuses on the intersectionality of race, gender, and class in the military from 1850 through the 1930s. His latest book, “The Families' Civil War: Black Soldiers and the Fight for Racial Justice,” was published in June. That interview begins at the 21:26 mark.

In honor of Veterans Day, we observe the contributions of Black service members like The Harlem Hellfighters and the Tuskegee Airmen. In this episode, Host Roy Wood Jr. chats with the cofounder of the Black Veterans Project, Richard Brookshire and the author of “Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad,” Matthew F. Delmont. They discuss the racism and segregation Black soldiers have had to face in the military, how Black Veterans were excluded from GI Bill benefits, and how the GI Bill Restoration Act would be a step toward repairing the damage done to Black Veterans and their families.   Watch the original segment:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX2sU6FOGb8See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Pod Charles Cinecast, presented by The Prince Charles Cinema, our hosts Jonathan Foster and Fil Freitas hit rock bottom in our next episode in our WAR, WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?... HOLLYWOOD MOVIES! We find ourselves sticking around the Vietnam War, with one of the more underrated films about the subject, while also being one of the more underrated crime films of all-time, that focusses on one of the more underreported issues of the war – the treatment of Black soldiers both during and after the war. Where does such a crossover of war and heists exist? None other than the Hughes Brothers' DEAD PRESIDENTS (1995)! Starring the likes of Larenz Tate, Chris Tucker, Keith David, Bokeem Woodbine, N'Bushe Wright, and appearances from Terrence Howard and Apocalypse Now star Martin Sheen, this follow-up to the Hughes' groundbreaking debut Menace II Society showcases the grim life for a young black man who returns home from Vietnam to no hope for a brighter future. With his back against the corner, he resorts to a heist that goes terribly wrong. Much like Spike Lee's recent film Da 5 Bloods, this movie is based on Wallace Terry's book "Bloods: An Oral History of the Vietnam War by Black Veterans", particularly the story of Haywood T. Kirkland (aka Ari S. Merretazon). Join us, as we uncover this less told story of Vietnam, that features brilliant acting, a killer soundtrack, a score by Danny Elfman, violence, heists, PTSD, The Sopranos connections and more... If you enjoy the podcast, leave a Rating and Review! It really helps us out! As always, you can follow the Podcast on https://twitter.com/ThePCCPodcast (http://twitter.com/ThePCCPodcast) and https://instagram.com/ThePCCPodcast (http://instagram.com/ThePCCPodcast) If you'd like to Support the Podcast and get Bonus Content, visit: https://www.patreon.com/ThePCCPodcast (http://patreon.com/ThePCCPodcast) This Podcast is produced by http://princecharlescinema.com/ (The Prince Charles Cinema) and http://breadcrumbscollective.com/ (The Breadcrumbs Collective)

For Memorial Day, we speak with Richard Brookshire, co-founder of the Black Veterans Project, an organization dedicated to advocating for the needs of Black veterans. Brookshire can speak about the disparities in how Black veterans are treated compared to their white counterparts, and is also very open about his own mental health struggles following the end of his active duty service.

For Memorial Day, we speak with Richard Brookshire, co-founder of the Black Veterans Project, an organization dedicated to advocating for the needs of Black veterans. Brookshire can speak about the disparities in how Black veterans are treated compared to their white counterparts, and is also very open about his own mental health struggles following the end of his active duty service.

Black World War I Veterans fought against Racist Mobs during the Red Summer 1919; Haiti was forced to pay France Reparations of $560 million (in today's dollars) for Freedom, 'We Came Here To Exclude The Negro', Mississippi State Constitution of 1890, Jim Crow Laws to Suppress the Black Vote, Why were there 1,688 fewer Polling Places in 2019:; Shelby County vs. Holder Supreme Court Case 2013 was backlash to the 2012 Presidential Election - TheAHNShow with Michael Imhotep 5-29-22   Support The African History Network through Cash App @ https://cash.app/$TheAHNShow or PayPal @ TheAHNShow@gmail.com or http://www.PayPal.me/TheAHNShow .   'From The Civil War to The Civil Rights Movement & Black Power 1865 – 1968': Sun. 2pm EST REGISTER HERE: https://theahn.learnworlds.com/course/from-the-civil-war-to-the-civil-rights-and-black-power-april-2022

We know memorial day as the last weekend in May that honors veterans and marks the beginning of summer. But how did this holiday start? And who created it? Listen to this episode to find out the real history of memorial day, that includes Black folks. Here are key things to listen out for:Memorial Day was originally called Decoration DayThe  Overlooked Black History Memorial DayHistorian David's narration of the first Memorial DayThe story of Sergeant ButlerWhitewashing process of retelling the memorial dayTimestamps[00:00:34] The Civil War and the death of 600,000 men [00:03:08] Memorial day and why it continues to be among the most important National Observances [00:04:33] History of Memorial Day[00:06:19] how black folks created Memorial Day[00: 07:12] The first Memorial Day as narrated by Historian David[00:11:54] the tribute that gave birth to Memorial Day[00:14:29] White washing process of retelling the Memorial Story and the flower idea for decoration[00:15:42] When Memorial holiday first became a national celebration[00:19:20] The Justice system is fucked up [00:21:43] the military veteran Success Story is only one side of the coin and the racism ingrained in the military[00:23:08] the story of Sergeant William Butler [00:26:12]Blacks double edged sword of being proud that for your military service[00:27:41] the murder of George Floyd was linked to the Memorial Day[00:30:26] how teachers are eliminating important history, important black history and certain aspects of teaching in a curriculum Notable Quotes“Memorial Day continues to be among the most important national observances, and big cities and small towns in the US each and every year, on the last weekend of May. Americans are called to pause.[00:03:07]“This country still doesn't fully acknowledge black folks as fucking human beings most of the time.”[00:04:04]“In the afternoon, three white and black union regiments marched around the graves and staged a drill. I think that's when they like, you know, shoot the gun all together at the same time. I think that's what a drill is.”[00:11:40]“Memorial Day had been founded by African Americans in a ritual of remembrance and consecration.”[00:12:36]“Black folks were suddenly erased from the story of Memorial Day by who white democrats after they had regained control of state politics at the end of Reconstruction.”[00:14:15]“After being freed, one of the first things that many groups of black folks did was gathered to pay tribute to those who died while fighting for them freedom.”[00:16:45]“f you put a uniform on a black man and a musk on his shoulder, then you could not stop him from being a citizen.”[00:18:29]“Veteran Success Story is only one side of the coin.”[00:20:06]once you impress the Negro with the fact that he is defending the flag, and inflate his untutored soul with military heirs, it reached the conclusion that his political rights must be respected [00:22:33]“I feel like there's like a double edged sword of being proud that for your military service and for fighting for your country, but knowing despite your heroism and your bravery of like being like, I'm gonna be on the front line.”[00:26:11]“There is a pattern where media and dare I say racist, people and white politicians shift the narrative to erase black folks contribution to history and to position themselves as the heroes or as the originators.” [00:29:32]Connect with Toya the HostInstagramFacebookToyafromharlemResourcesBook: Frederick Douglass: Prophet of FreedomBook: David Blight: Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American MemoryAdditional ResourcesThe First American Memorial Day is commemoratedThe Overlooked Black History of Memorial DayCelebrating the Black History Of Memorial DayMemorial Day: America's strained salute to its black veteransBlack People Invented Memorial DayFormer slaves honoring Black soldiers: Civil rights lawyer issues reminder of Memorial Day originsAudio cut during speech about Black people's role in Memorial Day at Ohio ceremonyWhy is Memorial Day in May? 5 interesting facts about Memorial DayA summer of protests exposed deep demands for change—and entrenched obstaclesGeorge Floyd biography announced for spring 2022Follow the thread Ben Crump's tweetCall to ActionIf you liked this podcast, I would really appreciate if you can share it with someone else. To help me grow please leave a 5 star review on whatever platform you listen to podcast and don't forget to subscribe. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments on Instagram, Facebook and don't forget to tag me.

21 years after the end of the first great war with a new great war looming. A new generation of African Americans had to decide if fighting for democracy abroad would offer them another chance for equality at home. This is a episode about the experiences of 1.2 million African American soldiers during World War 2. Audio Onemichistory.com Please support our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=25697914Buy me a Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/Countryboi2mSources:https://eji.org/reports/targeting-black-veterans/https://time.com/6126195/black-veterans-gi-bill-world-war-two/https://www.history.com/news/gi-bill-black-wwii-veterans-benefitshttps://www.history.com/news/black-soldiers-world-war-ii-discrimination

America's Heroes Group Roundtable with Partner Veteran Healthcare Policy Institute (VHPI) Partners: Suzanne Gordon, VHPI Senior Policy Analyst and her work expands over decades reporting on Healthcare Programs workers, Policy, and have Authored or edit 21 books.  Suzanne has written two books The Battle for Veteran's Healthcare and Wounds of War Jasper Craven, VHPI Interim Executive Director 

America's Heroes Group Roundtable with Partner and Sponsor Tabak Law Firm, LLC Partner: Monica Irelan Karas, Veteran's Benefits Attorney with Tabak Law Firm based out of Milwaukee Wisconsin with Offices located across the USA

If you are a yoga professional you likely have had veterans come into your classes or practice.  In this episode, Pamela Stokes Eggleston joins us to share special considerations when working with veterans, and specifically what you need to know about black veterans. Pamela is the Founder and Director of Yoga2Sleep, Co-Founder of Retreat to Spirit, and is on the Yoga Therapy Clinic Faculty at the Maryland University of Integrative Health where she also received her Master of Science degree.  She is a certified HeartMath coach, a contributing editor of Best Practices for Yoga with Veterans, author, and researcher and so much more. Topics: -Pamela's yoga path -Pamela's connection to the veteran community -She talks about how she was called to work with black veterans -How veteran caregivers are affected by PTSD that veterans suffer from -Why yoga professionals should use assessment tools such as the Promis with clients and programs -Challenges that veterans face differently than the rest of the population (with special emphasis on black veterans' challenges) -Soul injury vs moral injury -Commodifying of black bodies in the military -Internalized trauma that black people face -Walking in sovereignty -Assumptions people make about (black) veterans and education -The compounding traumatic nature of racism and intergenerational trauma -Yoga practices that are helpful for veterans -Practices that might be triggering for a veteran -The dangers of performative yoga -Why not everyone should be working with veterans Please fill out our survey and receive a FREE I'm a Yoga Pro sticker! https://lynxshort.com/podcastsurvey  Would you or someone you know make a great guest?  Apply with this podcast guest form and waiver https://forms.gle/wGDiv3i1ZSDAzu8o6   Connect with Pamela Stokes Eggleston: www.yoga2sleep.com www.retreattospirit.today   Yoga Therapy series for Black Veterans and Their Families - link: https://forms.gle/jyA9PsBZRH9hUvda6   Retreat to Spirit Mentoring link: https://www.accessibleyogaschool.com/retreat-to-spirit   Pamela's previous episode-Yoga for Insomnia https://www.theyogapropodcast.com/yoga-for-insomnia-with-pamela-stokes-eggleston/   Promis Assessment Tool www.promishealth.org   Yoga Pro Podcast Episode that explains performative yoga https://www.theyogapropodcast.com/how-to-find-the-right-yoga-teacher-training-with-abiola-akanni/   Connect with Pamela Crane: www.theyogapropodcast.com www.instagram.com/interoceptiveperformance https://interoceptiveperformance.vipmembervault.com Email: info@interoceptiveperformance.com Clubhouse and Greenroom:  @pamelacrane   Music:  The State of Things (The Bouncy Song) by Rena Wren is used with permission.  www.renawren.com

Have you heard of the 1944 GI Bill that forever changed American society? This Bill helped millions of people attend college and vocational schools, and secure their slice of the American dream. It changed American lives for generations to come. However, Black Veterans were denied many of these benefits. This episode dives into the other side of the story. Let's get into it! Come talk money with me! Join the conversation on instagram @Spondulixpod or at $pondulixpod.com

Show Summary:In this conversation with Dr. Xavier Bruce, we hear his story firsthand and what led him to become the change he wanted to see in the world. In this episode, Xavier (or Dr. X) shares his experience retiring from the military and his struggle to identify the mental health support he desired and needed. Ultimately this led to becoming a coach himself. He shares some of this journey that included encountering racism in the military, pursuing his doctorate while an active-duty officer, and building a business that supports underrepresented men and women in the military -- and building it in the midst of COVID. Show Notes:Xavier's experience working towards his doctorate while stationed in the most dangerous part of the world in Kandahar, AfghanistanWhat many Black veterans have faced when transitioning to civilian life after being on active duty How Xavier first knew that he wanted to coach Black veteransWhy it's so important to be able to find support that looks like youWhy pursuing a doctorate was so important and empowering in his careerXavier's advice for underrepresented entrepreneurs just getting startedHis three tips for excelling and enhancing lifestyleXavier's Frederick FactorGuest Bio:Dr. Xavier Bruce, CEO/Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), was an active-duty officer in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Qatar. During his time in the Air Force, he dealt with several stressful situations at once, including a rocky marriage, raising a son with autism, struggling through the doctoral dissertation process, microaggressions in the military, and experiencing rocket attacks while deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan. With no one to guide him, he turned to self-learning and created a self-development framework he calls Strategic Energetic Transition™ (SET), which serves as the basis of his unique approach to coaching and speaking. Through his businesses Uplift Energy Coaching and Uplift In-Powerment, he supports underrepresented men and women veterans experiencing stress and anxiety associated with life transitions. He also commands the Western Maryland Chapter of the National Association for Black Veterans.Show Links:Visit his website: www.xaviervbruce.comUplift In-Powerment Western Maryland Chapter of National Association for Black Veterans About the Frederick Factor:The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at  https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFactor1748About the Frederick Factor: The Frederick Factor Podcast highlights the stories of underrepresented business owners, professionals, and community leaders making an impact in Frederick, Maryland. You can visit our website at https://frederickfactor.com/. Or, follow the Frederick Factor on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederickfactor_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrederickFactor

How the G.I. Bill's Promise was denied to 1 Million Black WWII Veterans because of Racsim; Legislation to resolve GI Bill racial inequities introduced by Rep. James Clyburn and Democrats; WWII Veteran, Sgt. Isaac Woodard was beaten by a White Police Officer and blinded in 1946 fueling The Civil Rights Movement; The fight continues to pass the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act. - TheAHNShow with Michael Imhotep 11-16-21   Support The African History Network through Cash App @ https://cash.app/$TheAHNShow or PayPal @ TheAHNShow@gmail.com or http://www.PayPal.me/TheAHNShow or visit http://www.AfricanHistoryNetwork.com and click on the yellow “Donate” button.

Secure the legacy & Fight for equity.Happy Veteran's Day!!!!We talk with Richard Brookshire of The Black Veterans Project to talk about how we can support our veterans not just on Veteran's Day but EVERYDAY!!! FOR MORE INFORMATION https://www.blackveteransproject.org/https://www.instagram.com/blackveteransproject/https://www.instagram.com/richbrookshire/We apologize for the delay, this was supposed to be released on Veteran's Day

- This conversation was recorded virtually in April, 2021 -The many challenges of the pandemic including stress, anxiety, and isolation, caused an increase in mental health challenges for our Veterans and a spike in suicides amongst our military members. The recent triggering effects of the evacuation from Afghanistan and growing humanitarian crisis has made a bad situation worse and created a perfect storm of events that will require our clinical staff to grow to meet the needs of our warriors and families. Together, we have raised more than $1.8 MILLION – And we have a goal for this year to get to $2 MILLION! If you want to contribute any amount, DONATE here.  THANK YOU!If you are your loved one is experiencing any emotional, mental health struggles, you are not alone and please contact Home Base 617-724-5202, or www.homebase.org  To learn more about SFC Cashe and Medal of Honor click here.To SUBSCRIBE to Home Base Nation To learn more and connect with us at Home Base Nation:www.homebase.org/homebasenationTwitter,Facebook,Instagram,LinkedInHome Base Nation Team: Steve Monaco, Maureen Roderick, Laurie Gallagher, Karianne Kraus, Lucy Little, and COO Michael Allard and Brigadier General  Jack HammondProducer and Host: Dr. Ron HirschbergAssistant Producer: Lucy LittleHome Base Media Lab Chairman: Peter SmythGoodnight Saigon, written by Billy Joel was played in background along with announcer and applause at Fenway Park on 9-25-21 as Home Base Staff and visiting military members walked across the outfieldHome Base Nation is the official podcast of Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families, a partnership of the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation.The views expressed by guests to the Home Base Nation podcast are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base, the Red Sox Foundation or any of its officials.

This week we're traveling to 1940s Mississippi with Mudbound! Join us to learn more about the 761st Tank Battalion, whooping cough, cigarettes in the US military, Black veterans in the Jim Crow South, and more! Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of lynching and other racist violence. Sources: The 761st Tank Battalion: "The Black Panthers Enter Combat: The 761st Tank Battalion, November 1944," National WWII History Museum. Available at https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/black-panthers-761st-tank-battalion Roger Cunningham, "761st Tank Battalion," On Point 9, 3 (2004) Walter Lewis, "A Brief History of the 761st Tank Battalion in World War II," Negro History Bulletin 25, 2 (1965) Cynthia Neverdon-Morton, "African Americans in WWII: A Pictorial Essay," Negro History Bulletin 51/57, 1/12 (1993) Whooping Cough: CDC, Immunology and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases--Pink Book--Pertussis https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/pert.pdf Nicolas Fanget, "Pertussis: a tale of two vaccines," Nature (28 September 2020). https://www.nature.com/articles/d42859-020-00013-8 E. Kuchar, M. Karlikowska-Skwarnik, S. Han, A. Nitsch-Osuch, "Pertussis: History of the Disease and Current Prevention Failure," Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 934 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/5584_2016_21 Natalie Zarrelli, "Whooping Cough Killed 6,000 Kids a Year Before These Ex-Teachers Created a Vaccine," History (23 April 2019). https://www.history.com/news/whooping-cough-vaccine-pertussis-great-depression Harry M. Marks, "The Kendrick-Eldering-(Frost) pertussis vaccine field trial," Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 100:5 (May 2007): 242-7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1861415/ Carolyn G. Shapiro-Shapin, "Pearl Kendrick, Grace Eldering, and the Pertussis Vaccine," Emerging Infectious Diseases 16:8 (August 2010): 1273-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3298325/ Smithsonian Antibody Initiative, "Suppressing Whooping Cough," Smithsonian National Museum of American History. https://www.si.edu/spotlight/antibody-initiative/suppressing-whooping-cough Samuel X. Radbill, "Whooping Cough in Fact and Fancy," Bulletin of the History of Medicine 13:1 (January 1943): 33-53. https://www.jstor.org/stable/44449087 Black Veterans in the South After WWII: PBS, "Terror and Triumph," The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow YouTube. https://youtu.be/vadRcW_r-SE Equal Justice Initiative, Lynching in America Targeting Black Veterans (2017). https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep30689 Jennifer E. Brooks, "Winning the Peace: Georgia Veterans and the Struggle to Define the Political Legacy of World War II," The Journal of Southern History 66:3 (August 2000): 563-604. https://doi.org/10.2307/2587868 "L.R. Police Brutality Still Major Issue In Lives of Little Rock Negro People," Arkansas State Press (Little Rock, Arkansas), December 17, 1948: 1. Readex: African American Newspapers. Defender Washington Bureau, "Attacks on GIs Spur Anti-Lynch Bill Fight," The Chicago Defender (31 March 1945): 4. ProQuest. "Editor Witness to S.C. Slaying," The Pittsburgh Courier (24 August 1946) 1. ProQuest. NAACP file, 1947 http://online.sfsu.edu/cwaldrep/NAACP%20LC%20Copies%20%5B3%5D.pdf Kathy Lohr, "FBI Re-Examines 1946 Lynching," NPR https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5579862 Drunk History, "Stetson Kennedy Infiltrates the Ku Klux Klan (feat. Matt Walsh & Jason Ritter)" Comedy Central, YouTube (4 October 2019). https://youtu.be/-3VyPR0S0LM Smoking in the US Military: Stanford Collection of Tobacco Advertisements, available at http://tobacco.stanford.edu/tobacco_main/images.php?token2=fm_st188.php&token1=fm_img5558.php&theme_file=fm_mt023.php&theme_name=War%20&%20Aviation&subtheme_name=World%20War%20II Richard Gunderman, "Smoking Rates Have Fallen to an All-Time Low, But How Did They Ever Get So High? The Conversation, available at https://theconversation.com/smoking-rates-in-us-have-fallen-to-all-time-low-but-how-did-they-ever-get-so-high-107185#:~:text=During%20World%20War%20II%2C%20free,companies%20manufacture%20290%20billion%20cigarettes. Elizabeth Smith and Ruth Malone, "Everywhere the Soldier Will Be: Wartime Tobacco Promotion in the US Military," American Journal of Public Health 99, 9 (2009) Mona Chalabi, "Cigarettes or War: Which is the Biggest Killer?" The Guardian, available at https://www.theguardian.com/news/reality-check/2013/dec/18/cigarettes-or-war-which-is-the-biggest-killer Lysia Saad, "US Smoking Rate Still Coming Down," Gallup, available at https://news.gallup.com/poll/109048/us-smoking-rate-still-coming-down.aspx Film Background: Sundance Institute, "Mudbound," https://www.sundance.org/projects/mudbound Ramin Setoodeh, "Can Netflix Crash the Oscars with Dee Rees' 'Mudbound'?" Variety (5 September 2017). https://variety.com/2017/film/features/mudbound-dee-rees-netflix-oscars-1202545540/ Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudbound_(film)

Memorial of black veterans who did not die on foreign soil, but died on American soil. My --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In light of some questions about the word" spooky", and especially due to an erroneous Newsweek article that was lambasted for misleading content, Kiki explains the word's origins and the racist use of the word "spook". We also highly suggest listening to One Mic Podcast on the Harlem Hellfighters from WWI and the treatment of Black Vets after every single US War they fought in. One MIc Harlem Hellfighters https://open.spotify.com/episode/3bB7j0OBfCzDvzyLjNeu6Q One MIc The Attack on Black Veterans https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WyCgsThj3K7lyyVntRjmG

America's Heroes Group Roundtable Boots on the GROUND with Partner Victor LaGroon Panelist: Victor LaGroon - US Army Intelligence Analyst 35H Veteran and Director of Strategic Partnerships and Alliances, Diversity and Inclusion Veterans Advisor Greater Los Angeles Area

This week’s show we’ll discuss White Supremacy in the Military over the last few years and what the Pentagon can do about it. Host Ti Cersley speaks to fellow Air Force veteran Omar, about how Black Veterans have been Targeted throughout our country's history.

On the 3rd edition of the Diamonds Make Gold Podcast, Xan Rich Colby and I have an honest conversation about the Capitol Riot from a Black Veterans perspective, the issues that the military refuses to face about racism within armed services and how to handle the anxieties of seeing those events while protecting your energy and keeping your vibrations at a higher level. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iggysloudmouthpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/iggysloudmouthpodcast/support

We are a day late of Veteran's Day on this release but the topic is still pertinent. Often when we see imagery of those that serve this Nation in combat, we don't see faces that look like our guest Mary Tobin. The lack of diverse imagery and understanding surrounding the vast number of black people who serve the nation is beyond problematic and steeped in systemic racism. The American Therapy team sits down with MaryTobin, a decorated combat veteran and graduate of The United States Military Academy ( West Point). Mary is a soldier's, soldier and that comes through loud and clear in this episode. Mary opened up to the Amerika Therapy family and shared her very real challenges trying to deal with the mental health challenges she faced while trying to reintegrate into civilian life. Mary's life and continued contributions to society inspire us all to become servant leaders. Mary Tobin Bio:Mary Tobin has over 17 years of leadership development, project management, community engagement, and public speaking experience. She is extremely passionate about addressing the social justice issues that negatively affect underserved communities and is committed to working with globally-minded leaders and organizations to develop solutions that will positively impact underserved cities and communities. Mary is very active in the world of advocacy and activism as she focuses on addressing poverty through collective impact and race and gender biases in the military and the society at large as the CEO and Founder of Tobin Leadership Consulting. Her public relations campaigns in the media have established her as a thought leader concerning diversity and inclusion and she has been featured in major publications such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, CBS, ABC, NPR, the Washington Post, and the Associated Press. She has also lectured at the United States Military Academy, the University of Alabama, University of Georgia, Texas Tech University, Fordham University, and Radio One on issues around fighting poverty, diversity, and leader development. Notably, she was a featured speaker at South by Southwest (SXSW) 2018 speaking about the usage of data and analytics to solve poverty in one of her previous roles as the Director of the Brownsville Partnership, an initiative of the national nonprofit organization, Community Solutions. Mary is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the New York Institute of Technology. She is a proud combat veteran, having served 10 years in the United States Army as a communications officer, including two combat tours in Iraq. Her previous roles include Senior Project Manager for the US. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a President’s Management Council fellow in the US Department of Treasury, a Chief Operations Officer for the City of Jacksonville, FL, and most recently the Executive Director, East Region- The Mission Continues. In her spare time, Mary serves as the Vice President of the West Point Women Alumni Organization, Committee member for the West Point Alumni Organization’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and Co-Founder of the West Point African-American Alumni Association. She is a proud Godmother and an avid sports fan. Her personal motto is a quote from the late Muhammad Ali, " Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/AMERIKANTHERAPY)

In today's episode, Lincoln Ware talks about the Cincinnati Public Schools, Cincinnati City Council Member Jeff Pastors arrest, a salute to all veterans especially our black veterans on this day, plus he welcomes The BUZZ pastor of the month Pastor Michael Johnson of Living Waters Ministry. Never miss another breaking story, hot topic discussion, or an interview from The Lincoln Ware Show. Subscribe and listen to the podcast today on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Google Podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we’re joined by Shirley A. James Hanshaw to discuss her book, Re-Membering and Surviving: African American Fiction of the Vietnam War, which Yusef Komunyakaa calls "a powerful call seeking a response."

Inspired to defend their country and pursue greater opportunity, African Americans have served in the U.S. military for generations. But instead of being treated as equal members of society upon their return from military service, thousands of Black veterans were accosted, attacked, or lynched between the end of the Civil War and the post-World War II era.Check out the Cut Podcast https://linktr.ee/thecut_podcast Please support our Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=25697914

On this episode Black Diplomats welcomes Asha Castleberry and Richard S. Brookshire III, two members of the Black Veterans Project. They provide an insiders perspective of life on deployment, how the military industrial complex doubles as America’s biggest federal jobs program, and how they feel President Trump is doing with our armed forces. Terrell’s mother and father both served in the Army, so the issue of how Black people fit into the service is very personal to him. He also has a chance to talk to them about reducing our nuclear footprint, and what it would look like to shift 10% or even 20% of our military budget to other programs. This is a wide ranging conversation about how Black people interact with American foreign policy, often as the frontline enforcers. For more information go to our website at www.blackdiplomats.net. Thank you for listening!

Show notes coming soon... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thornandthistle/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thornandthistle/support

Let’s talk about our history. We learn about the black veterans of the Vietnam War, and hear the stories of military service of African Americans in the United States. Da 5 Bloods is co-written and directed by Spike Lee (now on Netflix), based on the book Bloods by Wallace Terry. Extras: Da 5 Bloods trailer // 3 min https://bit.ly/da5bloodstrailer Bloods In ‘Nam PBS Frontline doc // 45 min https://bit.ly/bloodsinnam audio from the front lines recording // 45 min https://bit.ly/cominghomevietnam Bloods: Black Veterans of the Vietnam War: An Oral History // book https://bit.ly/bloodsbook Missing Pages: Black Journalists of Modern America: An Oral History // book https://bit.ly/missingpgs on the ending of Do The Right Thing // 15 min https://bit.ly/dtrtending Wallace Terry greeting the segregationist governor // photo https://bit.ly/wallaceterryphoto on racism during the Vietnam War // article https://bit.ly/vietwarracism military history of African Americans // article https://bit.ly/uswarhistory statistics on Black Americans in Vietnam // book https://bit.ly/ussoldierbook every movie reference in Da 5 Bloods // article https://bit.ly/da5bloodsrefs Contact: Reach out on instagram @illiteratepod // https://www.instagram.com/illiteratepod/

True equality comes with economic prosperity. The Compassionate Capitalist Podcast will explore the history of black enterprise, and government policies intended to aid in economic prosperity, and the racist practices that created barriers and obstacles to African American prosperity so that wealth and education gap which exists today has its roots dating back to the late 1800.  History shows time and time again how naive, well intentioned white people, in the spirit of compromise, released authority and control to other white people that had a sole intent to harm and hinder black people from achieving equality - socially and economically.  There are many examples of progress being made and initiatives seeking to grow black entrepreneurship, wealth creation, and reinvestment into the communities that have been neglected and abandoned.   As we look forward with these new sources of funding and entrepreneur development, we must also look back to see how to fix the fissure that over a 100 years of systemic racism has caused in our communities.  If you are opposed to giving hand outs, then give a hand up.  Work to get the loopholes that enable racists to harm and prevent the success and empowerment of people of color out of our financial, judicial, and legislative systems. Links referenced in the podcast: Economic Wealth Gap: https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2016/06/27/1-demographic-trends-and-economic-well-being/ History of Black Veterans:https://www.history.com/news/gi-bill-black-wwii-veterans-benefits Drug Policy & Race: https://www.drugpolicy.org/issues/race-and-drug-war Banks:https://afrotech.com/top-5-black-owned-banks-in-america Funding: https://kevintpayne.com/top-vc-firms/ Top 100: https://www.blackenterprise.com/be100s/ System Racism Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrHIQIO_bdQ

True equality comes with economic prosperity. The Compassionate Capitalist Podcast will explore the history of black enterprise, and government policies intended to aid in economic prosperity, and the racist practices that created barriers and obstacles to African American prosperity so that wealth and education gap which exists today has its roots dating back to the late 1800.  History shows time and time again how naive, well intentioned white people, in the spirit of compromise, released authority and control to other white people that had a sole intent to harm and hinder black people from achieving equality - socially and economically.  There are many examples of progress being made and initiatives seeking to grow black entrepreneurship, wealth creation, and reinvestment into the communities that have been neglected and abandoned.   As we look forward with these new sources of funding and entrepreneur development, we must also look back to see how to fix the fissure that over a 100 years of systemic racism has caused in our communities.  If you are opposed to giving hand outs, then give a hand up.  Work to get the loopholes that enable racists to harm and prevent the success and empowerment of people of color out of our financial, judicial, and legislative systems. Links referenced in the podcast: Economic Wealth Gap: https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2016/06/27/1-demographic-trends-and-economic-well-being/ History of Black Veterans:https://www.history.com/news/gi-bill-black-wwii-veterans-benefits Drug Policy & Race: https://www.drugpolicy.org/issues/race-and-drug-war Banks:https://afrotech.com/top-5-black-owned-banks-in-america Funding: https://kevintpayne.com/top-vc-firms/ Top 100: https://www.blackenterprise.com/be100s/ System Racism Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrHIQIO_bdQ

It’s often said that relationships between soldiers transcend race. Movies, books and personal testimonies have told us repeatedly that when two people fight for their lives alongside each other, a lasting sense of camaraderie and understanding is forged between them, regardless of background. But many Black veterans of the Vietnam War have told a different story.

A constant threat of violence hung over the lives of African Americans in the early 20th century, an unrelenting terror that served to deter economic progress and enforce a racist social order. But 1919 was different: violence spread out of the south into northern and midwestern cities and took the form of random, terrifying riots. But the response of African-American leaders in 1919 was also different. They decided enough was enough. The time had come to fight back. Chicago's beaches in 1919 were not segregated by law, but any attempt by African-Americans to stand up to convention could prompt harsh and sudden violence. This is the white beach on the South Side, which started around 29th street. The beach used by African-Americans was a few blocks north, around 25th street. The two beaches were divided by a rocky inlet--and as five teenaged boys discovered that July, the line between them was all to easy to cross. In the South, the Jim Crow system enforced the segregation of all public places. African-Americans couldn't eat in the same restaurants, sleep in the same hotels, sit in the same movie theaters, use the same restrooms, or even drink the same water as whites. Ida B. Wells had not intended to take on the cause of lynching until her friend Thomas Moss was dragged out of jail and shot in a railyard. Her investigation into lynching was a bombshell that shattered the Southern narrative about racial violence. You can read Wells' original report, titled "Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its Phases," (https://www.gutenberg.org/files/14975/14975-h/14975-h.htm) online. General Pershing likely never intended the 369th Infantry Regiment, the Harlem Hellraisers, to fight on the front lines, but under pressure from the Allies he turned them over to French command. They served with courage and distinction and won the respect and admiration of the entire French nation. Private Henry Johnson fought off a 24-man German patrol alone while wounded. He was awarded the French Croix de Guerre--but received no medals from his own country. James Reese Europe served as the 369th's regimental band leader. A brilliant musician, conductor, composer, and arranger, he brought jazz to France. Author W.E.B. DuBois electrified readers of the NAACP magazine The Crisis with his essay "Returning Soldiers," which urged African-American veterans to fight racism at home. You can read the essay online (https://glc.yale.edu/returning-soldiers). Riots broke out in early summer in Charleston, South Carolina; Longview, Texas; and Washington, D.C. This sort of scene was happened frequently--black men were dragged out of trolley, as well as seized walking down the street or yanked out of businesses to be beaten by a white mob. Poet Claude McKay wrote "If We Must Die" in 1919 in the same spirit as Du Bois' "Returning Soldiers." It was a call for African-Americans to stand up and defend themselves against white attacks. You can read the poem online (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44694/if-we-must-die) or listen to Ice-T read it. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqy7uUdNwK0) During the Chicago riot, bands of white men prowled the city looking for African-Americans. Here a group of men are running through a black neighborhood. Order was finally restored when the state militia arrived. Generally, the soldiers were impartial and prevent further attacks on African-Americans, but encounters between white troops and black men were still fraught. The riot in Omaha, Nebraska drew an enormous crowd, estimated at anything from 5000 to 15,000. Here you can see some of that mob surrounding the Omaha courthouse, which they eventually set alight. Newspapers across Arkansas ran headlines about the supposed uprising of African-Americans in Phillips County. Conductor and intelligence agent Water H. Loving submitted a report to the Department of War that explained that socialist, communist, and labor organizers had nothing to do with the violence in 1919; rather, African-Americans had decided enough was enough. His report was shelved and ignored. Please note that the links below to Amazon are affiliate links. That means that, at no extra cost to you, I can earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. (Here's what, legally, I'm supposed to tell you: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.) However, I only recommend books that I have used and genuinely highly recommend.

Our high school history books highlight patriots like Paul Revere and Samuel Adams during the time of the American Revolution. However, a foundation was being built just before this time through the actions of a small group in Boston on March 5th, 1770. The evening’s events were later known as the Boston Massacre, and we remember eleven people shot, including the death of five men who led a call to freedom from British control. One of these men was a former slave named Crispus Attucks, who was not only the first to take a bullet, he would be the first in our country to die for the American Revolution.African Americans have served our country from its inception, and in all wars. As segregation had lifted during the time of the Vietnam War, progress was made. Yet to this day the brotherhood of soldiers in general shows more of a color-blind culture than the country itself.Following our conversation, join us for a Diner Debrief, a time to meet at the local diner or coffee shop and chat. We are joined by Marine Veteran Leonard Montgomery who shares a perspective on personal experience as an African American both in and out of times of service. We would like to hear from you as well, so please contact us at www.homebase.org/homebasenationThank you for listening, and a very happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Home Base.-HBNHome Base Nation is a production of the Home Base Media Lab in Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston.Special thanks to James House https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_House_(singer) for acoustic start of our Thanksgiving message from song “Warrior, Healer”Introduction HBN theme music by Darden Smith, founder of Songwriting With: Soldierswww.homebase.org/homebasenationTwitter, Facebook, InstagramThe views expressed by guests to the Home Base Nation podcast are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base, the Red Sox Foundation or any of its officials.

Today's guest is Rev. Jim Thurman, Kentucky Commander of the National Association of Black Veterans. He discusses the history of African-Americans in the U.S. military and his work to serve veterans. The Vietnam Vet has worked notably on issues facing female vets and vets that are homeless. Volunteers are needed to help veterans in Kentucky. For more information, contact Rev. Thurman at 859.421.5851.  VA Hotline for Homeless Vets is 1.877.424.3838. Soapbox Diaries on Facebook: www.facebook.com/soapboxdiaries/ Show Email: soapboxdiaries50@gmail.com Guest Website: http://www.kynabvets13.com/ Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NabvetsKyStCmd National Website: https://nabvets.weebly.com/ National Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NabvetsInc/  

Welcome to the radio magazine that brings you news, commentary and analysis from a Black Left perspective. I’m Glen Ford, along with my co-host Nellie Bailey. Coming up: The United States is picking a fight with the two other big powers in the world, China and Russia. But, is the US overplaying its imperial hand? We’ll get an assessment from Dr. Anthony Monteiro. And, two women from the MOVE organization have been released from prison after 41 years behind bars. We’ll have details on their home-coming celebrations.  Reparations is a hot topic in the Democratic presidential race. Although reparations has always been part of the African American agenda, only recently have mainstream white politicians endorsed the concept. The Burning Spear, the newspaper of the African People’s Socialist Party, recently re-released a radio documentary of the 1982 World Tribunal on Reparations to Black People, held in New York City. One of the featured speakers was Afeni Shakur, the former Black Panther and mother of Hip Hop legend, Tupac Shakur. Here’s her testimony, from 37 years ago.  That was Afeni Shakur, the former Black Panther and member of the New York 21. Also speaking at that 1982 World Tribunal on Reparations to Black People, was Job Mashariki, of Black Veterans for Social Justice. The 1982 World Tribunal on Reparations to Black People was organized by the African People’s Socialist Party, whose chairman--  then, and now -- is Omali Yeshitela. The politics of that era was deeply influenced by Malcolm X and others who urged Blacks to take their case against the United States to an international arena. Omali Yeshitela explains. Both the Democrats and the Republicans seem intent on waging never-ending hostilities against the two other major powers on the planet: China and Russia, which have responded to US pressures by forming an even closer alliance. For an geopolitical analysis, we turned to Dr. Anthony Monteiro, the Duboisian scholar based in Philadelphia. Two of the MOVE organization’s political prisoners have been released on parole after 41 years of incarceration. Janet Africa and Janine Africa are part of the MOVE 9, imprisoned in the death of a Philadelphia policeman, in 1978. Mumia Abu Jamal, who was also imprisoned in the death of a cop, has helped arrange a New York City welcome for Janet and Janine Africa. Activist Gwen DeBrow gives us some background on the MOVE organization.  Four of the US activists that defended the Venezuelan embassy in Washington from takeover by Donald Trump’s hand-picked puppets, face up to a year in prison. Glen Ford has this report.

Michael Imhotep host of The African History Network Show discusses on of the most important policies of The New Deal which helped millions of World War II Veterans enter the middle class.  “Why didn't the G.I. Bill benefit 1 million WWII African American Veterans?” During the H.R. 40 Reparations Congressional Hearing on Wed. June 19th, 2019, Economist Dr. Julianne Malveaux talked about how one of biggest programs after Slavery that increased the racial wealth gap was the G.I. Bill because it discriminated against African American soldiers.  LIVE ONLINE CLASS - "Ancient Kemet, The Moors & The Maafa: Understanding The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade What They Didn't Teach You In School” with Michael Imhotep, talk show host, researcher, lecturer and founder of The African History Network.  REGISTER HERE: https://theafricanhistorynetworkschool.learnworlds.com/course?courseid=2019-ancient-kemet-moors-maafa-transatlantic-slave-trade&fbclid=IwAR19I0BdJcSO7nHgva5pCaBuYj3yaxcrLj-sGzHdWpeEf8w63uXM5V-z9MA Michael Imhotep host of The African History Network Show joins The Black Agenda Tour in Chicago, Sat. July 13th, 2019 - 10am - 4pm http://www.TheBlackAgendaOnTour.com.    

Wendy McClinton is the President and CEO of Black Veterans for Social Justice, a non-profit community-based organization serving men and women veterans, their families and members of the NY community. She is joined by two of her colleagues from BSVJ to talk about the experiences and challenges facing black veterans. As a "one-stop-shop" for those transitioning from active duty to civilian life, they provide services in the areas of social readjustment, housing, employment, disability, medical treatment, and many others. http://www.bvsj.org/

Colin who began his football career in college, went on to the NFL to be a great player until he decided to kneel during the singing of the National anthem. He said he was protesting how the veterans weren't being treated right by this country when they came back home; the way the policemen were killing young unarmed African Americans in the streets without being held accountable,and other atrocities. When asked why, he stated that "If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right." His organization, Kappa Alpha Psi has thrown their support behind him. Although he's not playing now, he's not been idle. He has donated $100,000 every month to four charities who were very surprised that he knew about them. A foundation, Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure, or HOME received a $25,000 check in the mail. He also gave $25,000 to a veteran's group called Black Veterans for Social Justice and numerous others. He currently is in a court battle with the NFL and Nike is using him for a very controversial commercial where Colin says, "Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything!"  

Welcome back! That last section was pretty heavy. The racial terror and violence inflicted on Black veterans who had fought for their country are difficult subjects to hear and infuriating to learn about. But it’s even more infuriating that these stories are not taught in schools or discussed on the Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day holidays. Yet these stories need to be told and remembered. Why? It’s history. Not the glamorous and happy history but still it is a part of American history AND the African American experience. It honors the Black soldiers who fought, endured and persevered through the wars, the discrimination and the violence. Again, it reminds me of the quote by WEB DuBois: We return. We return from fighting. We return fighting.   Second, this dishonorable behavior by white Americans who were determined never to accept or respect the contributions of African American soldiers is instructive. We can learn something from their behavior: Why did they act as they did? What were they thinking? What were they afraid of?   Some historians have responded to these questions by focusing on the trigger of their behavior. They didn’t like the thought of a Black veteran wearing his uniform with pride, unity and confidence. This conflicted with the white supremacist picture and structure that they had worked hard since the slavery period to develop. A skilled and confident Black serviceman in uniform is a different person than an uneducated and enslaved person in rags. The former terrified white people. The latter appeased them.     Think of Black Navy veteran Joe Nathan Roberts who, in June 1947, was studying at Temple University as a result of the GI Bill. He went to visit family in Georgia when a group of white men became upset because he refused to call them “sir.” Later that night, Mr. Roberts was abducted from his parents’ home and shot to death. African American veterans had definitely changed and this was disturbing to the white population, particularly in the south.   Then the federal government made a bold move to help veterans. They passed the GI bill. And that permanently changed life in America.   What is the GI Bill?   The GI Bill was officially known as the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. It was a law that provided a range of benefits for returning World War II veterans (who were commonly referred to as G.I.s). It was an important race-neutral piece of legislation for veterans. However, we will see that African American veterans did not receive the full benefits of this historic legislation.   Benefits included dedicated payments of tuition and living expenses to attend high school, college or vocational or technical school, low-cost mortgages, low-interest loans to start a business, as well as one year of unemployment compensation. It was available to all veterans who had been on active duty during the war years for at least 90 days and had not been dishonorably discharged—exposure to combat was not required. By 1956, roughly 7.8 million veterans had used the G.I. Bill education benefits, some 2.2 million to attend colleges or universities and an additional 5.6 million used the GI bill for some kind of training program.   Historians and economists judge the G.I. Bill as a major political and economic success—especially in contrast to the treatment of World War I veterans—and a major contribution to America's long-term economic growth.   Although the G.I. Bill did not specifically advocate discrimination, it was interpreted differently for blacks than for whites. Historians have argued "the law was deliberately designed to accommodate a “Jim Crow” or segregation-based society. Because the programs were directed by local, white officials, many Black veterans were refused benefits. For example, of the first 67,000 mortgages insured by the G.I. Bill, fewer than 100 were taken out by non-white vets.   Why is this part of the story important to remember? Because it helps explain the ongoing challenges of African-Americans to build wealth and achieve intergenerational mobility.    How the GI Bill played out is one of those reasons. Whites were able to use the government guaranteed housing loans that were a pillar of the bill to buy homes in the fast growing suburbs. Those homes subsequently rose greatly in value in coming decades, creating vast new household wealth for whites during the postwar era.  But black veterans weren't able to make use of the housing provisions of the GI Bill for the most part. Banks generally wouldn't make loans for mortgages in black neighborhoods, and African-Americans were excluded from the suburbs (and other predominantly white neighborhood) by a combination of racially restrictive covenants (that were still legal) and informal racism.  In short, the GI Bill helped fostered a long-term boom in white wealth but did almost nothing to help blacks to build wealth or to help Black veterans to re-adjust after their military service. We are still living with the effects of that exclusion today -- and will be for a long time to come.  THIS is why it is so important to discuss this GI bill of 1944. What happens in the past can definitely have an effect in the present: The GI bill is a great example of that. But the GI bill did have its benefits for Black veterans too. The GI bill did have a very positive effect in one area: Education. The passage of the G.I. Bill in 1944 set off an explosion in higher education. It provided veterans with generous financial aid for tuition and living expenses. By 1947, 49 percent of all college students were veterans and nearly half of the 16 million eligible veterans had used the G.I. Bill for higher education or job training when it ended in 1956. It has been passed again to extend it for veterans of later wars.) The G.I. Bill changed the structure of the United States, creating access to education for millions of Americans and helping to spawn the modern middle class. But this increased opportunity was not universal even in education. Many African-American veterans could not attend college because of their sub-standard Jim Crow primary and secondary educations. Those with high school diplomas were largely limited to overcrowded and under-funded historically black colleges and universities that often lacked the liberal arts education available at predominantly white institutions. While these veterans were often only able to choose among overcrowded black colleges, the influx of subsidies for black students forced many white universities to open their doors to nonwhites, helping begin the great integration of higher education. Of course, many of the southern universities remained solidly segregationist. Eventually, the supreme court (with the help of federal troops) forced them to integrate.    So, the GI Bill (The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944) had a positive impact on veterans following World War II and fortunately it was passed again for subsequent wars. In some ways, it contributed to creating or solidifying an American middle class—by helping people to buy homes, receive unemployment benefits and attend high school and college. In fact, President Bill Clinton called it one of the most important pieces of economic legislation that was ever passed in the United States. But it’s clear that the benefits were unequal. African American veterans (and other non-white veterans) were not able to reap the benefits of the GI bill. The social structure that kept whites on top and blacks on the bottom had not been resolved in such a way that Black veterans were able to fully access the benefits of the bill in the way that white veterans were able to. But access to education was certainly one way in which African Americans were able to benefit. And they took full advantage of that opportunity. That benefit had an impact on generations of African Americans. But the financial benefits offered by the bill that would help with mortgages and assist in home ownership were largely inaccessible to African Americans. And that also had an impact on generations of African Americans. We’re gonna come to a close now. This podcast is getting rather long. But the story of African Americans in the military needs to be told. We’ve only touched on it. I haven’t even mentioned the Black heroes—both men and women—who served with great distinction and honor in the military. They deserve to be remembered. And I haven’t mentioned the servicewomen and men who TODAY are serving courageously and protecting freedom and democracy around the world. They deserve a podcast show too.         Remember that the African American experience in the United States is not all doom and gloom. It’s also victory and achievement. Courage and honor. Greatness and glory. In spite of everything, African American veterans and civilians have achieved so much in this country and contributed so much to building and protecting the United States.   Remembering history means remembering everything including the good, the bad and the ugly. Let’s end with the following quote: On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.   So, what can WE do?   At rememberinghistory.com, we want to learn the history but we also want to take action. We can we do so that no veteran (Black or otherwise) is ever left behind?   It’s a good question but I don’t have all the answers. I have some ideas though.   I want to hear your thoughts and ideas. But I also want to see you at the next show where you can hear practical tips for helping our veterans. They did for us. Now it’s time to do for them. We don’t want any of our service women or men left behind.   So, let’s confront this tough task in the next show. It should be interesting and I hope actionable. It is time to take real action to respect, protect and support our veterans and their families. So that brings us to the end of today’s podcast show.   I realize that I mentioned lots of names, places, events, experiences and other information that you might want more information about. The rememberinghistory.com team has you covered. You can get more information, see the people and places, read the “What You Can Do” list, see great pictures and even find good a book list at the Wiki History podcast page on Facebook. You can also find the newsletter called Making History Today! which discusses practical ways that you can actually MAKE history through education, the arts, political activism or whatever interests you.   Finally, I just want to remind you that 2017, the Wiki History podcast show is dedicated to the National Museum of African American History & Culture. Located in Washington, DC, the National Museum of African American History & Culture opened in 2016. This kind of museum was long overdue but it finally happened and it is a place that everyone should visit and explore. Museums are a great way to bring history to life and to keep it alive for future generations. Wiki History is honored to be a part of this important process. For every person that listens to this podcast show, rememberinghistory.com will donate $1 to the National Museum of African American History & Culture.   Come back soon to Remembering History where we ARE remembering history and we’re making it. Every day! And, like Matthew Henson, get ready to sit on top of the world! Bye for now!            

Black Veterans Podcast #1   Welcome to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it. I’m Robin Lofton, the Chief In-house Historian and host of this great and groundbreaking show that will inspire YOU and your FAMILY with true stories, real experiences, practical lessons, cultural traditions, and fun celebrations—all inspired by African American history. I find history to BE inspirational, instructional and entertaining. And African American history fits the bill in all of these ways. Personally, I hate boring stuff. So boring stuff is not allowed at rememberinghistory.com or at this Wiki history podcast show.   Speaking of the show, today’s podcast show is about African American servicewomen and men and veterans. I think that this is a great time to learn about Black veterans. Why? Because it’s November. In the United States, we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, which is also Remembrance Day or Armistice Day in other parts of the world.   Yes, this is the month in which we celebrate the service of the brave men and women in the United States military. It is truly an honor and a pleasure to remember them but I often feel that this is not enough. One month and the sincerest thank you are not enough to compensate them for their courage, their commitment and their sacrifice. So, I’m inclined to thank them every day. To show appreciation every day.   How can we show real appreciation to our African American veterans for what they have endured?   Several ways. First, we can learn the history. We can learn what they have endured as servicemen and women. And it goes far beyond their service on the battlefield. Second, we can remember their contributions, their heroism and their undying commitment to fighting for freedom. Third, we can ask what we can do for THEM today. We can give back to these people who gave us so much.   And that is what this Wiki history podcast show is going to do this month.   I just want first to mention that, during this podcast, you will hear about people, places, events and issues. You will HEAR about them, but I completely understand if you want to actually SEE them, too. You can find pictures of them on the Wiki History Podcast Page on Facebook. You will find pictures, animated videos and a community of history lovers. There is also a place for comments, which I hope that you will leave for me because I really appreciate them and I do respond. Also, if you enjoy this show, please let others know about it. They might like it and find it inspirational too. Let’s change the way that we think of history—one friend at a time. And the Rememberinghistory.com staff is committed to presenting the stories and contributions of African Americans but we also want to encourage you to make history today. We hope that this show does that but also we have the Making History Today! newsletter that teaches people how to change the world! It’s actually easier than you might think but it’s a great newsletter that you can subscribe to at the Rememberinghistory.com website and Facebook page. Don’t be shy; go right ahead and subscribe and get started changing the world and making history!   Let’s begin with the history right now.   Did you know that African Americans have served in every major American war since arriving in the American colonies? From Crispus Atticus in the Revolutionary War up to modern times, African Americans have always had a strong presence in the U.S. military. Yes, even in the two world wars, African Americans were a dominant force. The Vietnam War saw the largest number of African American soldiers in combat. And also the youngest group of soldiers, but of course this was true for soldiers of other ethnicities as well.* More recently, African Americans have served in the Persian Gulf wars and in Iraq* and Afghanistan.     I think that the African American experience in the military was perfectly summarized by historian and scholar, WEB Dubois when he said:   We return. We return from fighting. We return fighting.   We return. We return from fighting. We return fighting.   What did Dr. Dubois mean by this statement? He wrote it in May, 1919 following the World War I. This meaning has changed over time but it reflects the difficulties that African American servicemen and women faced in the past and continue to be confronted with. But the point is that African American servicemen and women and veterans are still confronted with different issues than their white counterparts. Today it is frustrating and infuriating. In the past, it was fatal.   Let me explain. From the end of the Civil War through the end of the second world war, African Americans who served their country were confronted with violence and terror. During the period between 1877 and 1950, more than 4,000 African Americans were lynched. (By the way, this important research was done by the Equal Justice Initiative—and was the most comprehensive research done to date. They should definitely be commended for this unprecedented survey of the lynching of African Americans, showing that there was a virtual reign of terror happening against Americans during that period.) Yes, more than 4,000 African Americans were killed during that period. And research showed that no one was more at risk of experiencing violence and targeted racial terror than Black veterans. White soldiers absolutely did not face this kind of treatment following their military service.   On this point, Bryan Stevenson (executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative) said, “We do so much in this country to celebrate and honor folks who risk their lives on the battlefield. But we don’t remember that black veterans were more likely to be attacked for their service than honored for it.” Wow!   Let’s look back to the armistice following world war I. Black soldiers returning home were greeted with a wave of intense hostility and discrimination. Whites were suspicious and angered at the thought of Black soldiers enjoying certain freedoms, civil rights and possibly liaisons with white women in Europe. And the black soldiers had experienced freedoms in Europe and they were ready to assert those rights when they returned back to the United States. The stage was set for an intense conflict. It began in the summer of 1919, which became known as the Red Summer.     Anti-black riots erupted in 20 cities throughout the United States. A Louisiana newspaper editor wrote, “This is the right time to show them what will and what will not be permitted.” At least 13 African American veterans were killed by lynch mobs. Countless more endured beatings, shootings and whippings. The Red Summer is still remembered by older Black veterans and their families. It was a rude awakening to the fact that even though African Americans had fought valiantly, died courageously and contributed constantly to the war effort, they were not going to enjoy the civil rights and freedoms that they had fought for in Europe. And white citizens were quick to remind them that the white supremacist social structures still existed.   Just the sight of a Black veteran wearing a soldier’s uniform put that soldier at risk of serious bodily harm or death. In fact, the only provocation was often a black man’s insistence on wearing his soldier’s uniform in public. Again, Bryan Stevenson explains it. “Just the sight of a black soldier, just the suggestion that he might take on that empowered, adult, mature identity—that could get him killed.”   And it did. In Hickman, Kentucky in December 1918 just weeks after the end of WWI, recently-discharged African American soldier named Charles Lewis was standing on the street in his uniform when a white police officer began harassing him and claimed that he fit the description of a robbery suspect. Mr. Lewis insisted that he was a good soldier and would not commit robbery. He was arrested. At midnight, a mob of masked men broke into the jail, seized Mr. Lewis and hanged him. They left his body (still in uniform) hanging for all to see. A newspaper headline the following morning was titled, “Nip it in the bud.”   Then there is the story of World War II veteran, Isaac Woodard. On February 12, 1946, Isaac Woodard wore his uniform on a Greyhound bus travelling from George to North Carolina. When he protested mistreatment from the white bus driver, South Carolina police beat him so severely that he was permanently blinded. Although the NAACP protested the attack and demanded prosecution for the offenders, no one was ever convicted. Mr. Woodard later stated, “ We went overseas and did our duty and now we’re home and have to fight another struggle that I think outweighs the war.”   He wasn’t alone in his experience. Civil rights activist, Hosea Williams, had been captured by Germans during the second world war. After his release, he stated, “I want to tell you the Germans never were as inhumane as the state troopers of Alabama.” That says a lot.   So while Black and white Americans fought for freedoms and democracy abroad, white Americans were willing to accept, condone or remain silent on the issue of racial terror, violence and oppression targeted towards African Americans--particularly African American VETERANS—in their own country.   But this racial terror did not start in the 20th century. It began much earlier. As I said, African Americans have been fighting in wars since the American Revolution. But the real terror began following the Civil War.   More than 200,000 African Americans fought in the Civil War. Originally, the Union army was reluctant to allow Black soldiers to fight at all, claiming that that the Black soldiers would feel entitled to respect and rights after the war ended. They served as soldiers, spies, nurses and in supportive roles. In fact, Sojourner Truth served as a spy during the Civil War. The movie, Glory, showed a major battle at Fort Wagner that the 54th Regiment (an all-Black unit) courageously fought but, unfortunately, never won for the Union. But this was just the beginning. Afterwards, many Black soldiers were allowed to join the Union army and President Lincoln credited them with the Union’s victory.   However, following the war at the start of the Reconstruction era in 1877, African American soldiers lost the rights that that had fought for. They were no longer slaves but they were still living in a society founded on white supremacy.   They were prohibited from handling or carrying weapons, they were assaulted, driven from their homes and killed by lynch mobs.   Nevertheless, 380,000 African Americans enlisted in the segregated Army to fight during the First World War.   Why would they do that?   Many had a sense of “patriotic unity” and they hoped that it would increase their social status in the United States. Mississippi Senator James Vardaman warned that this would happen. In a speech on the senator floor in 1917, he stated, “The return of black veterans to the South would inevitably lead to disaster because once you impress the negro with the fact that he is defending the flag and inflate his untutored soul with military airs, he will believe that his political rights must be respected.” In his crude and demeaning way, the senator was right. After Black soldiers returned from Europe where they experienced freedom and more equality, they did expect the same type of treatment when they returned home. But all that they discovered was a society holding on its white supremacist foundation and willing to maintain it through terror and violence. That’s how the Red Summer began. Hundreds of Black men, women and children were killed by mobs and police violence throughout the country. Black veterans were specifically targeted. They were shown no appreciation or respect for their service.   I don’t know if you have heard of the Harlem Hellfighters. They were the 369th infantry regiment who fought in the first world war. They fought so courageously and effectively that France awarded them the country’s highest military honor. Yes, they were an African American unit. Shown the highest respect in Europe but at home they were shown neither respect nor honor.   And this continued following the Second World War in which more than a million African Americans enlisted. Despite all of the violence, discrimination and America’s commitment to maintaining a social structure that kept Blacks in an inferior position, more African Americans than ever enlisted to fight for freedom and democracy abroad. And African Americans continued to fight with skill and honor. I hope that you have heard of the Tuskegee Airmen who served in World War II. Yes, there were many others—if we have time, I’ll discuss them but you can also find them on the Wiki History Podcast page on Facebook.             Yet, as in the first world war, discrimination was active and virtually mirrored the segregated, white supremacist society at home. Black soldiers worked in inferior positions, cleaning the officer’s quarters and latrines or were given highly dangerous, front-line combat missions that were considered too dangerous for white soldiers. Punishments for Black soldiers were often excessively harsh. Black soldiers at military bases in the segregated south were forbidden from eating in restaurants though the restaurants would serve German prisoners of war. White supremacy remained the norm in military life as in the civilian world.   After the war and the return of the Black veterans to the United States, the terror and violence resumed and even increased for Black veterans. Any African American in uniform was at high risk for violence and killing.   You might ask why the soldiers would wear the uniforms if that would put them at increased risk of violence. Great question.   But I see that there was pride in their military service and what they contributed to fighting tyranny and protecting democracy around the world. The soldiers walked with confidence and a newly discovered feeling of entitlement. They had experienced freedom in other parts of the world. They wanted—demanded—those rights when they returned home. The proud and confident black soldier scared many white people and threatened the white supremacist social structure. So, yes, the violence increased. But the African American veterans were changed forever and this changed the entire Black community forever. The modern civil rights movement was imminent, brought in part by these confident and uplifted Black veterans of the second world war. I’m thinking about Hosea Williams (he was the one who preferred the experience as a POW in a German prison to facing Alabama state troopers). And Medgar Evers who became a powerful leader in the NAACP. The black soldiers and veterans changed their communities and the country.   But the fight was not over yet. The United States federal government passed the GI bill—and it “attacked” African American veterans and their families on a different front. This will take us directly into the second part of this great and groundbreaking podcast show.   If you like, you can take a break here. Then continue on to the next podcast that discusses the GI Bill and its effect on African American veterans, their families and communities. But please don’t stop here because you don’t want to miss that exciting and disturbing part about how Black veterans struggled in the past and how they AND their families are still struggling.   But if you choose to stop--Hey, it’s a free country--I just want to remind you of the Wiki History Podcast Page where you can find more information and pictures of the people discussed in this podcast. Also, you will find interesting discussions, questions, videos, games and a whole community of history lovers just like me and you. So please stop by the facebook page and join the fun. Also, I will give you a sneak peek into the podcasts for December. Rememberinghistory.com and Wiki podcast page will discuss Kwanzaa! Yes, it’s that season again and we will discuss the 7 fantastic days of that great and festive celebration.   Finally, please remember that for everyone who listens to these podcast shows, the rememberinghistory.com staff will donate $1 to the National Museum of African American History & Culture. It’s a great museum—long overdue—but it’s here now and we must support it and other efforts to preserve and honor African American history.   So that’s all for now. You can’t see me but I’m standing and saluting our Black servicewomen and men on active duty AND our Black veterans. Let’s remember to honor them this month and every month.   See you soon at rememberinghistory.com where we our remembering history AND we’re making it every day. Bye for now!    

We know, we know. It's been a minute since we hit ya'll with an Afterparty episode, but your prayers have been answered. So with Veterans Day on the horizon, we're joined by former combat medic and current Reparations Podcast co-host Richard Brookshire to deconstruct Obama's military legacy, Richard's quest to maintain his Black identity despite his surroundings, the mistreatment of veterans by society as a whole, why Richard believes Micah Johnson was a martyr for racial justice, and how his military service felt like a lie. And to the courageous individuals in the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, as well as our military veterans, we are eternally grateful for your service and sacrifice. As well as the friends and family who keep them loved and uplifted over the course of their military careers.  And for more from The Extraordinary Negroes: Facebook: The Extraordinary Negroes Twitter: @theextranegroes, #IAmExtraordinary Instagram: @theextranegroes Business Inquiries: theextraordinarynegroes@gmail.com And if you're interested in supporting our movement, we graciously accept Patreon and PayPal donations.

We interviewed Charles Blatcher lll, chairman of the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations, about the very limited display of black veterans and their contributions to the country in times of war and peace and the Civil Rights Movement at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. We also speak with Shereen Marisol Meraji, one of the hosts of among the best podcasts in any category, called “Switch Code” and presented by NPR.Shereen recently did a story on the 100th anniversay of the Jones Act, which gave Puerto Ricans American citizenship. What that means, what that feels like, what the Diaspora is about, was the focus of her program. On Vaya, we ask her about her Puerto Rican identity and how the work of putting together her program felt to her. Then we speak en español, con Ariadna Goenaga, crítica de cine por exelencia, sobre el valor del cine en esta época dominada por Donald Trump.

We are here for you Korner Kids. Let's unpack this election. James was there at ground zero of what everyone thought would be the official celebratory election party of America's first female President. We walk through what happened, from voter turnout, to the reality of America. Most importantly we are going to get you FIRED. UP! Now is the time for action, and we've got some ideas, and reasons to be hopeful. Minority Korner the movement has just begun! In honor of Veteran's day we have two segments. First up Nnekay explores the involvement of Native Americans in WWII- and we have a lot to thank them for. Next James explores the history of Black folks in American wars, spoiler alert we've been fighting for America long before it was even America. Then it's our first ever "Ask Minority Korner Anything" we have a question! We explore escapism, sci fi, and fantasy and how it can be used for good like fighting oppression. All this and more! 

Welcome back to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it. We’re here for another Wiki history lecture featuring the great and groundbreaking podcast series on African Americans in the United States military.   November is the month that Americans remember and honor its veterans—the brave men and women who fought for freedom and liberty both within the country and around the world. Did you know that there are nearly 20 million veterans living in the United States. Of that number, more than 2 million veterans are African American.   African Americans have fought in every U.S. war beginning with the Revolutionary War.   Civil War: 200,000 African Americans served, mostly but not all for the Union war effort. Did you know that Harriet Tubman served as a nurse and spy for the Union Army? World War I: 375,000 African Americans served, mostly as labor: cooking, cleaning and building roads. There was also the Harlem Hellfighters—if you haven’t heard about these incredible guys, you can find their story on one of my podcasts. World War II: 1 million African Americans who fought the Nazis. The Tuskegee Airmen were displayed their bravery and skill during this great war. Most roles for African Americans though were still limited to labor.   I won’t continue through all the wars but I’m sure that you send the trend! African Americans distinguished themselves and served with honor in every U.S. war.         Indeed, the African American presence in the military was always strong and is continuing to grow stronger. There were difficulties, particularly racial discrimination, there were victories and triumphs, there have been heroes (lots of heroes!) and yes, there have been defeats. The history is long and varied so I think that we should get started discussing this fascinating but often forgotten history, this forgotten contribution made by African Americans.   This is African American history at its finest! But you might be asking yourself: what can I learn from it?   Great question.   Here’s the answer: Courage. Determination. Honor.   Great qualities! Everyone can benefit from these qualities—whether military or civilian, male or female, rich or poor, Black or white. These are great qualities for everyone.   And these stories about African Americans in the military--their courage to face obstacles like racism, their determination to fight for their country and their freedom, their courage under fire whether it came from Nazis in 1944, from the Vietcong in 1969 or from other Americans, their honor in saving lives in their country and around the world—these stories will inspire you to transcend any hardships that might be in your own life.   Since this is a wiki history lecture, we will not discuss the African American presence every U.S. war—that would take a very long time—so we will focus on discussing a few special people who distinguished themselves in the military. Remember that my belief—and the approach that we take at rememberinghistory.com—is that history is made by individuals. History is the story of how people lived, how they contributed to their world, what they dreamed of, what they fought for and what they died for. History is made by individuals. So I am absolutely going to tell the stories of a few special individuals who have served their country with honor and distinction. These people have not only helped to serve and protect us, they have also given us a path to follow. Just like the great explorers that we discussed in last month’s podcast series, these people are also role models that we can learn from. Some have distinguished themselves in combat, some by their mere presence in the military, others in unique and controversial ways. All are important. All have contributed to our freedom. And at rememberinghistory.com, we thank them all.   We will discuss two such heroes in the first episode of this series on Blacks in the military. In the second podcast show in the series, we will examine the stories of Blacks in the military as shown on the big screen. That’s right, we’ll discuss movies that show various aspects of the African American experience in the military. I love movies and I’ll mention some of my favorites. If you have favorites, I would love to hear about them. So please leave comments at the rememberinghistory.com website or at the Remembering History Facebook page. If we have time, and I know that we’re bumping up against Thanksgiving (if you are in the United States), we will have one final show that will take special note of the contributions of African Americans currently serving in the U.S. armed forces. You will definitely find this important and inspirational information on the website and Facebook page. And you might also find it on podcast. Send me a message and let me know what you would like.       Speaking about that, I hope that you remember the website and Facebook pages are places where you can find a great group of fun and friendly historians where you can participate in discussions, ask questions, make comments or just talk about anything that interests you. We’re open to all viewpoints and we welcome all interested people. Please also visit the Books & Stuff store where you can find books, DVDs (like the ones that I’ll mention in this podcast series) and lots of other educational and fun tools about African American history. Everything has been personally vetted by me so you can trust it all. Or you can send me your criticisms. I take full responsibility for everything on this website. Not many places where you can find personal responsibility but you can find it here.   Without further ado, let’s open our great and groundbreaking podcast show about Blacks in the Military with a unique and interesting person who was determined to serve her country. Yes, that’s right. We’re opening this great and groundbreaking show with a discussion about a woman who served in the armed forces. Women in the military is very common today, which is great. But her story began more than 100 years ago—and things were different then. Oh, but I’m jumping ahead (or rather jumping back) too much. Let me tell her story properly.   Cathay Williams might be a familiar name to you. But it’s not in many history books. And it’s not in the army enlistment registers either. However, in the army register, you might find the name William Cathay. In fact, I know that you will because I’ve seen it myself. William Cathay. 5 feet 9 inches in height, black eyes, black hair and a black complexion. But William Cathay did not exist. This is not a description for William Cathay enlisting in the armed forces. This is the description for Cathay William. That’s right. Cathay William. And this is her story. This is the story of an African American woman who disguised herself as a man to enlist in the army, the Buffalo soldiers to be exact. And she is the first known African American woman to enlist in the United States army and the only African American woman documented to serve in the United States army in the 19th century.   Cathay William was born into slavery in 1844 in Independence, Missouri. When she was 17 years old, in 1861, she was captured and “freed” by Union troops (remember this was at the start of the Civil War). Although she was “freed”, captured slaves were considered contraband and were usually forced to work for the Union soldiers. Cathay William was no exception and she worked as a cook and laundress for the remainder of the war.   After the American Civil War ended in 1865, employment opportunities were scarce for African Americans. Cathay William always wanted to support herself. She was determined not to be a burden on any family members or friends. She applied for jobs but found nothing beyond cooking and sewing. Many African Americans looked to military service where they could have steady pay but also get an education, health care and a pension. But these positions were open only to men. A male cousin of Cathay William enlisted and received all these benefits. She decided that she would also enlist—as a man. She switched her first and last names (enter William Cathay), took the medical exam and enlisted. Yes, she actually passed a medical examination as a man! She was declared fit for duty on November 15, 1866 and was assigned to the 38th Infantry Unit. This was one of the six units known as the Buffalo Soldiers.       Cathay Williams was as strong as any man in the regiment and she was, in fact, the tallest of the unit. But her career in the military was short-lived. Unfortunately, she contracted smallpox shortly after enlisting the army in Missouri. Still, she marched 536 miles from Fort Harker in Kansas to Fort Cummings in New Mexico. Along the way, she had to be hospitalized 3 times. As a result of the smallpox, she suffered deafness and rheumatism. She also had 10 toes amputated because of diabetes, which caused her to use crutches to walk. In 1868 at the age of 47, she was discharged because of medical disability. No one (except her cousin and perhaps a few others in the regiment) ever knew that she was a woman.   After her discharge, she worked as a cook, laundress, seamstress and nurse in towns throughout Colorado. However, she could not continue to work because of the illnesses she contracted during her military service. So she applied for a military pension and this is when the problems began. Despite her disabilities, the army surgeon declared her to be in “overall good health” and “able to work.” During this time, it was discovered that she was a woman. (The exact means of discovery are not clear.) She was denied the pension. She had to continue working as a cook, laundress and seamstress to support herself. It is not entirely clear what year Cathay William died but it is estimated that it was as early as 1892 or as late as 1900. What is known is that the denial of her pension contributed to her death because she was forced to do physical labor despite her weakened condition.   Cathay Williams was a strong, brave and determined woman in an age when opportunities for women, particularly African American women, were limited.     She is quoted as saying, “The regiment I joined wore the Zouave uniform and only two persons, a cousin and particular friend, who were members of the regiment knew that I was a woman. They never ‘blowed’ on me. They were partly the cause of my joining the army. Another reason was I wanted to make my own living and not be dependent on relations or friends.”   She wanted to be independent. And she served her country with honor.   Courage. Determination. Honor.   Just a note that many women posed as men to enlist in the American Civil War. Some report list hundreds of women posing as men to serve in the army. Some were discovered because of hospital treatments. Others were not discovered during their service but only “confessed” afterwards.   Cathay William is one of the few women (and the only Black woman) whose service is documented. She just wanted to make a living. But she was also making history!   Wow, what an amazing woman! Too bad that she contracted smallpox so early in her career. Still she tried to persist through the debilitating symptoms. Remember she did complete that 500-mile walk. Also, it was too bad that the military did not support her after she could no longer serve. But still she was a strong woman (physically and mentally) and she remained independent throughout her life.   She’s an example and role model to us all!           If you want to learn more about Cathay William—and I really hope that you do—I recommend a great book called Cathay William: From Slave to Buffalo Soldier by Phillip Thomas Tucker. You’ll learn a lot more about this amazing woman and yes there is much more to learn about her. The story will inspire you. Guaranteed!   Now let’s turn to another African American (this time a man) who is also great role model. In fact, he is such a great role model and a true officer and gentleman that the Military Academy at West Point gives an award EVERY YEAR in his name. Do you know his name? I hope so. But I’m gonna tell you anyway.   He is Lieutenant Henry Ossian Flipper and he has an amazing story.   Born into slavery in 1856, Henry Flipper was the eldest of 5 brothers. He was born and lived until his freedom in Thomasville, Georgia. At great risk to everyone, another slave on the plantation taught Henry to read and this would, as expected, play an important role throughout his life.   When the American Civil War ended in 1865, Henry (because he could read and write) attended Atlanta University. He displayed a strong aptitude for math and engineering so he was sent to the Military Academy at West Point. He was not the first African American to attend the academy. In fact, there were 6 other Black men already studying there. They all experienced racial discrimination as well as physical and mental abuse. At the time, there was 1 Black cadet who had been savagely attacked by several white cadets. The cadet (not Henry Flipper) survived the attack but was later expelled for making false charges against the white cadets who had attacked him. Now this did not happen to Henry but it shows the environment in which he was suddenly cast. And Henry did experience a lot of racism and abuse from the white officers and cadets at the academy. Henry Flipper graduated from West Point in 1877. Although he wasn’t the first African American to attend the academy, he did become the first African American cadet to graduate (or be commissioned) from it.   He was then appointed as a second lieutenant in the army cavalry. His first commission was to lead the 10th army cavalry regiment. Perhaps you know them as the Buffalo Soldiers. Lieutenant Henry Flipper became the first nonwhite officer to lead the Buffalo Soldiers!   His first assignment was to Fort Sill in Oklahoma where he showed his skills as a master engineer. He began with engineering a ditch to drain the malaria-infested swamp. That ditch is still known today as “Flipper’s Ditch.” He also supervised the construction of roads and telegraph lines. From there, he was moved to Fort Concho in west Texas and two years later to Fort Davis, also in Texas. Unfortunately, Fort Davis is where Lieutenant Flipper would encounter the racism that would ultimately end his military career. This would be initiated by First Lieutenant William Shafter—Lieutenant Flipper’s commanding officer.   Lieutenant Shafter was brought to Fort Davis, Texas to command the 24th infantry, another Buffalo Soldiers unit. While Lieutenant Shafter accepted Black troops as soldiers, he was absolutely opposed to them as officers. This placed him in direct conflict with Lieutenant Flipper. Lieutenant Shafter (later known as Pecos Bill) brought charges of embezzling government funds (based on falsified evidence) against Lieutenant Flipper, which led to court martial proceedings. It was the ultimate frame up. Fortunately, the court martial found Lieutenant Flipper innocent of the embezzlement charge. However, he was found guilty of “conduct unbecoming of an officer and gentleman”. This was based on Lieutenant Flipper’s relationship with the white daughter of a former commanding officer. (In fact, they used the letters between the Lieutenant Flipper and the C/O’s daughter as evidence against him.) Lieutenant Flipper was received a dishonorable discharge in 1882. He would spend the remainder of his life fighting the conviction and attempting to regain his commission. (By the way, Lieutenant Shafter would later be promoted and awarded the Medal of Honor.) But Lieutenant Flipper’s story is not over yet.   Henry Flipper returned to El Paso, Texas where he worked as a civil engineer. He also worked in Mexico and returned to the United States to work as an advisor on revolutionary politics for Senator Albert Fall. In 1923, Henry Flipper moved to Venezuela to work as a civil engineer in the petroleum industry. In 1931, he retired in Atlanta, Georgia where he died in 1940. But, no, the story still is not over.   In 1976, Henry Flipper’s descendants and supporters applied to the Army Board for the Correction of Military Records to overturn Flipper’s conviction and sentence. The board, after stating it did not have the authority to overturn his court-martial conviction, concluded the conviction and punishment were "unduly harsh and unjust" and recommended that Flipper's dismissal be changed to a good conduct discharge. In 1999, President Bill Clinton issued a full pardon to Lieutenant Henry Flipper.   After his discharge was changed, a bust of Lieutenant Flipper was unveiled at West Point. Since then, an annual Henry O. Flipper Award has been granted to graduating cadets at the academy who exhibit "leadership, self-discipline, and perseverance in the face of unusual difficulties.” This is the award that I mentioned earlier and no one is more deserving of such an honor as Lieutenant Henry Flipper.       Throughout his life, Henry Flipper was a prolific author, writing about scientific topics, the history of the Southwest, and his own experiences. In his book, The Colored Cadet at West Point (1878) he describes his experiences at the military academy. In the posthumously published book, Negro Frontiersman: The Western Memoirs of Henry O. Flipper (1963), he describes his life in Texas and Arizona after his discharge from the Army. You can find these books and others in the store on the rememberinghistory.com website. I also like the DVD called Held in Trust about Lieutenant Flipper. But I admit that nothing beats a book that is written by the person who has actually faced the situations. So, remember that you can find all these great resources on the website. You can decide which is best for you.   Courage. Determination. Honor.   Lieutenant Henry O. Flipper.   So, this concludes the two stories of African American women and men who served the country with honor and distinction. You might have noticed that I chose people who had been born into slavery. People who, upon gaining their freedom when slavery ended, chose to serve their country in the armed forces. Both Cathay William and Lieutenant Henry Flipper had different stories but also similar experiences of racism, discrimination and hardship. But they also had stories of courage, determination and honor. Their stories need to be told because we all can learn from them. We can aim for these high qualities.   Courage. Determination. Honor.   I hope that you noticed that both of today’s history makers also had a connection with the Buffalo Soldiers. If you want more information about the Buffalo Soldiers, I have a fantastic podcast about them (which also includes a discussion about the Harlem Hellfighters) that you can find on the website. I won’t go into detail about either legendary group right now, but I really encourage you to listen to my podcast about them. They were great history makers and they deserve recognition for their service.   In the next podcast show, we will examine a few of the best movies about African Americans in the military.   Let’s remember our veterans this month and every month. Let’s never forget their commitment and sacrifices so that we all could be free and safe. Not all were heroes. Not all were patriots. And not all came home. But their memory endures.   Because of my appreciation for their great service, I am dedicating these wiki history podcasts about Blacks in the military to a Black veterans organization called the National Association of Black Veterans or nabvets. They are an excellent resource for Black veterans and their families. They provide assistance with filing claims, have lots of information for veterans, and provide chaplain services. They have offices around the United States. Or you can visit their website at www.nabvets.org. For every person who listens to this (or any of my November wiki history podcasts), I will donate $1 to the National Association of Black Veterans Association. It is an honor and privilege to support this organization and I hope that you will too. They also have incredible volunteer opportunities so there’s another way to contribute. Remember www.nabvets.org.   Remember our veterans: Honor. Courage. Determination. Great goals for us all. And please visit rememberinghistory.com. Leave your questions or comments. And I would love to hear from our veterans or women and men who are currently serving in the military. You are a great inspiration. And thank you for your service.   Honor. Courage. Determination. See you next time at rememberinghistory.com where are remembering history and we’re making it. Bye for now!                    

Introduction to Kwaanza!   Welcome back to robinlofton.com!  Thanks for listening this December because the podcasts this month are very special. Actually, all the podcasts are special (like November’s Wiki history podcasts about Blacks in the Military or October’s wiki history lecture series about Black Explorers). The wiki history lecture series this month will recognize a holiday and discuss ways to celebrate this holiday.   So, without further ado, what is the holiday?  Kwanzaa!   That’s right, the wiki history lecture series is about Kwanzaa. Last month, I promised to do this series about this important holiday so that’s what we’re gonna do.  I hope you remembered that the History is Power! lecture for December has been delayed until January so that we could devote more time to studying Kwanzaa (which you will hear is a great mixture of history, culture, politics, Pan-Africanist principles, and spirituality).  But the History is Power! Lecture series will return in January and will discuss the civil rights movement—lots of interesting information and stories there so don’t miss it next month.   Back to Kwanzaa! Let me begin by wishing you, “Heri za Kwanzaa!” which means Happy Kwanzaa! In this wiki history podcast, I will introduce Kwanzaa: what it is, how it developed, why it’s important, who celebrates it and how it can be celebrated. Let’s get started.   What is Kwanzaa?   Kwanzaa is a 7-day celebration that honors the African heritage in African American culture.  It was founded by Dr. Maulauna (Ron) Karenga in 1965 and first celebrated the following year in 1966. Dr. Karenga (who is a very interesting and inspirational person) believed (and still believes) that it i important for African Americans to get more in touch with their African roots, culture, traditions and customs.           This is not a recent development. During the Black Nationalist movement of the 1960s, African Americans started looking beyond the United States to discover or re-discover what had been systematically stripped away from us during slavery: our connection to Africa, culture, heritage, language, and way of life. So, Kwanzaa is one way to help African Americans and other Blacks around the world to reconnect with their cultural and historical legacies. This is done through studying African principles, recognizing African traditions and customs and practicing specific rituals.   But it is not heavy and boring. Kwanzaa is a celebration. It is uplifting, motivating, and fun!   We will broadly discuss the principles in the podcast but let’s back up for a moment.  What do you know about the word, Kwanzaa?   Kwanzaa is a Swahili word, which is from East Africa. It is the language used by Pan-Africanists. The full name of the holiday is actually Matunda ya Kwanza.  It means the “first fruits of the harvest.” This gives us a little hint into the focus of the celebration. But there is much more to it that we’ll learn about later.   As I mentioned at the beginning, there are 7 principles of the Kwanzaa celebration. I will simply mention the principles today and I’ll say them in English. But in later podcasts, I will go into much more detail and use their Swahili names.   Here are the principles:   First principle: Unity Second principle: Self-Determination Third Principle: Collective Work and Responsibility Fourth Principle: Cooperative Economics Fifth Principle: Purpose Sixth Principle: Creativity Seventh Principle: Faith   So, there you have them: the seven principles of Matunda ya Kwanzaa. Dr. Karenga developed them (he said) from the best African thinkers and practitioners.   Let me repeat them: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith.   We will discuss these seven principles over the next seven podcasts so stay tuned.   Together with these principles are the traditions, rituals, and symbols. I will just briefly mention the seven symbols that accompany the seven principles—this could give you an opportunity to go out and buy these items. They’re not hard to find! You might even find some of them in your own home. But they are important and you’ll learn why in the coming shows.  They are:   1.    A decorative mat 2.    Corn or other crops (remember, it’s the first harvest) 3.    Candle holder with seven candles 4.    A communal cup (that’s a cup for sharing) 5.    Small gifts 6.    Sign or poster of the seven principles 7.    Flag with red, black and green   See? These items aren’t weird or unusual but they are meaningful. And don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to collect these items for your daily Kwanzaa celebration.    And what to wear? That is usually one of my first questions when I receive an invitation: what should I wear?   It’s not complicated:   Traditionally, men wear dashikis (or shirts) and women wear kaftans (or dresses).   Finally, you might be wondering how many people celebrate Kwanzaa? Great question!   It’s difficult to know how many people celebrate Kwanzaa around the world but the number falls somewhere between 2 million and 30 million. It is celebrated in Canada, France, Great Britain, Jamaica, Brazil as well as the United States.   So, that is almost all for today.    The next seven podcasts will be dedicated to each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. And you will hear great ways to celebrate and recognize the holiday—in big and grand ways or in small and subtle ways.  Whichever way that you choose will be uplifting and inspirational and lots of fun for everyone. The next podcast will discuss the first principle of Kwanzaa. Do you remember which principle it is?  Unity. It’s a great principle to start with.   I just want to tell you that my reasons for introducing and discussing Kwanzaa. I know that many of us are thinking of other holidays right now like Christmas, Hanukkah, Boxing Day, or the Dongzhi Festival. But Kwanzaa is special to me because it is a unique and authentic way to learn about, recognize, and connect with African culture. And you (or I) can still celebrate these other holidays, if you choose. Hey, I love Christmas but I don’t ever want to forget where my people came from or what they have endured and overcome for me to be who, what, and where I am today.    Because African culture is so important, keeping it alive and showing it the proper respect are critical to knowing who we are, I am supporting (through these podcasts) the Association for the Study of African American Life & History. It was established in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson (remember him?) to promote, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture around the world. And for the past 100 years (yes, they’re about to celebrate their centennial anniversary!) this organization has been working hard to promote Black history and culture worldwide. They have an active organization and website: the address is www.asalh.org where you can join, get information about their activities, purchase their black history theme kits, books and journals, and find lots of great information. I just want to add as well that they are participating in an Oral History Project on Black Veterans to ensure that African American voices will be amply represented in the history of American wars. If you enjoyed my November podcasts about Blacks in the military, I think that you will be fascinated by their Oral History Project on Black Veterans.       I strongly support the Association for the Study of African American Life & History and I hope that you will too. You can also follow them on Twitter and Like them on Facebook. For every person who listens to these Kwanzaa podcasts in December, I will make a donation of $1 to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.   So, tell your friends! It is my honor and pleasure to support such an important organization.  Remember, the Association for the Study of African American Life & History. www.asalh.org.   I hope that you have enjoyed this wiki history lecture introducing Kwanzaa. And I hope that you will attend the entire wiki history lecture series this month.  See you next time for the first wiki history Kwanzaa lecture about Unity.   Remember to visit robinlofton.com. Leave your comments and questions. Tell me how you celebrate Kwanzaa or other ways that you keep African history and culture alive in your family. Share your experiences.  I love to talk but I always love to hear from my listeners.   And a big thank you to Jon Knox who has composed this special music for these Wiki History Kwanzaa lectures. He always does such great work; these podcasts wouldn’t be the same without his music.   See you next time at robinlofton.com. Heri za Kwanzaa!

Welcome back to robinlofton.com for Part II of the African Americans in the Military wiki history podcast!   In Part I, we examined the strong presence of African Americans in every U.S. war since the American Revolution. We also looked at problems of segregation, racial bias, and unequal treatment of Blacks in the military. And I mentioned that this these podcasts are dedicated to Nabvets, which is the National Association of Black Veterans, for their great contribution to improving the lives of Black veterans and their families. Thanks to your help (listening to this podcast series), I have been able to make a good contribution to this organization. But I want to donate more so keep listening because it’s about to get even more interesting. At the end of this podcast, you will learn how to contribute to this organization.   In this podcast, we will discuss African Americans who have distinguished themselves in the armed forces. There are regiments that have served the U.S. with honor and distinction. I have to begin with an apology that I cannot list or discuss every one of them—there are just too many!—but I hope that you will be inspired by the great achievements that you will hear about today.  Remember those 3 important words from Part I? Courage, Determination, Honor. These heroes today showed all these qualities and have raised the bar to give us something to strive for.   We will begin with the Harlem Hellfighters.   Is that name familiar?  Hopefully, it will be one day because these men have earned the right to be known, remembered, and written into our history books!   The Harlem Hellfighters were an African American regiment (remember the regiments used to be segregated) who fought in World War I. They were one of the few African American combat units (remember again that most Blacks were relegated to service or general labor duties).  The Harlem Hellfighters were originally called the 15th New York Colored Regiment. Later, they were called the 369th Infantry unit.   So, what did they do?  The Harlem Hellfighters were the longest serving and most decorated unit in World War I. They spent 191 days under enemy fire. Now, that’s courage under fire to an extreme! They are also credited with numerous courageous acts on the battlefield.   What about the name “Harlem Hellfighters”? Former commander, Colonel Reginald Sanders explains: "We did not give ourselves our name [the Harlem Hellfighters]. Our enemies gave us our name, [which] is an honor." The Hellfighters were actually given two different names from the Europeans.  The French called them Men of Bronze out of respect. In fact, the French government gave the regiment the prestigious “croix de Guerre” award in 1918. But it was the Germans who gave them the name of “Hellfighters” out of fear for their acts in combat.  That’s not surprising since the Hellfighters were cited 11 times for bravery under fire.   While the Europeans showed lots of respect for the Harlem Hellfighters, they didn’t get the same respect back at home.  The French gave them the opportunity to fight though it was denied to them by the American army, which had them unloading ships and working as waiters. They had also received their training in South Carolina where they were confronted with racism and race-motivated violence.  There were numerous standoffs between the Hellfighters and the white residents who resented the increased presence of Blacks in their town.   And, following the end of the war, the Hellfighters returned home to what was called the Red Summer of 1919, which was the worst racial violence in U.S. history and saw a nation racial frenzy of riots, massacres, and lynchings throughout the North and South, all were started by whites who were angry about Blacks serving in the military and getting better jobs while whites were away at war.   No, that was definitely not the welcome that the Hellfighters deserved after serving their country so courageously.   Martin Miller, who was 16 when he joined the Harlem Hellfighters, recalled arriving in Europe and beginning the fight: “That day, the sun was shining, and we were marching. And the band was playing," Miller told an interviewer for the 1977 documentary Men of Bronze. "Everybody's head [was] high, and we were all proud to be Americans, proud to be black, and proud to be in the 15th New York Infantry."   They made us proud!   Moving on to another African American regiment that made history and served with honor and distinction. And made us proud, too.   The Buffalo Soldiers   The name might be familiar from the iconic Bob Marley song. But how much do we know about the Buffalo soldiers? Well, now’s the time to learn a bit more.   The Buffalo soldiers were formed in 1866  by an act of Congress. They were actually a group of units: 6 army units, 2 cavalry (the famous 9th & 10th cavalries) and 4 infantry units.   They were charged with protecting the settlers that moved to the western states and supporting westward expansion by building infrastructure for the settlers and government. They rebuilt towns, escorted wagon trains and stagecoaches through hostile territory, and fought in the Spanish-American war and both World Wars. However, in the U.S., the Buffalo soldiers could serve only west of the Mississippi River because of prevailing and persistent attitudes about Blacks following the American Civil War. But they had a very strong presence everywhere that they served.   How did the Buffalo soldiers get their name? Great question. There are a few theories that I’ll mention but you will have to decide for yourself. And, by the way, I would love to hear your theory so send me a note/message on robinlofton.com.   1.   The soldiers’ curly hair reminded the Native Americans of buffalo fur. 2.   The soldiers’ fierce and brave nature and tenacity as fighters reminded the Native Americans of how buffalos fought. 3.   The soldiers’ wore thick mats in the winter made of buffalo hides.   The Buffalo soldiers units were formed during the Indian wars.  This was actually a series of around 40 conflicts  that decimated the Native American population.   There were massacres, destruction of food sources, poisoning of fresh water wells, germ warfare, and large-scale removals. More than 45,000 Native Americans were killed.   Were the Buffalo soldiers involved in this reprehensible behavior? While they did their duties as U.S. soldiers (such as engaging in battle against the Cherokees), there is no record of the Buffalo soldiers engaging in that type of genocidal behavior. In fact, the Buffalo soldiers had a good relationship with many native American tribes, perhaps from a shared understanding and experiences, based on the racial situation at the time. If you have heard differently, send me a message at robinlofton.com—truth in history is my objective always.   The Buffalo soldiers also faced racism.  Reportsshow that these soldiers were frequently subjected to the harshest of discipline, racist officers, race-motivated violence from the European colonists, and poor food, equipment and shelter. White regiments were supplied with silk-embroidered banners but the Buffalo soldiers clothing had to be homemade (remember the buffalo hide theory?) and was tattered and worn. In spite of this treatment and their deprivations, the morale of these soldiers remained high and their commitment was strong. The Buffalo soldiers had the lowest desertion rate in the army, though their army posts were often in the worst areas in the west. Some white commanding officers were proud to lead these men and publicly expressed these feelings. But I have to add that this was not the norm. Most white officers didn’t want to command the black soldiers. The famous Colonel Custer, for example, accepted a lower rank rather than lead an African American unit. In the end,  20 black soldiers received the Medal of Honor, the highest award this country gives for the most outstanding performance under enemy fire. The last Buffalo soldiers regiments (the 27th and 28th cavalry units) were disbanded in 1951. Great work, guys! You make us proud.     Frederick Douglass said that once let the black man get upon his person the brass letter, U.S., let him get an eagle on his button, and a musket on his shoulder and bullets in his pocket, there is no power on earth that can deny that he has earned the right to citizenship." Frederick Douglass Oh, I wish that we had more time but we are keeping it wiki (meaning quick in the Hawaiian language) so we have to move on to discuss other heroes who have also made us proud.  And there have not only been men who have made us proud—and who were deserving of citizenship and all the rights that it affords. Women were and are doing their part, too. African American women have participated in every war since the Revolutionary War, despite the dual problems of race and gender discrimination. There were only a few Black women regiments because women were not allowed to officially join the army until the early-20th century. But women did participate in several different roles, one might really surprise you. Women worked as nurses, postal clerks, stenographers, switchboard operators, and typists. They also served as scouts and spies. One famous spy (during the Civil War) was Harriet Tubman (is that name familiar?). She was so impressive and effective that the soldiers called her General Tubman! One woman actually served as a Buffalo soldier in the Indian conflicts.  After being freed from a Missouri plantation, Cathay Williams served a support role during the Civil War. The following year (in 1866), she changed her name from Cathay Williams to William Cathay and registered for the Buffalo soldiers where she served for more than two years! She was eventually discovered and forced to leave, but she had served as an important member of one of the elite infantry units as a woman disguised as a man! That’s dedication, commitment, and ingenuity! In the Spanish-American War, Black women served as nurses and in other support roles.  During the height of the yellow fever epidemic, at least 30 so-called Black “immunes” (women who had suffered but survived yellow fever) were recruited as nurses to care for people suffering from the deadly disease. Other nurses were told that they couldn’t catch it because black skin is thicker and therefore protected African Americans from getting the disease. Of course, this was not true and many Black nurses were exposed to and died from yellow fever. At the outset of World War I, many trained black nurses enrolled in the American Red Cross hoping to gain entry into the Army or Navy Nurse Corps. As the war escalated, public pressure increased to enlist black women. Finally, shortly after the Armistice, 18 black Red Cross nurses were offered Army Nurse Corps assignments. Assigned to Camp Grant, Illinois, and Camp Sherman, Ohio, they lived in segregated quarters and cared for German prisoners of war and black soldiers. One of these pioneering women, Aileen Cole Stewart, later wrote,The Story of the Negro nurse in World War I is not spectacular. We arrived after the Armistice was signed, which alone was anticlimactic. So we had no opportunity for "service above and beyond the call of duty;" But each one of us...did contribute quietly and with dignity to the idea that justice demands professional equality for all qualified nurses.6 World War II would spawn the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) and Major Charity Adams, its first black officer. She commanded the first all-black female unit, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Film-maker Frank Martin who made a documentary about the battalion noted that “Every single piece of mail that went to Europe passed through this postal battalion. Major Adams and her 855-member unit would spend the last year of the war clearing enormous backlogs of mail, first in England and then in France. By the way, this is a fascinating documentary called “For the Love of Liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots.” I will give you more information about that documentary in the next podcast.  I think that you’ll absolutely love it. When President Truman opened the army in 1948, more than 2,000 African American women enrolled in the Cadet Nurse Corps. But the Women’s Army Corps was where most Black women served the war effort, starting in World War II. Many Black women returned to the corps during the Korean and Vietnam wars, serving in nursing and supportive roles because of the ban on women in combative positions. What about today? Starting from the 1990s, things were very different for Black women in the armed forces. Black women are now well represented in today’s military. In Desert Storm, 40 percent of the 35,000 women active operations were African-American. That amounts to 14,000 Black women! And women are in active combat. Black women make up 30 percent of the military. 13 percent of officers are Black women. The military is indeed changing. Yet we should not forget that it has been a long and difficult road for Black women who have chosen a life in the armed forces. And much is still new: it was just in 2013 that the Pentagon lifted its ban on women in front-line combat roles. There is still much work to be done. I would like to end conclude this section with a quote from Commander Charity Adams Earley, who you might remember led the first African American women’s battalion in World War II. She recently said:         The future of women in the military seems assured.... What may be lost in time is the story of how it happened. The barriers of sex and race were, and sometimes still are, very difficult to overcome, the second even more than the first. During World War II women in the service were often subject to ridicule and disrespect even as they performed satisfactorily.... Each year the number of people who shared the stress of these accomplishments lessens. In another generation young black women who join the military will have scant record of their predecessors who fought on the two fronts of discrimination—segregation and reluctant acceptance by males.8 But we won’t forget. Ever. And I hope that these podcasts help you to remember them and their contributions. So, that’s all for today. This wiki lecture can’t cover everything about blacks in the military or everyone who served like Dorie Miller, a cook in the Navy who distinguished himself during the attack on Pearl Harbor or the Tuskegee Airmen, the Red Tails who served so courageously in World War II or Sojourner Truth who was a nurse during the civil war or now retired General Colin Powell who has had a long a distinguished career as National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Commander of the Army Forces, and Secretary of State. And there are so many more. But we are keeping it wiki here.  And I might add that there is one more part to this interesting lecture series. Part III discusses films about Blacks in the Military. Some of these films are older, others were made more recently. But they definitely bring the Black experience in the military to life. And it gives us a chance to discuss other Black heroes and feel inspired by their stories.  Honor. Courage. Determination. You will see how they lived these principles and how important they are to everyone. Please don’t forget that November is the month to remember and honor our veterans.  The National Association of Black Veterans works all year long to support and assist black veterans. That’s why I’m giving $1 to the Nabvets for every person that listens to this podcast this month.  They have a great website at www.nabvets.org. It’s my honor to show support for them—like they have shown support for our veterans over the years. And shown us honor, courage, and determination. I hope that you have enjoyed this podcast at robinlofton.com. Please leave your comments, questions, and thoughts. I love to hear from my listeners or anyone who is interested in African American history. See you next time to review movies about Blacks in the military at robinlofton.com.  And a big salute to Jon Knox for making that great music—I just wanted to get up and march! Hug and veteran today and I’ll see you soon at robinlofton.com.            

Welcome back to robinlofton.com for another Wiki History Lecture!         November is the month that Americans remember and honor its veterans—the brave men and women who fought for freedom and liberty both within the country and around the world. As of 2013, there are nearly 20 million veterans living in the United States.  Of that number, more than 2 million veterans are African American.     African Americans have fought in every war beginning with the Revolutionary War.   Civil War: 200,000 African Americans served. World War I: 375,000 African Americans served World War II: 1 million African Americans served   I won’t continue through all the wars but I’m sure that you send the trend!   Indeed, the African American presence in the military was always strong and is continuing to grow stronger. There were difficulties, particularly racial discrimination, there were victories and triumphs, there have been heroes (lots of heroes!) and yes, there have been defeats. The history is long and varied so I think that we should get started discussing this fascinating but often forgotten history.   This is African American history at its finest! But you might be asking yourself: what can I learn from it?   Great question.   Here’s the answer:  Courage.  Determination. Honor.   Great qualities! Everyone can benefit from these qualities—whether military or civilian, male or female, rich or poor, Black or white. Everyone.    And these stories about African Americans in the military--their bravery to face obstacles like racism, their determination to fight for their country and their freedom, their courage under fire whether it came from Nazis in 1944, from the Vietcong  in 1969 or from other American soldiers—these stories will inspire you to transcend any hardships that might be in your own life. So, let’s get begin at the beginning.   Did you know that African Americans fought in the Revolutionary War?  Well, you can believe it because both free and enslaved Africans fought on both sides of the war (at least in the beginning). You might wonder why, in the 1770s) any Black person, especially slaves, would fight for the American Patriots or for the British Loyalists.   There were, of course, many different reasons but most boiled down to fighting for their freedom or believing in the republican principles of liberty and equality. Many enslaved Blacks (on both sides) were promised their freedom. During that time, blacks served as soldiers, spies, guides and messengers.  Yet free and enslaved Africans were not initially welcomed to join the Americans.  In fact, General George Washington fervently refused to recruit Blacks into the Continental Army and actually took steps to keep them out. In fact, General Washington, in 1775, issued an order to army recruiters, ordering them not to enroll "any deserter from the Ministerial army, nor any stroller, negro or vagabond". That was not his highest moment. But he eventually was forced to accept Blacks into the army when the British general granted freedom to all slaves willing to serve the British forces.       Still, there were many Blacks who served with distinction and honor.  Crispus Attucks (hopefully, this is a familiar name), a runaway slave was one of the first people killed by the British in 1770, which was a major step towards Revolution. That is a long story, which I won’t go into right now, but he died in the Boston Massacre and was viewed as a martyr by both whites and Blacks at the time and still is today as well. In fact, a Crispus Attucks Monument was erected in Boston.  Peter Salem was also a man that served with honor and distinction for the Americans during the Revolution.  He was a true hero at the battle of Bunker Hill. Salem was a slave whose owner allowed him to join the militiamen.  At the famous Battle of Bunker Hill, the Americans were just about to surrender when Salem stepped forward and shot and killed the commander of the British forces. After that heroic feat, the Americans gained renewed energy and eventually won that important battle. Because of his courage under fire, Salem was put on a postage stamp, but not until in 1968. Better late than never!   In total, more than 5,000 Blacks fought on the American side during the Revolutionary War.  There is no denying that African Americans made substantial contributions to the victory that created the United States of America.   There are a lot more wars and experiences to discuss so let’s move on.  This is the beginning of a long and continuing story of African Americans serving in the armed forces.   But since this is a wiki history lecture, we will not discuss the African American presence every U.S. war—that would take a very long time—so we will focus on the important or recurrent themes that marked the military experience for African Americans.  And we would be remiss in failing to mention a few special people and military units who distinguished themselves in combat.   One prevailing theme (briefly touched upon in the previous section) is racial discrimination in and by the military.   Even as Crispus Attucks was fighting (and dying) for the American cause, racial discrimination was a major factor in determining who could fight for freedom and, indeed, who was “entitled” to freedom in the American colonies. Despite the promises made and the rights proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence, which said that “all men are created equal,” Africans were not included in these republican principles. (Remember that Crispus Attucks was, himself, an escaped slave.)   Racial discrimination has been rampant in the military since the formation of the Continental Army in the 1700s.  Although African Americans have fought in every major war in America, they were not afforded the rights or given the duties that white soldiers were readily granted. The discrimination and bias were expressed in different ways.   1.   Segregation   From the American Revolution through the mid-20th century wars, the military endorsed racial segregation. In other words, Blacks and Whites were kept separate in living, eating, training, and even combat situations. The war department felt that racial segregation in the military just as in civilian life was the most logical and efficient way to manage the presence of Blacks in the army.    In World War II, for example, more than 1 million African Americans served in the military. However, Blacks were not permitted to join the air force or marines. And the segregated regiments (called “colored regiments”) were not treated equally. African American units often had inferior accommodations, food, and training.  Still, by World War II, African American enlistment in the military was at an all-time high because Blacks wanted to serve their country and fight the growing threat from Nazi War Machine.  In 1948, President Truman ended segregation in the military. Of course, segregation remained the norm throughout in civilian life.     2. Assignments   Another form of racial discrimination in the military was with the assignments that were given to African Americans. One type of assignment was simply support. For example, African Americans in the Navy could serve only as cooks or waiters. This extended to the rest of the military.  White soldiers and officers did not want to train or give arms to Black soldiers.  Others felt that Blacks were unable to learn and were intellectual inferior to Whites so they could only serve to support the white soldiers or as general labor to the military.    Later, when Blacks were allowed to participate in combat, they were given the most dangerous assignments that often resulted in high levels of casualties. During the Civil War, for example, the Black death toll was 40 percent higher than the death toll for whites. And this is an interesting story. In World War I, when the Americans arrived in Europe, France requested soldiers for its armies.  American General Pershing was reluctant to give U.S. soldiers to the French army but he finally agreed to give the Black soldiers. In response, the French army assigned the Black soldiers to the hardest, dirtiest, and most dangerous assignments. Casualties were enormous. And this problem was also noted in the Vietnam War, in which 40 percent of African Americans draftees were given combat assignments and suffered twice the casualty rate of white military draftees.   Racial bias was also evident in the military draft and recruitment. Again, the Vietnam War serves as an example.  Remember the draft was used to obtain most of the soldiers for that war. Of course, there were exceptions to the draft and many of them favored white Americans.  For example, deferments for college attendance and certain civilian occupations favored whites over Blacks. In fact, 41 percent of draftees were African American though Blacks accounted for only 12 percent of the population. The casualty rates of African Americans constituted nearly 20 percent of all combat deaths during the Vietnam War.  I just want to add that the Vietnam War was the first war in which conscientious objectors had a strong voice, the most famous of which was Muhammad Ali. He refused to enlist (despite receiving his draft notice) and was stripped of his boxing titles but, after a lengthy appeal, the Supreme Court overturned his criminal conviction and reinstated his titles.    Just briefly, I want to mention that the numbers of African American officers was very low until recently. And Black officers could not command white units and faced heavy discrimination.  Black officers were not eligible for certain honors and awards. However, the number of Black officers has been steadily increasing since the Persian Gulf Wars.  Today, 13 percent of officers are African Americans.  This part of the story is a success and a great place to stop for today—on a high note.   Yes, there is so much more that can be said about racial discrimination in the military but this is just a short introduction.  But we are still focusing on Blacks in the military. In the next podcast, we’re going to examine Black heroes in the armed forces and special units like the Tuskegee Airmen.  Many people have heard of them and that’s great. But we will also examine other special units. Have you heard of the Harlem Hellfights?  Well, you’re gonna love these guys—they were tough, patriotic, and Black!   Stay tuned for their stories. In the third and final podcast about Blacks in the military, we will examine a few of the best movies about African Americans in the military.   Let’s remember our veterans this month and every month. Let’s never forget their commitment and sacrifices so that we all could be free and safe.  Not all were heroes. Not all were patriots. And not all came home.  But their memory endures.   Because of my appreciation for their great service, I am dedicating these wiki history podcasts about Blacks in the military to a Black veterans organization called the National Association of Black Veterans or nabvets.  They are an excellent resource for Black veterans and their families.  They provide assistance with filing claims, have lots of information for veterans, and provide chaplain services. They have offices around the United States. Or you can visit their website at www.nabvets.org. For every person who listens to this (or any of my November wiki history podcasts, I will donate $1 to the National Association of Black Veterans Association.  It is an honor and privilege to support this organization and I hope that you will too. They also have incredible volunteer opportunities. Remember www.nabvets.org.   Remember our veterans: Honor. Courage. Determination.  Great goals for us all.  And please visit robinlofton.com. Leave your questions or comments. And I would love to hear from our veterans or women and men who are currently serving in the military. You are a great inspiration.   See you next time to hear about the individual black heroes and groups of heroes that have served the U.S. with distinction.   And a special thanks to Jon Knoxx who composed the music for this podcast.   See you next time at robinlofton.com!                    

Chris Parker (Ph.D., University of Chicago, 2001) is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Washington. The bulk of his research takes a behavioral approach to historical events. More specifically, he brings survey data to bear on questions

NCHV-2009 ANNUAL Conference MAY 20-22, 2009 WASHINGTON, DC Our show Sun April 26th at 930pmEST-A Candid discussion with homeless Veteran advocate Balewah Alimayu. Mr. Alimayu served with great distinction and bravery under fire in Vietnam from 1966-68. His courage as a Marine earned him honors including the Purple Heart. His service to comrades and country continues as the coordinator for the Homeless programs of the GA State Association for Black Veterans. He will be discussing the upcoming Nat'l Coalition of Homeless Veterans (NCHV) Annual Conference. It's being held in Washington, DC May 20-22, 2009 US veterans homeless? It seems disgraceful! What can we do to help? Does the Bible give us any insight or instruction on what to do? Your calls and comments are welcome. Show call in number is (347) 838-8767The website to listen and chat is http://www.blogtalkradio.com/WRTS-FM Don't miss an opportunity to be part of the solution to a senseless problem. Take care and God Bless Minister Jonathan

The Marine Corps was the last military service in the United States to accept black volunteers. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt by executive order 8802, called for an end to discriminatory practices based on color, race creed, or national origin within the armed forces. It wasn't until 1942 that the US Marines complied, and when they did, African American volunteers did not at the traditional boot camps of Parris Island, South Carolina or San Diego, California. African American Marines were trained at a segregated facility in New River, North Carolina near Camp Lejeune. This first group of African American Marines came to be known as the Montford Point Marines. In this edition, producer Deborah Holt talks to a Montford Point Marine and to a retired marine officer who is not only a product of the valor of the men at Montford Point but is also one of only 13 African Americans who have earned the rank of General in the United States Marine Corps.