No doubt, the African race constitutes very special and creative people whose impacts are always felt in any country they reside. The case is not different in the United States of America where the contributions of the African-Americans in the overall development of the country can never be overemphasised.
From sports, entertainment, academia, religion, discoveries and even military, the Black-Americans have proven themselves relevant and committed to the course of America.
No wonder the month of February is tagged ‘African American History Month,’ dedicated to the celebration of the African-Americans for their significant contributions to the rich heritage and culture of the country in all areas of society. Established in 1926 as Negro History Week, President Gerald R. Ford expanded the African American History Month celebration in 1976 to include the entire month of February.
This year, US Navy commands are encouraged to celebrate and reflect on the theme, ‘A Century of Black Life, History and Culture,’ which underscores the heritage and influence of the Africans on the American society.
Also tagged US Navy African American History Month, the US Navy uses the special occasion to highlight African-Americans’ services and contributions in the Navy. While honouring African-Americans, which at present, constitute over 17 percent of its active duty Navy total force end-strength, the US Navy also appreciates the growing number of African-Americans in its service who have continued to serve with distinction.
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Going down history lane, African-Americans have especially been present in US armed forces from the American Revolution to the present. During the War of 1812, most states rejected attempts of African-Americans to join state militias. However, 500 African-Americans fought at New Orleans in late December 1814 and several hundred with the Navy. During the Civil War of 1861-1865, African-Americans constituting 10 percent to 20 percent of each ship’s crew, fought on every kind of Union warship with eight Medal of Honour recipients.
Of course, there was an iconic Golden Thirteen. In March 1944, 12 prior-enlisted black servicemen were commissioned as ensigns, and a 13th was made a warrant officer.
They were the first group of black servicemen to complete officer training in the Navy and led the way for future African-Americans. By the end of the war, 64 African-Americans had become officers in the US Navy.
Of note is Doris Miller, the first African-American to the Navy Cross for his act of bravery during the Pearl Harbour on December 7, 1941. Edna Young broke record as the first black woman to enlist in the regular Navy and to achieve the rank of a petty officer in 1948, while Wesley Brown made it as the first black graduate of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1949.
African-Americans continued to serve with distinction then and in recent time. From 1982 till today, Admiral Michelle Howard became the first African-American woman to command a US Navy ship, afterwards promoted to a 2-star and 3-star admiral, to serve as a Vice Chief Admiral Operations and to be promoted to 4-star admiral.
Admiral J. Paul Reason became the first black officer to wear four-stars and assumed command of the Atlantic Fleet in 1996, while Vice Admiral Samuel Gravely Jr., became the first African-American to command Navy ship, Navy warship under combat conditions, Navy Major Command warship and Numbered Navy Fleet from 1965 to 1999. After 34-years of meritorious service, Gravely Jr. was honoured with the commissioning of USS Gravely on November 20, 2010, by the Department of the Navy, United States of America.
At present day, African-Americans constitute over 17 percent of US Navy active duty total force end-strength, and continuously serve with distinction, something to be pride of.
OBINNA EMELIKE
