Black History is American History.

Since 1926, Black History Month has recognized and honored the triumphs and struggles of African Americans in this country. This year’s theme, “Black Resistance”, is the perfect way to commemorate the ways that Black Americans have overcome challenge after challenge to make help build this country. I was fortunate to sit down with General (GEN) (R) Kip Ward and Command Sergeant Major (CSM) (R) Tonya Oxendine, who together have more than 70 years of combined military service under their belts. In this special podcast, we discuss the courageous actions of several African Americans who helped shape our military today.

African Americans in Combat

When bullets fly, I don’t care what your color is. I care about whether you can do your job and have my back. Unfortunately, this has not always been the case for many in our military history. From the very beginning of our Nation, African Americans have sacrificed and overcome to help our military achieve success. I believe it’s important to learn about each other, and forums like this help us to create shared understanding and appreciation.

Appreciation, for groups like the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of primarily African American pilots who successfully completed training and entered the Army Air Corps. Although faced with segregation and inequality on base, these airmen fought against the injustice and were critical to the outcome of World War II. These brave men went on to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.

A lesser known, but just as important component of our ranks was the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. This unique all-female, all-African American unit kept mail flowing to nearly seven million Soldiers during World War II. These women worked in damp, poorly lit and unheated warehouses to clear a bottle neck of undelivered war mail. Although they faced both racism and sexism, they completed their task in half the allotted time and showed the true grit of African American women.

Another important component of World War II was the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion. Dubbed “The Triple Nickles”, this all-black airborne unit was the very first of its kind. Although racial equity kept them from serving overseas, the unit made their mark in history when they were given a special mission to control more than 28 major fires within the United States. The Triple Nickles were later reorganized and were part of the first black unit to make a combat jump during the Korean War. To this day, the Triple Nickles have served in more airborne units than any other parachute group in history.

Furthering Racial Equality

Change. For some, change is intimidating, but as people, we must continue to evolve. When asked about their own backgrounds and what changes they’d like to see in the future, GEN (R) Ward and CSM (R) Oxendine each responded with interesting thoughts.

“When you have something you can look at, hear about and understand, that inspires you to move forward. But you have to have exposure,” said Ward. He believes that exposure leads to inspiration. When we think about racial exposure, we need to frame this correctly. It means exposure to things you haven’t been aware of. Awareness of things you haven’t had to experience yourself. This same exposure is what continues to inspire generations of African Americans to achieve.

Oxendine, many times the only woman in an all-Caucasian male environment during her military career, often had an uphill battle. “I was harassed, talked bout, mistreated. I knew I had to do my best and set the example to lead the way for all those who were watching,” said Oxendine. Her best came in the form of leadership and setting the example. ““I needed to be in positions and places that had less of me.”

If you remember nothing else, remember this: People matter. Black people matter. Let’s understand where we were. Let’s understand what we’ve done. And let’s build on that. HOOAH!

For More Information

Please watch the full video of this week’s Your Next Mission® video podcast episode on our website, our YouTube channel, or our newly launched Rumble video channel.

Your Next Mission® is a program initiative of the American Freedom Foundation, a non-profit
dedicated to serving our Veterans and Families. Your Next Mission® video podcast with host
12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley features insightful conversation with subject matter experts from the
military and civilian communities. It’s a place where we can have frank and honest
conversation, tackle the tough questions, share stories, and have some fun along the way.