People across the nation, including many veterans as part of the National Coalition of Black Veterans, have called for an “Honorary Promotion” of Col. Charles Young and they have been waiting for a response from the White House. For two years, the Coalition has politely asked the White House and the Commander- in-Chief for an “Honorary Promotion” for Col. Young to the rank of “Brigadier General”.
Among his numerous achievements, Col. Young was the third African American cadet to graduate from West Point in 1889. At the time of his death in 1922, he was the highest ranking Black officer in the military– a segregated military. As other deserving soldiers are receiving their belated medals, let us continue to let the White House know that Col. Young must not be forgotten.
Cong. Barbara Lee and thirty-five members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued a letter of support to President Obama calling for Col. Young’s promotion. Letters of support from the Haitian Ambassador Paul G. Altidor, Liberian President Ellen Sirleaf and Honorary Consul from the Republic of Sierra Leone Chief Methuselah Z.O. Bradlley, IV along with other notables have been sent to the White House.
General Jack Pershing supported Col. Young in spite of risking his own career, knowing that Young did not get his next step of promotion because white soldiers made it clear that they would not serve under or salute a Black general.
W.E.B. Du Bois gave the eulogy for Col. Young in 1922 — He said “No one ever knew the truth about the hell he went through at West Point. He seldom even mentioned it. The pain was too great. Few knew what faced him always in his army life. It was not enough for him to do well-he must always do better; and so much and so conspicuously better, as to disarm the scoundrels that ever trailed him. He lived in the army surrounded by insult and intrigue and yet he set his teeth and kept his soul serene and triumphed.”
To further share the passion and frustration on this journey to recognition of Col. Charles Young, please see the editorial by Arelya J. Mitchell, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of the Mid-South Tribune and the Black Information Highway. Go to:http://blackinformationhighway.com/White%20House%20bratmobile.htm
