Allensworth’s Legacy Comes to Life at West Oakland Veterans Program
The National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations urged California Governor Gavin Newsom to grant (by Jan. 2027) Colonel Allen Allensworth an honorary posthumous promotion to brigadier general in the California National Guard.
OAKLAND, Calif. — A small but engaged gathering of veterans and their supporters attended an informative program honoring Colonel Allen Allensworth on November 12 at the West Oakland Senior Center. The event brought together military history, civic participation, and the continuing effort to secure honorary recognition for the pioneering Black Army officer.
Phillip Byrdsong, a member of the West Oakland Senior Center Veterans Committee, served as master of ceremonies. Charles Berthia presented highlights of the group’s October 10 visit to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in Tulare County, California, connecting that shared experience with the program’s focus on preserving and celebrating Black history.
Charles Blatcher III, Publisher/Chairman of the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations, reminded the audience of the importance of veterans’ participation in the recent midterm election. He thanked those who supported and participated in the Coalition’s Registration and Voting Campaign, emphasizing the value of making veterans’ voices heard through the ballot.
A highlight of the program was the presentation by Charles Allensworth, the Colonel’s great-great-nephew. Dressed in a period Army uniform, he brought Colonel Allensworth’s history to life, offering a personal connection to the man whose legacy continues to inspire efforts to preserve and share Black military history.
Blatcher also updated the audience on the request that Governor Gavin Newsom grant Colonel Allensworth an honorary posthumous promotion to brigadier general in the California National Guard. He expressed disappointment that the Governor’s Office had not publicly addressed the request from the Coalition and the California Hawaii State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
The Coalition is once again asking Governor Newsom to grant the request or publicly explain the reasons for declining it before his term expires on January 4, 2027. Those attending the program agreed that the Black community deserves that degree of respect. The Coalition believes granting this recognition would strengthen the Governor’s legacy and honor Colonel Allensworth’s contributions.
The program connected Oakland’s senior veterans and their supporters with Colonel Allensworth’s legacy while encouraging continued civic participation and public advocacy.
The Coalition calls on the public to contact Governor Newsom’s Office at 916-445-2841 to voice support for granting Colonel Allen Allensworth an honorary posthumous promotion to brigadier general in the California National Guard. Help us urge the Governor to honor the Colonel’s legacy and respond publicly to this request.
