Last week I was the guest on a radio talk show out of Atlanta. A caller asked "Why would a black man or woman want to fight for a country that has abused and mistreated his people for hundreds of years." From his tone, I could tell that he was heated up for a live on-air confrontation. To lessen the wind in his sails, I first assured him that his question has no doubt entered the minds of most African Americans at some time or another. As a disenchanted teenager growing up during the brutal civil rights years, I certainly harbored the question.
Then, I answered his question with total honesty, "Personally", I said, "I joined the military because 26 years ago, I was sick of my job and needed a change." That's the truth. Sorry, no patriotism, no blind dedication to the cry of democracy....It was just opportunity. I was offered free education, discipline, (which I desperately needed), travel and an exciting career. I took advantage of it, and, guess what, it worked! This is true of scores of other African Americans just like me. In fact, during WWII, Korea and Viet Nam eras, the military is was about the only place that a black man or woman could find decent employment with benefits, and a future. And, millions of African Americans living today have prospered because of it. To borrow the words of Malcolm X, "It's not a staggering thing, just common sense."
I paused, awaiting for a response from the caller. There was none, so I kept rolling.
Secondly, I said, "Yes, I will rise up and defend this country because my mother, sisters, grandkids and everybody else that I love, live in this country! Anyone trying to invade these shores intending do harm to any of them will find me there waiting! And I'm a handful. Again, I'm sorry caller, but there was no sacrificial devotion to the flag, no blind dedication to any politician or even a government for that matter.
I was also quick to point out that as black career military members, we don't individually don't pick our leaders any more that you pick the leaders where you work. Our top leaders are elected by the American people. Over my 21 year military career I've served under good military leaders, but I've also had bad ones.
Each one of the 3.1 million living black veterans today, has his or her, own reason for serving. Some share my reasoning and some had radically different reasons.
Perhaps you'd like to respond or offer your own answer to the question still haunting most African Americans today,
"Why would a black man of woman serve in this Country's military?"
Thanks for your fantastic support, this is only the begining!!! We're looking forward to hearing from you, here your thoughts and opinions matter! CDR (Ret.) Gregory Black, Founder, Black Military World.com
