Anew Climate’s Post

The rich history of Black women in American military history since the Revolutionary War is too extensive to be summarized, but in honor of Black History Month, let’s take a moment to appreciate some historical highlights: https://hubs.ly/Q02k4q_g0 #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryIsAmericanHistory

Following up on my prior post, about a month ago, I shared a flyer on a teach-in the Pittsburgh Black Socialist Study Group, a project of the Pittsburgh Black Worker Center, was holding on AFRICOM, the U.S. Military Command in Africa which at last count of which I’m aware in 2020 had almost 30 bases of operations in Africa. The video of the event is below and the slides and further resources are in the video details section. https://lnkd.in/eQgJcCJM

Our upcoming lecture will interpret the "First Emancipation," when thousands of people of African heritage secured freedom by the end of the 18th century. They would establish many of America's earliest free communities of color, which became the stomping grounds of free African American religious, educational, civic, and, most notably, political expression well before most African-heritage people obtained emancipation after the Civil War. https://lnkd.in/gJihnVfG

Growing up, I wasn’t taught a whole lot about Black history in school. It wasn’t until my 20s, when I moved to Sierra Leone, that I started to comprehend how much of our history I had been missing.   Freetown in the 1990s was, in a way, the perfect place for me to learn about historical events that deeply affected the United States.   Not long after my arrival, I learned the story of the Amistad Rebellion; the story of 53 Mende captives who, in 1839, were forcibly enslaved and illegally shipped to Cuba.   After an endless, excruciating journey and being subject to severe mistreatment, the captives revolted, taking hold of the Amistad ship, where they were being transported. Without any navigation knowledge, the 53 depended on the remaining crew members to sail back to Sierra Leone but, in the hopes of being rescued, the crew members changed the route which led the ship to Eastern Long Island, New York, where a U.S. naval brig seized the unlawful vessel.   The African captives were then jailed and sent to Connecticut to await trial. Following a lengthy legal battle, the case was heard at the U.S. Supreme Court, and the captives were set free.   Unknowingly, they played a crucial role in galvanizing the abolitionist movement in the United States.   For me, discovering this piece of history while living on another continent underscored the importance of recognition within our borders.   History matters, and narratives like the Amistad Rebellion not only resonate globally but also contribute to fostering a culture of understanding and empathy worldwide.   #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM

As we come to a close to Black History Month, know that Black History should be celebrated all year. Ally’s and DEI champions, I too encourage you to continue the journey with your knowledge and understanding that the work continues. People of color need you more now than ever as the article reflects financial equity gaps that goes back for centuries. #BlackHistoryMonth #DiversityandInclusion #FinancialEquity

An Experiment That Helped Save America The legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen is multifaceted and profound, encompassing their accomplishments in World War II, their fight against racism, and their lasting impact on American society. Here are some key aspects that you may not have known. Pioneering heroism: First Black military aviators: They broke racial barriers by becoming the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps, overcoming prejudice and systemic racism. Distinguished service: They flew over 15,000 sorties in Europe and North Africa, amassing an impressive record and earning numerous accolades, including 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses. Nicknamed "Red Tails": Their distinctive red-painted P-51 Mustang fighters earned them the nickname "Red Tails," becoming a symbol of their skill and courage. Fighting for equality: Challenged segregation: Their success challenged the deeply ingrained notion of Black inferiority, paving the way for greater racial equality in the military and society. Inspiration for the Civil Rights Movement: Their courage and resilience served as an inspiration for the Civil Rights Movement, demonstrating the power of nonviolent resistance and demanding equal rights for all. Enduring impact: Desegregation of the military: Their achievements contributed significantly to President Harry S. Truman's decision to desegregate the U.S. military in 1948. Role models for future generations: The Tuskegee Airmen continue to inspire future generations, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, courage, and fighting for what's right. Educational resources: Numerous museums, memorials, and educational programs celebrate their legacy, ensuring their story is remembered and continues to inspire. In conclusion, the Tuskegee Airmen's legacy is a testament to their bravery, resilience, and commitment to fighting for equality. Their story continues to inspire and motivate individuals and communities striving for a more just and equitable society. https://lnkd.in/g4PTqyRZ

Today is Juneteenth, a day celebrating the end of a horrific period of American history that many people still have a difficult time reckoning with. "Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as 'Juneteenth,' by the newly freed people in Texas." "The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth": https://lnkd.in/ejd2puYH I have read various pieces on Juneteenth, including the Wikipedia entry, and they all include important insights and historical facts. Do you have a recommended article, podcast, or video on the topic?

To all who champion DEI please read this article: 💡How a father and son fought segregation and became the first Black generals in the US military…. As you read the article and celebrate the achievements of two generations of American heroes, I encourage you to open the link to the 💡1925 Study by the Army War College. I point this out because, as the current Anti-DEI rhetoric lament about America not being a “racist society,” this study tells a different story… America IS NOT the worst country in the world, BUT she has practiced racial discrimination policy based on an ideology of racism. If you see yourself as an champion of DEI then I ask you to read and understand US history. The facts are the facts. AND the fact is that DEI is not the problem, racism in America is the problem! The Anti-DEI movement is trying to erase and rewrite history! WHY? https://lnkd.in/eb3y8ifm

Black history is American history. February is Black History Month and each week of this month our team will be posting a profile of an inspiring Black American we think you should know about! Today we would like to acknowledge Colin Powell. His autobiography "My American Journey" and "the Powell Doctrine", a principle that "posits that the United States should only go to war as a last resort with a clear and obtainable objective and exit strategy, and with overwhelming force and strong domestic and international support." This is a compelling, principled way to make a decision and commit oneself to results. In [a] 2011 NPR interview, Powell was asked about his doctrine and [h]e replied: "Well, the Powell doctrine ... isn't a doctrine in any Army manual. It's just the way in which I looked at military operations — says make sure you have a clear political objective and make sure you bring all the tools of national power to bear — economic, financial, political and military, if necessary. And if you find it necessary to use military force, send in a force that will get you decisive results. I never used overwhelming but decisive. You know what you're going after and you're going to put the force behind it." He is remembered for many things - the Kuwait war, his briefing to the UN Security Council about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and his efforts to rebuild the military in a post-Vietnam era. Like all of us, he has had successes and failures. https://bit.ly/3SYZUdA

Black history is American history. February is Black History Month and each week of this month our team will be posting a profile of an inspiring Black American we think you should know about! Today we would like to acknowledge Colin Powell. His autobiography "My American Journey" and "the Powell Doctrine", a principle that "posits that the United States should only go to war as a last resort with a clear and obtainable objective and exit strategy, and with overwhelming force and strong domestic and international support." This is a compelling, principled way to make a decision and commit oneself to results. In [a] 2011 NPR interview, Powell was asked about his doctrine and [h]e replied: "Well, the Powell doctrine ... isn't a doctrine in any Army manual. It's just the way in which I looked at military operations — says make sure you have a clear political objective and make sure you bring all the tools of national power to bear — economic, financial, political and military, if necessary. And if you find it necessary to use military force, send in a force that will get you decisive results. I never used overwhelming but decisive. You know what you're going after and you're going to put the force behind it." He is remembered for many things - the Kuwait war, his briefing to the UN Security Council about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and his efforts to rebuild the military in a post-Vietnam era. Like all of us, he has had successes and failures. https://bit.ly/3SYZUdA