BUILD recognizes Black military heros

Compiled and submitted by The Washington State Department of Veteran's Affairs in support of Black History Month, 2021.

Revolution and War of 1812
James Robinson. Born, lived, and fought while enslaved getting promised freedom each time. Lived to be 115! Twice denied the freedom he’d fought for, a black Revolutionary War hero from Maryland is honored at last - The Washington Post
 
Civil War
Robert Smalls-Received his freedom when he stole the Confederate Boat he was piloting, picked up all of his crew’s families and his own (slaves) and sailed into the Union’s arms. Served numerous years in Congress! 
 
World War I
Henry Johnson Fought with Black regiments in Europe and fought closely with the French, came home a hero. He spoke out about how Black soldiers were treated and lost everything. 
 
World War II
Black women who were a part of WAC became important postal workers ensuring soldiers received mail from home. They smashed stereotypes and had a huge impact.
 
Civil Rights
Bayard Rustin a Black Civil Rights Leader, a close confidant and civil rights partner to Martin Luther King Jr, and openly gay. One of our heroes!  
 
Vietnam
Guion Bluford an Aerospace Engineer, Air Force Officer who was a fighter pilot in Vietnam, an Astronaut, and the first African American to go into space. 
 
Iraq
Staff Sgt. Stevon A. Booker. Helped take down the Hussain government, died in action by exposing himself to enemy fire for 5 miles before being fatally wounded. He was a Silver Star recipient.
 
Also: The Gulluh People
A language and culture of the enslaved of SC and Georgia, Florida Sea Islands. The Gulluh people still have a strong culture, amazing food, and the language is taught at Harvard.