BENJAMIN O DAVIS SR AND SON FOUGHT SEGREGATION AS THE FIRST BLACK GENERALS


By jlustig
Brig. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Sr. watches a Signal Corps crew as it erects equipment somewhere in France on Aug. 8, 1944.

Benjamin O Davis Sr. was the first Black brigadier general in the US Army, but he had to go through obstacles before he was seen as an influential figure. While he was trying to make a change, his son watched his courage to fight against discrimination. Decades later, his son followed in his footsteps commanding the Tuskegee Airmen.Related read: Meet Ed Dwight Who Was Almost the First Black Astronaut

Who is Benjamin O. Davis Sr.?

Benjamin O. Davis Sr. was the first Black general and was born in Washington, DC, after he participated in the high school’s cadet program he decided he wanted to join the military during the Spanish-American war. He was part of the all-Black 9th Cavalry, and served in the Philippines and at the US-Mexico border. He did not serve the front lines during World War I, but instead he worked as a supply officer. During this time, there was a big emphasis on Black individuals not being over white officers or Soldiers. As a result, Benjamin O. Davis Sr., was assigned to be a professor, even though he preferred to serve with the troops. Additionally, Benjamin O Davis Sr. was bounced around from post to post, and to ROTC leadership roles.Suggested read: How to Get Free Tax Prep For Military Personnel

Father’s Footsteps: Davis Jr. Honoring Benjamin O. Davis Sr.’s Leadership

Davis Jr. watched his father face discrimination and wanted to become something inspirational just like his father. At first, he wanted to become a pilot but he put that aside to become a military officer by attending West Point. In 1932, he attended West Point. During this time, he roomed alone, and often ate by himself in the cadet mess hall. Usually this type of treatment happens when someone violates the honor code, but people simply didn’t speak to him because of his race.

Achieving Greatness

Though he had to put up with this type of treatment at West Point, individuals didn’t know that had a goal to accomplish greatness. He was not going to let others scare him away. Benjamin Davis Jr. was top 12% of his class in 1936 and was the fourth Black cadet to graduate from West Point, which hasn’t happened in nearly 47 years! There were not many options out there for him, so he decided to become a professor of military science and tactics at the Tuskegee Institute.

Advancing Opportunities for Black Soldiers

Early 1940s came around and it was clear that the US was going to war. Black workers still were struggling with fair treatment.On October 25, 1940, Benjamin O Davis Sr. was temporarily promoted to brigadier general by President Franklin D. Roosevelt then signed an executive order to prevent discrimination happening in defense and government jobs. The changes were huge, as Black Soldiers started to get the recognition they deserved.

Making History

When we look back, Benjamin O Davis Sr. and his son, Benjamin O Davis Jr. made history that will always be looked upon as unforgettable. It gives us inspiration possibly to be just like our parents one day! Read next: Discover LA’s Japanese American National


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