Every Month Is Black History Month

UNITED STATES

02.17.2021

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jaimar Carson Bondurant 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Hawaii

The Navy observes Black History Month in the United States and recognizes the contributions that Black people have made to the Navy and this country, willingly and unwillingly. Their sacrifice is a crucial detail that makes America the country it is today, and so to honor that sacrifice we remember those historic Sailors, notable civil rights leaders and the millions of Black people whose names never saw the sun.
We take this month to remember names like Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. and Doris Miller, historical Black Sailors who defied expectations and spearheaded the experience of Black people in the Navy. Their names alone are synonymous with bravery and toughness, but toughness lies with all of those Black Sailors who served a country that did not fully serve them at the time.
We hear stories like those of Doris Miller all the time when we think of historically great Sailors, but it would be unfair to say that every Black Sailor at the time was able to show courage in this manner. More accurately, they may not have been ready for the possibilities or outcomes of serving the Navy. They may have been scared, but chose to serve to support their families or themselves. But only in the face of fear can someone be brave. Those Sailors paid prices they could not afford so that we may enjoy our current freedom.
As a Black Sailor, I have personally enjoyed the freedoms that those before me have paid for. When I was considering joining the Navy, I knew that I wanted to be a Mass Communication Specialist and tell stories like the one I’m telling now. I made my mind up and walked into the recruiter’s office with only one job in mind, and I would refuse to join unless I got what I wanted. I think back to those first Black Sailors who were only allowed jobs as stewards and mess attendants. They did not have the license to demand a job that they were passionate about, and still served their country with honor even then. Their dedication to service even as stewards and mess attendants opened the door for Sailors like me to freely choose whatever job I want.
This month is not long enough to recount every great detail of American history that Black people have pioneered, just as this story would never be long enough to tell all of their stories. So many lives were lived quietly, but still made all the difference to the Navy we serve today. That is why every month is Black History Month. We will never finish telling their stories.

• Date Taken: 02.17.2021
• Date Posted: 05.21.2021 00:06
• Story ID: 396325
• Location: US