It is that time of the year. Celebrating ‘Black History Month’. The role of African American Heroes remains part of the celebrations. Over 2 million African Americans are currently serving in the U.S. military, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Their dedication and sacrifices in safeguarding our nation don’t go unnoticed. Similar to numerous veterans whose military service has paved the way for success in civilian life, African American veterans have leveraged the skills and discipline acquired in the military to achieve prominent roles in the civilian world. Here are some well-known African American Heroes in the Military whose impactful contributions to popular culture and society commenced after their discharge from the armed forces.
Morgan Freeman Serving in the Airforce
He joined the Air Force in 1955 with aspirations of becoming a fighter pilot inspired by characters he saw in movies. Choosing to pursue his interest in flying, he declined a drama scholarship to Jackson State University in Mississippi before enlisting. During his time in the Air Force, Freeman served as a radar technician and climbed the ranks, attaining the rank of airman 1st class after nearly four years.
In 1959, Freeman left the Air Force, redirecting his focus toward an acting career. He made his debut on-screen appearance in the 1964 TV soap opera “Another World.” Since then, Freeman has become a highly recognizable figure in Hollywood, earning four Academy Award nominations and winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2005 for his role in Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby.”
Tracy Marrow, aka Ice-T Serving in the Army
Tracy Marrow, originally from Newark, New Jersey, lost both his parents when young. He had to move from one relative to another, before settling with an aunt in Los Angeles at the age of 12. Seeking a source of income after high school, Marrow joined the Army to support his girlfriend and their daughter. Served for four years in the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, where he managed to sustain his passion for music by investing in stereo equipment. They included turntables, a mixer, and speakers, all while holding the position of a squad leader.
His post-military success inspires many Black-African military men and women. Marrow achieved success as Ice-T in the early days of Hip Hop. He emerged as a prominent figure in the genre during the 1980s. His accomplishments include winning a Grammy for Best Rap Performance in 1991 before shifting his focus to acting. He has appeared in numerous films such as “New Jack City” (1991), “Johnny Mnemonic” (1995), and “Mean Guns” (1997). However, Marrow is most renowned for his enduring role in “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.”
Jimi Hendrix Ranked among African American Heroes in the Military
Before becoming a legendary guitarist, Jimi Hendrix had to choose between prison and the Army due to a troubled childhood. Enlisting in 1961, he served with the 101st Airborne Division but received a discharge after a year due to an ankle injury. Hendrix’s subsequent years were dedicated to honing his guitar skills, leading to fame with ‘The Jimi Hendrix Experience in London in 1966’. Hendrix’s career, though short-lived, earned him numerous awards, including Grammy Hall of Fame Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Hendrix is celebrated as one of the greatest instrumentalists in rock history.
Berry Gordy Jr Serving in the Army and Participating in Korean War
Berry Gordy, revered as the founder of Motown Records in Detroit, pioneered the iconic Motown sound, featuring music pioneers like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, and The Temptations. Despite starting as a journeyman, Gordy’s career took a turn when he left school to pursue boxing. However, his Army draft during the Korean War in 1951 shifted his path. After his service ended in 1953, Gordy worked at Ford Motor Company but eventually borrowed $700 from his father to establish Motown Records. The label became the most lucrative African American business for over 25 years. Gordy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and received the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama in 2016.
David Robinson in the U.S Naval
David Robinson is among the African American Heroes in the Military. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, David Robinson, known as “The Admiral” during his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, served in the Navy from 1983 to 1989. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Robinson majored in mathematics. He contributed to the Civil Engineering Corps at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia, engaging in both engineering and recruiting campaigns. Robinson’s NBA achievements included Rookie of the Year, MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and multiple All-Star selections. His philanthropic efforts were acknowledged with the creation of the David Robinson Plaque for NBA Community Assist Award winners.
James Earl Jones a Korean War Participant
He participated in the Koran War, after joining the Army in 1953. Before voicing Darth Vader in “Star Wars,” James Earl Jones joined the Army in 1953. This was after excelling in the Pershing Rifles Drill Team and Scabbard and Blade Honor Society at the University of Michigan. After basic training and Ranger school, Jones helped establish a cold weather training command. Discharging as a 1st lieutenant, he shifted to acting, earning accolades for “The Great White Hope.” Jones starred in acclaimed movies like “Dr. Strangelove” and received multiple awards, including two Tony Awards, an honorary Academy Award, two Emmy Awards, and a Grammy Award.
Sheryl Underwood
He served at the Air Force Reserve. Sheryl Underwood, after enlisting in the Air Force Reserve following her college graduation, became a notable comedian. Graduating with degrees from various institutions, including the University of Illinois at Chicago and UCLA, Underwood entered the stand-up comedy scene. She was the first female finalist in the 1989 Miller Light Comedy Search. Her career includes roles in movies like “I Got the Hook-Up” and “Beauty Shop,” as well as co-hosting CBS’ “The Talk.” Underwood is a philanthropist, owning Pack Rat Productions, Inc., and supports education through the Pack Rat Foundation. She’s a member of the NAACP and the National Council of Negro Women.
Elgin Baylor in the Army Reserve
Hall of Fame shooting guard Elgin Baylor played for the Los Angeles Lakers while committed to the Army Reserve. Averaging 27 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists in 14 NBA seasons, Baylor’s standout season occurred in 1961-1962 while stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington. Despite driving over 1,000 miles each weekend to play for the Lakers, Baylor achieved remarkable stats. His 61-point performance in the NBA finals remains a single-game record. Baylor’s dedication to both basketball and military service is an enduring part of his legacy.
Laurence Tureaud, aka Mr. T
Turead is recognised among the African American Heroes in the Military, after serving in the army. Before portraying Clubber Lang in “Rocky III” and B.A. Baracus on “The A-Team,” Laurence Tureaud served in the Army, enlisting in 1975. In the Military Police Corps at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, he earned commendations and was named “Top Trainee of the Cycle.” After discharge, a knee injury derailed his NFL dreams, leading to a career as a bouncer. The “Mr. T” persona, with gold chains and a Mohawk, gained fame, eventually leading to his acting career. Diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma in 1995, Tureaud beat cancer and now advocates for veterans and cancer survivors.