As Black History Month comes to end in the US – I salute my father

?Born in Mississippi, my father enlisted in the Marines in 1943. As a result of his patriotism and service to his country he is being awarded, posthumous, the highest civilian honour in the US – the Congressional Gold Medal. First, some background.

In 1943, Mississippi, like much of the Southern United States, was deeply entrenched in a system of racial segregation and discrimination. The state adhered to Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation in various aspects of public life, including schools, public transportation, restaurants, and other public facilities. This legal framework was designed to maintain white supremacy and uphold a racial hierarchy.

?African Americans in Mississippi faced systemic racism and were subjected to unequal treatment in all aspects of life. They were denied access to the same educational opportunities, healthcare, and public services as their white counterparts. The state's political and social structures were dominated by white supremacists, which further perpetuated racial inequality.

?In the workforce, African Americans often had limited job opportunities and were subjected to lower wages than their white counterparts for similar work. Voting rights for Black individuals were severely restricted through various measures such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and other discriminatory practices.

?The racial climate in Mississippi during this period was marked by violence and intimidation against Black communities. Lynching’s, Ku Klux Klan activities, and other forms of racial violence were unfortunately common. The state was notorious for its resistance to civil rights advancements, and the pervasive racial discrimination would persist for many years.

?My father voluntarily joined the Marines and trained at Montford Point, the first African American segregated boot camp operated by the Marine Corps.?In the heart of Montford, a dedicated group of individuals known as the Black Montford Marines faced not only the challenges of their military duties but also grappled with poor living conditions that added an extra layer of hardship to their service.

?The Marines, despite their unwavering commitment to duty, found themselves residing in cramped and outdated barracks. These living spaces lacked the essential amenities necessary for a comfortable and conducive environment. Insufficient heating and cooling systems made extreme weather conditions unbearable, exposing the Marines to discomfort and health risks.

?Furthermore, the barracks were often plagued with issues such as leaks, mould, and inadequate sanitation facilities. The subpar conditions not only impacted the physical well-being of the Marines but also took a toll on their mental health, as they struggled to find solace in spaces that were supposed to provide respite from the demanding nature of their service.

?Limited resources and outdated infrastructure exacerbated the challenges faced by the Black Montford Marines. Insufficient funding for necessary repairs and upgrades left the Marines in a perpetual state of discomfort, highlighting the urgent need for attention to the living conditions of those who serve on the front lines.

?Despite these adversities, the Black Montford Marines demonstrated resilience and dedication to their mission. My father as did many of his fellow Black Marines were stationed in the Pacific, and saw battle.

“When the war ended, their trials didn’t. The Montford Point Marines returned home, not to a hero’s welcome, but to continued discrimination. The respect and recognition that should have been their due were often withheld, bestowed freely to their white counterparts instead.

Yet, in the face of these formidable challenges, the Montford Point Marines stood tall. They upheld their honor, served with distinction, and broke down barriers. Their legacy was not merely in the battles they fought overseas, but in the path they forged for future generations of African American service members.”

On November 23, 2011, the President of the United States signed into law the legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honour bestowed by Congress, to the Montford Point Marines. President Barack Obama stated that “Despite being denied many basic rights, the Montford Point Marines committed to serve our country with selfless patriotism.”?

My father will receive his (posthumous) Congressional Gold Medal, this August 2024. I am proud to bear his name and look forward to receiving the medal in his honour. I salute my father, Corporal Frank Douglas, Senior. Kenny Akers Daire Douglas Caolinn Douglas #BlackHistoryMonth #Marines Lance Douglas #MontfordMarines

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