On July 26, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Government Order 9981, integrating America’s Armed forces, and 75 years later, Howard College, a website with a deep historical past of navy service and civil rights activism, acknowledged this pivotal second in American historical past with a panel and symposium.
The college, in partnership with Blue Star Households and The Chamberlain Undertaking hosted “Freedom to Serve: Integrating the Armed Providers, an occasion that included sturdy conversations, an look by Air Drive veteran and venerable actor Morgan Freeman, and a celebration of American heroes.
Howard College (HU) President Wayne A.I. Frederick opened the occasion by reminding audiences of the establishment’s lengthy historical past with the armed forces.

“For over 100 years, Howard College has had its personal ROTC battalion, 1000’s of Howard alumni serve all through the armed forces in the present day, and Howard is the primary HBCU to function a U.S. Division of Protection, Air Drive College Affiliated Analysis Heart,” Frederick mentioned. “We’re happy with our ongoing efforts and glad to function the host of this vital occasion, commemorating a milestone in our nation’s historical past.”
Earlier than studying a press release on behalf of Vice President Kamala Harris, a Howard College alumna, Freeman famous his personal dedication to Blue Star Households.
“When Blue Star Households requested me to come back, I accepted as a result of I’m a veteran, and I thanks for what you’re doing,” mentioned Freeman, who acquired an honoree diploma from HU. “I care concerning the individuals who serve, and I’ll proceed to be of service.”
Along with Freeman, different distinguished visitors and history-makers have been on Howard’s campus for the occasion, together with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough and Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, who have been keynote audio system.
Secretary of Protection Lloyd Austin, a retired United States Military four-star common, additionally gave digital remarks.
How Civil Rights and Civic Duty Work Collectively
Blue Star Households is the nation’s largest nonprofit devoted to supporting navy households and strengthening communities throughout the USA. The group, based by navy spouses in 2009, helps navy households when a cherished one is deployed and when that particular person returns.
Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Households, instructed the viewers concerning the significance of getting this Seventy fifth-anniversary event at Howard College.
“Civic accountability and civic rights go hand in hand,” mentioned Roth-Douquet. “By telling the story of how navy service interrelates with civil rights and strengthens our nation at house and overseas, we’re telling a optimistic story concerning the individuals who serve and navy service itself, which is especially significant now, when recruiting is stumbling. We’re excited to spotlight many various heroes and the way in which forward.”
The Chamberlain Undertaking bridges the military-civilian hole inside larger training. The group awards Retiring Officer Instructing Fellowships, which Howard College has hosted. Retiring service members are given instructing positions at main faculties and universities particularly for sharing various views with college students.
“The mixing of the Armed Forces in 1948 was a pivotal second in America’s lengthy and persevering with journey towards the total realization of civil rights for all People,” mentioned Jonathan Soros, founding father of The Chamberlain Undertaking. “We’re proud to associate with Howard College and Blue Star Households to commemorate this vital anniversary and acknowledge the important connection between our civil and navy establishments.”
With the 75th anniversary of the desegregation of the U.S. navy, Frederick emphasised the significance of becoming a member of Blue Star Households and The Chamberlain Undertaking for this observance.
“Howard College has a protracted historical past of supporting the range of the armed forces. Howard college students, college, and alumni play an vital position within the navy by bringing a broad vary of views, experiences, and experience that contributes to the general success of our nation’s protection,” mentioned Frederick.