More than 100 Black female veterans and active duty members attended the National Association of Black Military Women s four-day conference in San Antonio.
Opening Wednesday at the O.C. fairgrounds, "Fighting for the Right to Fight" highlights the achievements and challenges of Black troops, who sought a “double victory” overseas and on the home front.
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Jason Smedley remembers the pain of his 2000 attack by lower-ranking Marines during a training exercise he led as a lance corporal at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton’s School of Infantry. While some held Smedley, the others beat him, knocking out many of his teeth.
“They just didn’t like taking orders from a Black guy,” Smedley said. As punishment, the group was barred from going out that weekend.
Unable to speak after enduring multiple dental surgeries, Smedley fell behind in the training and almost had to start over. At his breaking point, Smedley planned to leave the Marine Corps, until a Major convinced him to stay and ensured he would graduate with his group.
The Black Veterans Empowerment Council (BVEC) have released an open letter urging the Biden–
Harris administration to appoint Black veterans to senior roles within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Those selected for VA leadership should be equipped with the cultural competencies and bureaucratic proficiencies to foster a culture of inclusivity and transparency from day one,” said
Victor LaGroon, Director of the Black Veterans Empowerment Council. “It is imperative that the Biden-Harris administration take full advantage of this unique political moment to redress long-standing harms done to the Black veteran community. BVEC looks to work collaboratively in support of these efforts.”