In dealing with racism within our ranks, who do you draw inspiration from?

2020-05-06T16:34:43-04:00

I read this today:

https://taskandpurpose.com/history/jackie-robinson-court-martial

- LT Robinson demonstrated the Army values by knowing his legal rights and standing up for his own value and worth when these rights were being infringed upon. Moreover, he displayed immense dignity and ethical awareness. In his testimony he articulates the negativity of the racial slur and how its use is completely unethical. He navigates racial tensions carefully and instinctively identifies the demeaning and unsensible use of the word n-----. LT Robinson refused to surrender to injustice and fought for the equal recognition of his place and his voice in an unjust environment. This type of leadership demonstrated not only personal courage, but the ability to dutifully lead others by exemplifying moral excellence.

- His example can be drawn on for inspiration when we feel intimidated in the face of common injustice. Many in the civil rights movement of our country, such as Rosa Parks and MLK Jr., continue to be such examples in the present as we struggle with racism in the 21st century. Prejudice takes many forms and leaders can often find themselves the outlier in a group displaying racism, sexism, or bigotry. In cases such as this, the military postulates the response of the controlled professional: one who's character remains consistent, who stays informed on relevant issues, and in spite of emotion manages to remain in control of their actions and words. LT Robinson meant to get on a bus and head back to his station, but in a wild turn of events ended up in court martial a few weeks later. LT Robinson gives us a clear example of how Army values can come into play quickly and how we must be trained and disciplined in our professional conduct.

The true story of how Jackie Robinson stood up to racism in the Army — and got court-martialed as...

In August 1945, one year after his acquittal, Robinson’s famed meeting with Branch Rickey would occur at Rickey’s office in downtown Brooklyn.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2020 4:40 PM

2020-05-06T16:40:40-04:00

There was a movie about this incident.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fYeCCbL-fQo

The Court Martial Of Jackie Robinson Trailer 1990

The Court Martial Of Jackie Robinson Trailer 1990 Director: Larry Peerce Starring: Andre Braugher, Bruce Dern, Daniel Stern, J.A. Preston, Ruby Dee, Stan Sha...

Response by Sgt Chris Cornejo made May 6 at 2020 4:51 PM

2020-05-06T16:51:51-04:00

I am happy to hear that you as a leader are concerned about your situation within the ranks. I believe by your concern a solution will prevail.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 7 at 2020 5:11 PM

2020-05-07T17:11:34-04:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2020 5:28 PM

2020-05-07T17:28:10-04:00

outstanding read