https://blackamericaweb.com/2018/02/14/little-known-black-history-fact-olivia-j-hooker/
Yes. More firsts. I'll be glad when that monicker can be retired but I don't see it happening soon.
Olivia J. Hooker. Remember that name. She turned 102 this past Monday (Feb. 12). She was the 1st African-American to be join the United States Coast Guard after the U. S. Navy rejected her. She had signed on to the Navy but said, "Ta Ta" after rethinking the antics they'd pulled to keep her out initially.
Wow. Getting choosy about who even wants to defend this country. Just wow. Then again, the U. S. Army wasn't desegregated until Truman took office as President. And that's because the U. S. Was getting its butt kicked in both "theaters' of engagement.
But I digress.
Olivia was really dedicated because even after witnessing the horror of the burning, looting and demolition her home, and the all-Black area of Tulsa, Oklahoma known as "Black Wall Street", she STILL desired to join this land's armed forces. Would not have been me. Nope.
A graduate of Ohio State University, Columbia University and finally of U. of Rochester where she earned her Ph D. She went on to teach at Fordham and didn't retire until 7 years go!
Dr. Hooker is still active in a civilian branch of the Coast Guard.
http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2013/10/olivia-hooker-a-spars-story/
all info courtesy of blackamericaweb and Coast Guard Compass
No comments:
Post a Comment