Record date:
Continuing to Serve: Reflecting on the History and Legacy of African American Service Members
Since World War I, African Americans have served their country bravely and with distinction. Fighting for their best chance of freedom, military service for African Americans has historically had two sides: fighting for their nation while simultaneously fighting for their own equality and rights being denied to them by the same country that they served.
This discussion, consisting of a panel of diverse black veterans and moderated by retired Col. Krewasky Salter, a contributor for We Return Fighting: World War I and the Shaping of Modern Black Identity, will discuss their perspective of what service means for the African American community, and how black veterans have continued to give back and serve following their time in the military.
Moderator:
Dr. Krewasky A. Salter spent 25 years on active duty in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Colonel. He owned and operated an academic research and development small business for more than nine years and is a Military History and African American History historian and museum professional. Among his areas of expertise is the African American Military Experience. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Museums at Cantigny Park in Chicagoland, which includes the First Division Museum and the developing Robert R. McCormick Museum.
Panelists:
Victor LaGroon serves as the first Chairman of the Black Veteran Empowerment Coalition (BVEC) as well as a member of the Board of Directors for the Black Veterans Project. In this capacity Victor advocates for policy changes that enhance equitable utilization of benefits for African American service members and veterans. In addition to leading the BVEC, Victor heads veteran hiring and retention strategies for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team at City of Hope. Victor credits his diverse experience and impact to his time spent with the 10th Mountain Division, US Army, where he served as an Intelligence Analyst and was medically retired in 2006.
Dr. James L Miles’ primary passion is to help leaders, organizations, and communities fulfill their vision for sustainable, resilient growth that’s measurable socially, culturally, and economically. His community, professional, and academic experience is shaped through service in the United States Marine Corps. He is a private and public sector leader, an ordained American Baptist minister, a certified Reiki Master Teacher, and a Heart Math certified trainer, coach-mentor, and Master Trainer.
Dr. Mary Roberson has more than 28 years of proficiency in the Behavioral Health Services field. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization (NIRCO), a first for Lake County, IL. She has served on multiple state and local boards and coalitions. In Lake County those include the Waukegan Township Coalition to Reduce Recidivism where she served as President and currently Immediate Past President. The Lake County Opioid Initiative and the 19th Judicial Circuit Mental Health, Drug and Veteran Treatment and Assistance Courts. Dr. Roberson is a Navy veteran and one of 94 women veterans on the historical all HerStory Honor Flight from Illinois. She has a Doctorate in Education in Counseling Psychology and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.