Colonel Charles Young in 1916. {African American Museum and Cultural Center}
By Agrippina Fadel
The next free Cultures Around the World lecture focuses on the life and legacy of Colonel Charles Young, an African-American man born to enslaved parents who made a career in the U.S. Army.
Held on Thursday, June 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Coconut Creek Community Center, the lecture features a guest speaker, Dr. David Kilroy, professor of history and chair of the Nova Southeastern University Department of Humanities and Politics.
Dr. Kilroy will discuss his 2003 biography For Race and Country: The Life and Career of Colonel Charles Young.
Charles Young, born to enslaved parents in Kentucky in 1864, was one of only three Black graduates from West Point in the Reconstruction era.
Young served for three decades and, for an extended period, was the only Black commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. He was also the first African-American to achieve the rank of colonel in the United States Army and the highest-ranking Black officer in the regular army until he died in 1922.
In 2022, in recognition of his exemplary service and the barriers he faced due to racism, he was posthumously promoted to Brigadier General. A promotion ceremony was held in his honor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Cultures Around the World is a free monthly lecture series highlighting traditions and unique aspects of civilizations across the globe.
These free monthly lectures are held in person and open to all ages. To RSVP, email COkamoto@CoconutCreek.net or call 954-956-1580.
The Community Center is located at 1100 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek.
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