This one-on-one interview features host and 60 Minutes correspondent Bill Whitaker in an animated and history-filled discussion with the first black captain at West Point and four-star General Vincent K. Brooks. Valor In The Face of Racism: The History of African Americans in the Military provides a rare opportunity for viewers to learn about the rich history of African Americans in the military—one that dates back to the founding of the United States and continues to today. Brooks hails from a family who boasts four U.S. Army Generals consisting of his father, brother and cousin and a history that can be traced back to the 1600s. His recount of African American history is compelling, as is his “must see” review of America’s war and military efforts, that include segregation and integration of the U.S. Armed Forces as well as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, World War I and II, the Korean and Vietnam War, and modern day combat like the Persian Gulf War and the Iran Iraq War. The role of African Americans to persist even when confronting racist ideology and beliefs is revelatory. The discussion also features a Q&A session with questions from The HistoryMakers MilitaryMakers Advisory Committee. Don’t miss out on this in-depth exploration of the history of African Americans in the U.S. military.
