Black History Month is celebrated each year in February to recognize the significant contributions that Black Americans have made in our nation’s history. It’s a time to collectively celebrate their contributions to our society and reaffirm our shared commitment to the ideals of freedom.
At VA, it’s also a time to recognize and celebrate the long and upstanding history of Black Veterans who have so ably served our nation, as well as the pioneers who advocated for change and to better improve our care of all Veterans.
A history of service
Black Americans have been part of the country’s military history since before its official founding, including in the colonial wars as well as the American Revolution. Black Union regiments also fought for their own freedom in the Civil War.
These Veterans paved the way for the courageous and ground-breaking service of Black Americans in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
From the Buffalo Soldiers to the Tuskegee Airmen; from the Montford Point Marines to the “Golden Thirteen” commissioned Black officers in the Navy, Black Veterans have served ably for generations, and their ranks are not limited just to men. Black women, too, served in the Navy WAVES, Coast Guard SPARS, and the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps.
Today, there are approximately 2 million Black Veterans in the United States, and VA is happy to stand ready to provide them with the care they have earned with their service.
A history of leadership
Just as Black Americans have long served with distinction in the military, VA has its own history of important Black leaders at every level of leadership.
In 1962, Dr. Howard Kenney became the first Black director to integrate a VA hospital system with his position at the East Orange, New Jersey, VA facility. In 1969, he again made history by becoming the first Black American to be appointed as a VA regional medical director. He later worked as an associate deputy chief for policy, plans, and operations at VA central headquarters.
In 1980, Vernice Ferguson became the first Black American nurse appointed as VA’s director of nursing, returning to VA after serving as head of the nursing department at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. Prior to her retirement in 1992, she was instrumental in developing our Health Professionals Scholarship Program (HPSP).
In 1984, Viola Johnson became the first Black American woman to lead a VA medical center. Her career with VA dated back to 1952, with her first job right out of college. She went on to become the first Black American woman selected for the highly competitive hospital director training program. This led to several prominent leadership roles before she took the reins at Battle Creek, Michigan.
In 1993, Jesse Brown became the first Black American Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Secretary Brown delivered on a number of goals to innovate within VA, as well as extended disability payments to Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder and Agent Orange exposure, expanded services to women Veterans, and addressed the needs of Veterans experiencing homelessness.
A commitment to Veterans
Even as we celebrate Black History Month, we know that our work is ongoing. Veterans from unique backgrounds may face additional health challenges and stigmas. Recognizing those concerns, VA works to combat disparities.
Fostering a belief that our individual experiences can have an impact on care also helps our efforts to provide care to all Veterans. When a Veteran walks through our doors and finds a provider who understands their needs, we pave the way for a faster road to recovery.
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