An intimate view of the triumphs and challenges experienced by Black officers in the twentieth century.Rise to Command is a social history told in the words of seventeen Black military officers who grew up in the Jim Crow era and served in the US military. The officers speak candidly about their careers and struggles and the important lessons they learned from their communities, which helped them succeed.
Black Americans in the armed forces fought on two fronts: one against America’s external adversaries on the battlefield, and the other against racial discrimination and segregation within military culture and American society. The officers discuss living through segregation, the civil rights movement, and the Black Power movement. These torchbearers speak frankly about the racially biased officer evaluation system, gender discrimination, and how they survived and thrived despite systemic obstacles.
Rise to Command examines the evolution of policies and cultural dynamics within the US military, with a critical focus on the complexities of racial integration and equity. It not only traces the history of change but also underscores the persistent challenges that continue to shape the experiences of service members. Through the memories of Black officers, Rise to Command provides a vital perspective on the struggle for inclusivity and justice within one of America’s most enduring institutions.
The many perspectives from across the wars of the twentieth century highlight the progress these soldiers fought for—from total segregation during World War II to the deployment of America’s first racially integrated military force during the Vietnam War. Although these officers may not have known it, they were blazing the trail for the next generation of Black Americans, in and out of military service.
Industry Reviews
"Isaac Hampton brings his deep historical knowledge to these Conversations with Black Brass. He gives us-in multiple voices, through powerful memories-stories of men and women who served their nation in uniform. This book is absolutely necessary for anyone who hopes to understand the history and significance of Black Americans in the US military."- Beth Bailey, author of An Army Afire: How the US Army Confronted Its Racial Crisis in the Vietnam Era"Black servicemen and women since the founding of the nation-state have fought on two fronts, first against deeply entrenched white racism and second against the enemies of the United States. Isaac Hampton, in an excellent series of oral histories, has provided us with a first-hand account of the thoughts, concerns, insights, and emotions of Black military leaders who fought on two fronts in the postOCoWorld War II era. A must-read for all students of America's wars."- Adrian R. Lewis, author of The American Culture of War: The History of U.S. Military Force from World War II to Operation Enduring Freedom "Isaac W. Hampton's Conversations with Black Brass is a powerful example of the extraordinary insight that oral histories can provide us. Conservations with Black Brass width, depth, and diversity is impressive as Black men and women of the officer class of the American Armed Forces take center stage and tell their trials, tribulations, and triumphs, from World War II to the latter stages of the Cold War. It is a must-read and useful tool for those who study the history of twentieth century African American military service."- Geoffrey W. Jensen, author of The Racial Integration of the American Armed Forces: Cold War Necessity, Presidential Leadership, and Southern Resistance "Isaac Hampton's important collection of oral history interviews makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the experiences of Black Americans in the armed forces. These detailed and poignant narratives show how Black officers have navigated the military and opened the door for future generations."- Matthew F. Delmont, author of Half American: The Heroic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad "Conversations with Black Brass is an invaluable resource for understanding the lives of a pioneering group of distinguished Black American officers, who, through dedication and determination, helped integrate and advance the US armed forces in the twentieth century."- Thomas A. Guglielmo, author of Divisions: A New History of Racism and Resistance in America's World War II Military
