American History Tellers Buffalo Soldiers | Suffering in Silence | 4
Feb 26, 2025
Lieutenant Colonel Rory McGovern, an Associate Professor at West Point and co-author of a pivotal book on Black cadets, delves into the harrowing experiences of the first Black students at the U.S. Military Academy. He discusses the intense racism, hazing, and struggles for dignity faced by these trailblazers from 1870 to 1899. McGovern highlights James Webster Smith's journey as the first Black cadet and the historical significance of figures like Henry Ossian Flipper, shedding light on the ongoing fight for equality and representation in the military.
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Racial Tension at West Point
- James Webster Smith and Michael Howard, the only black candidates, faced a menacing stare from a white candidate.
- The white candidate, McCord, physically assaulted Howard and threatened Smith with a knife.
First Black Cadets at West Point
- James Webster Smith and Michael Howard arrived at West Point in 1870, hoping to be the first black cadets.
- They faced harassment; after an incident with a white candidate, Howard failed his entrance exam and left Smith alone.
West Point's Challenges During Reconstruction
- West Point faced criticism for graduates joining the Confederacy and being elitist.
- Higher education was changing, with integration at other institutions like Harvard and Brown.