Since the early days of the American Republic, African Americans
have been active participants in the military history of our
nation. However, until the late 1940s, their experiences in the
military, for the most part, occurred during the period of racial
segregation, which often resulted in their being assigned to
non-combat duties. Nevertheless, in spite of their status, they
continued to exhibit loyalty to their country and served honorably.
Students of American history are familiar with great military
leaders whose heroic deeds during the military conflicts of the
19th and 20th centuries have become a part of our historical
legacy. Much has been written about them as highly visible symbols
of courage and leadership. Yet others, equally deserving remain
unknown and have not received the same visibility in terms of
public recognition. When I became aware of the life and career of
General Roscoe Robinson, Jr., the first United States Army African
American four-star general, I was surprised to learn so few
people-even among my own generation of African Americans-had ever
heard of him. Even in one of the most comprehensive history books
about African Americans - From Slavery to Freedom, written by the
well-known scholar, John Hope Franklin, Roscoe Robinson is not
mentioned. In authoring this biography, I seek to fill this gap in
our knowledge of this remarkable man who, from humble beginnings,
rose to the pinnacle of military success through perseverance,
discipline, and commitment to duty and country. Whenever I write
something of an historical nature pertaining to the life and times
of African Americans, I am always reminded of the admonition of one
of America's most distinguished men of color - William E. B. Du
Bois. It was he who-in a presentation in 1898 before the American
Academy of Political and Social Science-advanced the notion that
understanding black life in America required a systematic
assessment of the influence of broad historical, cultural, social,
economic, and political forces that shaped the times. There is no
way of denying the subject of race in the military. It was an
inescapable condition, which has riveted American social, cultural,
and political systems before and during Robinson's time in the
military. I have tried to convey that circumstance as accurately as
possible. Indeed, in many respects, from his early childhood
through his retirement years, Robinson lived through one of the
most historic periods in race relations in this country - both
within and outside the military. Today, men and women of all races
make immense sacrifices to serve their country, defend our
liberties, and protect our interests around the world; often
without the gratitude and recognition, they deserve. It is my firm
hope that this book will not only serve as an inspiration to all
who read it, especially to the current generation of young African
Americans (including my children and grandchildren) about whom
General Robinson cared deeply, but that it will enable the readers
to develop a greater appreciation for those who serve in the
military. About the Author: Leon L. Haley, PhD, is a professor
emeritus in the Graduate School of Public and International
Affairs, University of Pittsburgh. Over twenty-five year tenure at
the University, he served in a number of capacities, including an
Associate Dean, Acting Dean, and a Vice Chancellor for Student and
Public Affairs. With African American history as an avocation, in
addition to The Quiet One, he is the author of From the Staunton to
the Allegheny: an African American Family Journey. Specializing in
strategic planning, he now serves as a consultant for nonprofit
organizations.
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