Charles Young Graduates from West Point

Charles Young graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1889, becoming only the third Black American to do so and the last for decades. Despite facing enormous racial hostility throughout his cadet years, he persevered and went on to become the highest-ranking Black officer in the U.S. Army, eventually reaching the rank of colonel. Young's military career as a Buffalo Soldier and commander became a touchstone of Black military service and dignity.