06/24/2023
There once was a young man aged 17 who was told his dream of flying could never be achieved. You see, as an African-American born in Topeka, Kansas “pre-Brown”, he was subjected to overt discrimination, hyper segregation and the curse of racial prejudice that limited expectations and squelched dreams.
But, he was made of strong stuff. He defied the odds, got into flight school, completed the course, and then joined the United States Marine Corps. He became the Corps’ first ever black pilot. He went on to have a successful career. He became the Corps’ first ever black General. He retired as a three star General, and had more flying hours than anyone in the Corps or the United States Navy. Last year the Navy commissioned a battle ship named after him.
That young man is my Dad, Lt. General Frank E. Petersen Jr. From a beginning marked by cruel racial hatred, he rose, persisted, achieved. Through a career dotted with false barriers and inequitable treatment, he persevered.
Tonight, a short film about his life will be considered for a local Emmy Award. I hope it wins. But whether or not it does, there is great joy in knowing that Dad defied the odds and achieved his dreams. And, that as his daughter and the City of Baltimore’s Chief Equity Officer, I have the duty and mission to make certain that all Baltimoreans are treated equitably, and have an opportunity to not just have their needs met, but to also achieve their
And here’s the film.
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/842795/lens-legacy
