Beecham and others fear that the broader implications of these decisions will not only diminish the contributions of Black service members but also discourage future generations from joining the military.
“It’s not about politics. It’s about honoring the men and women who gave everything,” she said. “My father didn’t think about his race when he fought. He thought about defending this country. And now, his story and so many others might be lost.
As the military faces recruitment challenges, critics argue that sidelining diversity and historical recognition could alienate key communities that have historically served.
The National Guard’s absence at the Douglass celebration, the rollback of diversity programs, and the removal of references to Black military heroes raise concerns about how the military will be perceived in the future.
For Bailey, Beecham, and others who carry the legacies of their ancestors, the fight to keep these stories alive continues. We don’t stop remembering just because they tell us to, Bailey said. “Frederick Douglass fought for the soul of this nation, and we owe it to him and every Black patriot to never forget.”