For the last two episodes of the podcast we focused on some aspects of the Black veteran experiences. As always, we do try and provide our listening audience with additional information on the topic of the podcast. This episode is no exception and we are happy to post: Resources on Black Vets. In addition to the race issues, we always like to highlight how race and gender combine to create difficulties for Black women.
How does racism impact the vets?
The idea that racism exists in the armed services is not new. But despite all the changes made in the service since the era of segregation, Black enlisted and officers still feel the impact of racism. It even reaches down into the service academies. “We just feel it.”: Racism Plagues the U.S. Military Academies. A nonprofit organization, The Black Veterans Project has as part of its mission to “lead a movement for racial inclusion and justice across the five branches of the United States military while ensuring the welfare of all Black veterans who’ve served.” They’ve posted some interesting data on military justice for Black members of the service. This was a topic mentioned in the first part of our podcast.
Sexual Assaults and Violence
Stories about sexual assaults and violence against women in the military occasionally make their way into the news. But last summer the disappearance and death of Vanessa Guillen shed light the level of violence women, including black women are facing in the military. Ms. Guillen complained she was being sexually harassed and command leadership did nothing. Watch this disturbing Youtube video on the death of a Black woman in the service: The American Army Has Huge Hidden Rape Problem. The problems are not restricted to the army either. Other branches of the service are also seeing high levels of violence and abuse. Air Force report: Nearly half in survey saw abuse, violence. Also read: The Military’s Broken Culture Around Sexual Violence and Suicide.
Extremism
The January 6th insurrection at the Capitol building showed conclusively that the armed services are a magnet for white extremists. See: Nearly 1 in 5 Defendants in Capitol Riot Cases Served in the Military Researchers identified white extremism as a problem created by military culture. Read: Connecting White Extremism in the Armed Forces to Military’s Culture . But knowing it is a problem and doing something about it are two different things. Fighting Extremism in the U.S. Military. The Pentagon is wresting with this problem and Congress is as well. The depth of the problem is highlighted by the fact many of those who participated in the insurrection are still on active duty. It does not send a strong message about the military’s commitment to eliminate extremism.
Ending on an uplifting note
Although the issues facing our Black vets are serious, there are ways you can help. Familiarize yourself with a bill which would improve veterans’ access to reproductive health services: H.R.1957 – Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Call your legislators and urge them to support them.
Finally as an end to our Resources on Black Vets we invite you to view the artistic works of Dr. Alicia Christy.