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Henry O. Flipper: a black history month story from the Story Powerline
Wednesday, February 24, 2021 by Randy Limbird
Categories: Story Powerline
In 1877, Henry Ossian Flipper became the first African American to graduate from West Point. Being the first meant putting up with a lot of unfairness -- he was lonelier than most cadets, although he did receive a standing ovation from his classmates at graduation.
He accomplished much in his first few years in the Army, which at first assigned him to the 10th Cavalry regiment in Oklahoma, an all-black unit known as the "Buffalo Soldiers." He solved a malaria problem by designing a ditch to drain ponds near Fort Sill. Later at Fort Concho, he helped connect West Texas military forts by wire.
Harassment and persecution
In 1880 Flipper was sent to Fort Davis, Texas, as the post quartermaster. He ran into problems with another lieutenant – who was jealous over Flipper's friendship with a woman – as well as with the commanding officer, who had a reputation for harassing his subordinates.
The commanding officer asked Flipper to keep $3,000 in his quarters for safekeeping. Some of the money was later found missing, and Flipper was accused of embezzlement and conduct unbecoming an officer. In December 1881, a military court acquitted him of the first charge but found him guilty of the other, and gave him a dishonorable discharge. Historians agree the Army's case had little merit.
Dignity despite public disgrace
Flipper went on to have a successful career as a surveyor and engineer. He served as a translator in Mexico and also worked as a newspaper editor. He died in 1940. In 1976, the Army officially vindicated him and gave him an honorable discharge. A bronze bust of Flipper now is on display at West Point.
Henry Flipper’s life is an example to Christian believers of what the Apostle Paul meant when he taught, "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us" (I Peter 2:12 NIV).
It’s hard to be the pioneer
Whether it was Henry Flipper at West Point, Jackie Robinson on the baseball field, James Meredith at the University of Mississippi — the first people who broke through a racial barrier have faced insults, isolation and accusations. It's not fair, but because they put up with persecution, they paved the way for others.
Today's prayer
Dear God, thank you for people who bravely tore down the walls of racial segregation. What they did was right. We're sorry they suffered for doing so, but we're glad they opened the way for so many who followed. Amen.
Resource
Watch the Youtube video “Who is Henry O. Flipper?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i7e0le0IPc
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