Montford Point Marines
This week was a sad one in the Dread household. I learned that basketball isn't always the number one priority in my life. My great grandfather passed away. My dad, my cousin, and I had to drive up to Detroit for the funeral. It takes about eight hours to get to Detroit from Maryland. When we got there we went straight to my uncle's house for dinner. I got to hang out with my cousins and other relatives that I haven't seen in a while. The next day was the service and everyone was very emotional and upset. During the service members of the U.S. Marines did a tribute to my great grandpa. It was so sentimental that I cried for the rest of the funeral.
My great grandpa was a part of the Montford Point Marines. I learned that African-Americans weren't allowed in the Marine Corp until 1942. The first black Marines went to Mont Point Camp, which was a segregated boot camp. Since they were the first black Marines, they were taught they had to be better than everyone to be accepted as an equal. They were proud of their country and wanted to fight for it just like the white troops. My grandpa told me that their struggle was just like the Tuskegee Airmen. They fought in WWII in the Battle of Iwo Jima as segregated outfits. Then in the Korean War the Marines were one of the first branches that were integrated. Knowing this about my great grandpa made me feel proud to have him in my life. May his soul rest in peace.
Myles Dread
