One of first African-American Marines celebrates 100th birthday

Lee Newby Jr. of Detroit, one of the first African-American Marines, was honored by state lawmakers during a celebration of his 100th birthday on Saturday.

The ceremony at the Detroit Marriott in the Renaissance Center was hosted by State Rep. Donavan McKinney, D-Detroit, and Joe Tate of Detroit, who became the first African-American elected Michigan's speaker of the House in November 2022.

Tate, a former National Football League player and Michigan State University offensive lineman, also served in the Marines.

“I can’t thank Mr. Newby enough for his service to our country. He is a true hero and trailblazer,” Tate said in a statement. “As a veteran of the Marine Corps myself, I am aware of the responsibilities he has carried and the sacrifices he has endured."

Newby, who resides in McKinney's district in Detroit, served during World War II. The first African-Americans joined the Marine Corps in 1942.

“This ceremony not only celebrates the life of a brave serviceman, but also truly honors Black Marines, their dedication through World War II and all their service to this country,” McKinney said in a statement.

[SOURCE: DETROIT NEWS]

Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley Nominated to Head U.S. Africa Command

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced June 9 that the president has nominated Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as commander, U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany.

Langley, if confirmed by the Senate, would be the first African American Marine promoted to four stars.

Langley is currently serving as commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command; commanding general, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic; and commander, Marine Corps Forces North, Norfolk, Virginia.

A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Langley graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington and commissioned in 1985. He commanded at every level from platoon to regiment, including Battery K, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines in support of Operations WILDFIRE in Western United States; battalion and regimental commands in 12th Marines forward deployed in Okinawa, Japan; and both the 201st Regional Corps Advisory Command-Central and Regional Support Command – Southwest in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

As a general officer, his command assignments include deputy commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force and commanding general, 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade; commander, Marine Forces Europe and Africa; and deputy commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic and Deputy commander, Marine Forces Command and Marine Forces Northern Command.

Langley’s staff and joint assignments include serving as a division officer for Marine Corps Institute, Marine Barracks 8th and I; deputy G-1, 1st Marine Division deployed in support of Operation RESTORE HOPE in Somalia; naval surface fire support requirements officer in the Expeditionary Warfare Division (N75) and joint integration officer in the Surface Warfare Division (N76), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; policy action officer in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate, J-5; Iraq desk officer in the Joint Staff Response Cell, J-3 Operations Directorate; deputy executive assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; assessments branch head, Programs and Resources, Headquarters, Marine Corps; assistant division commander of 3d Marine Division; deputy director for Operations, J-3, Joint Staff; assistant deputy commandant for Programs and Resources, Headquarters, Marine Corps; and director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy, J-5, U.S. Central Command.

Langley’s formal military education includes U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School and College of Naval Command and Staff. He holds multiple advanced degrees including Masters in National Security Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Langley assumed the duties of commanding general, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic and commander, Marine Forces Command and Marine Forces Northern Command on Nov. 3, 2021.

Plaza in NYC named for Tuskegee Airman Captain Roscoe Brown

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, today joined Former New York City Mayor David Norman Dinkins; Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr.; City Council Member Fernando Cabrera; Community Board 5 District Manager Kenneth Brown; President of Bronx Community College Dr. Thomas Isekenegbe; Dr. Roscoe Brown’s son Dr. Dennis Brown; and community members to cut the ribbon on renovations to the former M.L.K. Plaza, and officially rename it Captain Roscoe Brown, Ph. D. Plaza.

“Dr. Roscoe Brown was a remarkable person, and it gives me great pleasure to not only unveil this beautifully renovated plaza, but to name it in his honor as well,” said Parks Commissioner Silver. “Dr. Brown dedicated his life to service, education, and civil rights advocacy, and I hope that all that enjoy this new plaza are reminded of him and his commitment to the community for years to come.”

"Roscoe Brown was an internationally recognized trailblazer in the fields of military service, community service and education. This new plaza will help us remember his impact on our borough, our city and our nation, and I am proud to have contributed $333,000 from my own capital budget towards its completion. Roscoe Brown was a dear friend to so many in our borough, and it is important that we keep his memory alive for generations to come," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Jr. was a hero and a Bronx icon,” said Council Member Cabrera. “Leading Bronx Community College as president for 16 years, Dr. Brown opened countless doors and created invaluable opportunities for students and this community. Shortly after his death I approached the Parks Department about naming the plaza at Hall of Fame Terrace and University Avenue in his honor. I also submitted legislation to co-name University Avenue from Hall of Fame Terrace to W. 180th Street for Dr. Brown. I am extremely pleased that we are celebrating the completion of these two projects today.”

The Aqueduct Walk Plaza Reconstruction project reconfigured the original plaza with new paths and seating to better utilize the space for community gatherings and to maximize pedestrian circulation throughout the site. New fencing, lighting, and landscape improvements have also been incorporated for both beautification and safety.

The plaza has also been renamed in honor of Captain Roscoe Brown, Ph. D. Roscoe C. Brown, Jr. was a decorated Air Force Veteran and member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen who served during World War II. Following his military service, Brown completed his Master’s degree in 1949 and a Ph.D. in 1951, both from New York University. He continued his life of service and civil rights advocacy with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of America, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, Libraries for the Future, and the National Park Service. Roscoe Brown also became a prominent academic figure in New York City, becoming president of Bronx Community College in 1977, holding the post for sixteen years.

The $2.9 million project was jointly funded by a $2 million allocation from Mayor Bill de Blasio, $600,000 from City Council Member Fernando Cabrera, and $333,000 from Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr.