Black History Month

Traditionally when we think of Black History Month we automatically think of Martin Luther King Jr., Jackie Robinson, Frederick Douglas and Booker T Washington. Of course there are hundreds more that have never made it in to the spotlight. I would like to take some time now to tell you about one such person. His name is William H Carney, and it is unlikely that very many people know why he is so important to not only Black history but to US history as well.

Born on February 29, 1840 at Norfolk Virginia, William Carney was a slave to a Major Carney. Following President Lincoln issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 William moved to Bedford Massachusetts. Once there he began preparing for a future in the ministry. Later that same year William set aside his plans and enlisted in the US Army. He later stated, “I felt I could best serve my God by serving my Country and my oppressed brothers.” He was assigned to the newly formed 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry Regiment.

Most people may recognize the name of the 54th Massachusetts from the movies “Glory” which highlights the unit’s actions during the civil war. Of course there is always much more to the story than a movie can depict. For most the 1863 the 54th was regulated to support roles like clearing roadways and building bridges. It wasn’t until July of 1863 that the 54th got their chance to prove that they were worthy of combat. The assault of Fort Wagner would prove to be a true test for not only the 54th but the US Army as a whole. In the days leading up to the assault one by one the other Regimental Commanders present refused to have their units lead the assault on the heavily fortified position.