Johnson survived a miraculous encounter as a soldier. He fought off 20 German soilders and was wounded over 20 times. He earned the name “Black Death” for his bravery but it would be short-lived praise.
President Theodore Roosevelt called him a hero and the French gave him their highest award of valor. It looked like he was on the top of the world. But when the war ended, so did America’s love for him.
The system awarded his bravery with poverty. He wasn’t given a pension and received no recognition for his injuries, which were so severe it kept him from working. His service meant nothing to this country, but that didn’t stop caucasity from stepping in.
The military asked Johnson to go around the country and talk about their racial progress. Johnson agreed to speak but he wouldn’t lie. Black soldiers were treated unfairly. Johnson told the truth, blackballing himself from future opportunities to speak.
Henry Johnson’s experience reminds us to never discount our experiences. Only we truly know the state of our people and being honest about our progress can help us chart a path forward.