AFRO News honors veterans in third annual salute to servicemen and servicewomen

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By Brandon Henry
AFRO Intern

AFRO News hosted its third annual “Salute to Our Veterans” event on Nov. 13 at Martin’s West, an event honoring those who have served in the U.S. military.

Veterans came from near and far to attend the event, which featured the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute JROTC/Color Guard and greetings from former Maryland State Delegate Clarence “Tiger” Davis. 

Honorees for the day included U.S. Air Force Maj. (Retired) James A. Dula; Brig. Gen. (Retired) Edward H. Ballard; Chief Warrant Officer Five (Retired) Tywanda B. Morton; U.S. Army Col. (Retired) Jo Ann C. Jolivet and Sen. Benjamin T. Brooks (D-District 10), a U.S. Army veteran. Maj. Gen. (Retired) Dr. Linda L. Singh, who served as keynote speaker for the event, was also honored for her service.

Singh delivered a moving speech about the importance of leaders like the honorees— especially in the current political and social climate. 

“We need leaders who can find flow when the current shifts. We need leaders who practice containment, who know how to rest, reflect and protect their purpose. We need leaders who are brave enough to reshape the terrain,” she said, to the nearly 200 persons gathered for the event.

After Singh’s speech, the honorees were called up one by one to say a few words and receive their own framed AFRO News front cover which featured their stories. 

“It’s a privilege to be a veteran,” said Ballard. “Being a veteran, to me, is one of the most sacred things that could have happened to many of us African Americans. It grounded us in a sense of accountability, grounded us in terms of how to perform, when to perform, and what you needed to know to be successful.”

Dr. Frances “Toni” Murphy Draper, CEO and publisher of AFRO News, called the event “absolutely fantastic,” adding that “it’s always heartwarming to hear stories of people who served our country.”

Honoring the veterans on an annual basis is crucial for the media company. 

“Because of our founding by a Civil War veteran, we are very much in tune and appreciative of their service,” said Dr. Draper.

AFRO News was created Aug. 13, 1892, by John Henry Murphy Sr. The former slave and Civil War veteran gained freedom following the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 and decades later founded the publication with $200 obtained from his wife, Martha Howard Murphy. 

Draper highlighted the fact that members of the Black Press have always led the way in keeping the memory of Black soldiers and their valiant efforts alive. She said if it wasn’t for the AFRO and other Black publications, “who wrote stories about our servicemen and women who served in World War II, there would not be a record, so it is important. ”

The event was sponsored by Baltimore Gas and Electric, Greater Baltimore Medical Center and Associated Black Charities. 

Reginald T. Jordan, a retired veteran who spent two years active duty and more than two decades in the reserves, was proud to attend the ceremony. He spoke on his experience in the military.

“Being from Philadelphia, when you went to Georgia, certain parts of the South, the training was difficult, how you were treated and spoken to wasn’t the best,” said Jordan. “But I’m not knocking it because it was all about discipline.”