In 2026, America celebrates 250 years of independence. But this land holds a deeper story. A story of stolen bodies and unbroken souls. A story of laws that denied humanity, and hands that built humanity anyway. A story of suffering that never erased contribution. This is not accusation. This is testimony. This is memory refusing to die.

They were here before the founding.

They were here through every war.

They built what built America.

“250 Years of American Independence. And Still, The Promise Is Not Fully Kept.”

Beneath the Headline

African American Medal of Honor Recipients

July 18, 1863

William H. Carney

Sergeant - 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry
Civil War

Grasped the regimental colors when the color sergeant fell, planted them on the parapet at Fort Wagner, and carried them back under fire despite being wounded twice.

October 22, 1965

Milton L. Olive III

Private First Class - Co. B, 2d Bn (Abn), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade
Vietnam War

Threw himself on a grenade at Phu Cuong to save four fellow soldiers, becoming the first Black service member awarded the Medal of Honor for Vietnam.

February 28, 1967

James Anderson Jr.

Private First Class - Co. F, 2d Bn, 3d Marines
Vietnam War

Pulled an enemy grenade to his chest near Cam Lo to shield the Marines around him, becoming the first Black Marine awarded the Medal of Honor.

Explore the Full Medal of Honor Archive →

They fought for freedoms they were denied—
laying down their lives for strangers and for a nation who has never learned to call them equal.

Two Americas · Happening Now

Events & Ongoing Programs

February 9, 2027

Mardi Gras Celebration 2027'

6:00am to 11:00pm · 1620 Church Street, Norfolk, VA 12345

1872 was the year that a group of businessmen invented a King of Carnival, Rex, to preside over the first daytime parade. To honor the visiting Russian Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff, the businessmen intr

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