100th Commemoration of the Life and Legacy of Colonel Charles Young

Speakers from the 100th Commemoration of the Life and Legacy of Colonel Charles Young

NPS/ T. Engberg

On Saturday, January 8th, 2022, Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument (CHYO) hosted a special event to honor the life and legacy of Colonel Charles Young on the 100th anniversary of his passing. The event took place at the Robeson Auditorium on the Central State University campus and was attended by several prominent figures from the community, as well as military dignitaries from the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.

Mr. Lawrence Young of The Colonel Charles Young Foundation, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Dallas of the Marauder Battalion R.O.T.C., Mr. David Alford of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Mr. Sam Bain of Senator Rob Portman’s office were among the guest speakers who took time to recognize and remember Colonel Young and his legacy. Keynote speaker, Lieutenant General Xavier T. Brunson addressed the audience by highlighting Colonel Young’s distinguished military career. He also challenged everyone to aspire to emulate some of the transformative leadership traits of Colonel Young. Lieutenant General Brunson’s own military career began in 1990 when he was commissioned into the Infantry Branch after graduating from Hampton University. His diverse military career has seen him in varying leadership roles around the country and internationally. Lieutenant General Brunson has also been part of several operational assignments, including Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and Operation Inherent Resolve.

“We are honored and privileged to have such a respected and accomplished military leader join us today to be our event’s keynote speaker,” said Robert Stewart, Superintendent of CHYO. “On a day that we pay homage and look back on the life and legacy of Colonel Charles Young, Lieutenant General Brunson’s thoughtful and sincere words on Colonel Young resonated with all of us in attendance today,” he added.

To honor Lieutenant General Brunson’s career achievements, Superintendent Stewart presented him with the park’s Trailblazer Award which is given to individuals in recognition of their outstanding service and commitment to the community, leadership and youth. “Lieutenant General Brunson exemplifies all of the benchmarks of this award, and it was only fitting to present it to him on this very special day,” said Superintendent Stewart. After the conclusion of the event, Lieutenant General Brunson received an abbreviated tour of the Colonel Young home as renovation work had paused for a weekend break. Appropriate safety measures were observed during the tour as the home is currently in the beginning of an extensive renovation which will restore the interior to its early 20th century appearance.

Also attending the event was the Spirit of Freedom brass ensemble from the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight. The ensemble provided patriotic-themed musical interludes before and after the event. Joining the Spirit of Freedom brass ensemble was Master Sergeant Christin Foley of the U.S. Air Force who performed a breathtaking acoustic rendition of the National Anthem. Video of the event, including musical performances, will be available on the park’s website.

Charles Young was a soldier, diplomat, and civil rights leader. He overcame stifling inequality to become a leading figure in the years after the Civil War when the United States emerged as a world power. His work ethic, academic leadership, and devotion to duty provided a strong base for his achievements in the face of racism and oppression. His long and distinguished career as a commissioned officer in the United States Army made him a popular figure of his time and a role model for generations of new leaders.

This event is part of an ongoing series of public programs offered by CHYO to promote public understanding of history and special places that have been included in the national park system. The park was established in 2013 to preserve over 60 acres of what once was the home of Colonel Charles Young, the third African American graduate of West Point and the highest ranking African American officer in the U.S. Army up to his death in 1922. The park also tells the story of the famed African American Army soldiers known as the Buffalo Soldiers. For more about the legacy and story of Colonel Charles Young, the Buffalo Soldiers and for information on the park site itself, please visit the park's website.