Black History Month: First Black man to earn varsity letter at West Point

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Colonel Gary Steele was the Military’s first Black American to earn a varsity letter in soccer at West Level.

He was one among 30 Black college students paving the way in which for the subsequent era. After graduating, he devoted 23 years to the Military.

On Tuesday, he hung out at Augusta College talking to college students and Reserve Officers’ Coaching Corps members.

We sat down with Steele to listen to concerning the classes he’s realized.

In 1966 he put his soccer cleats, shoulder pads, and helmet on identical to his teammates did, not realizing historical past could be without end modified.

“On the time, I didn’t put any actual significance to it. As a result of I used to be only a member of a workforce. I labored onerous for my first workforce place. And I needed to maintain it, so I used to be keen to do something I might to maintain it,” mentioned Steele.

However in contrast to his teammates, his first catch as a soccer participant made historical past for African Individuals throughout.

“With this cross, first quarter of the sport I turned the primary African American to play varsity soccer at West Level,” he mentioned.

He says it’s by no means been concerning the notoriety of being the primary. As he displays on life and Black Historical past Month he says the message is straightforward.

“Individually, it’s very onerous to win. However when individuals come collectively and work collectively, you turn out to be there’s much more solidarity there. There’s much more energy there,” he mentioned.

One thing Military Veteran Mikkala Jones says hit dwelling for her as she listened to Steele converse.

“I obtained to see the varied facet of the Military. So him reflecting on his previous and the way it wasn’t as various when he got here in. It was like an eye-opener of how far America has are available in the USA Military,” she mentioned.

The purpose he drives dwelling is best collectively.

“You get much more executed arms working. Doing issues. So, Black Historical past Month is an effective factor. It’s an excellent factor. However American Historical past Month for me is even higher,” mentioned Metal.

On the finish of the day, Steele says by touring to universities throughout the nation, and sharing his story and the message of what working collectively as a substitute of alone does is impacting everybody.

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