The Senate has unanimously confirmed General Charles Q. Brown as the new Air Force Chief of Staff, making him the first african american in history to ever lead one of the Pentagon’s six armed forces.
Gen Brown, 57, currently commander of the Pacific Air Forces, will become only the second black American to serve on the powerful joint Chiefs of Staff, after former joint chiefs chair Colin Powell during 1989-1993.
The senate voted 98-0 to confirm Gen. Brown, even as protests continue around the country over racism and mistreatment of black people in the wake of the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.
President Donald Trump in a tweet said “A historic day for America! Excited to work even more closely with Gen. Brown, who is a Patriot and Great Leader”.
My decision to appoint @usairforce General Charles Brown as the USA’s first-ever African American military service chief has now been approved by the Senate. A historic day for America! Excited to work even more closely with Gen. Brown, who is a Patriot and Great Leader!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2020
Great work in the Republican Senate on some big nominees. Still 154 to go, hope they don’t adjourn until the job is done! @senatemajldr
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2020
Lending his voice to national black leaders on systemic racism, Gen Brown last week, made a moving statement about the hurdles he faced growing up and rising in military hierarchy as an African-American man, often the only one in his squadron or in the room with other officers.
The Texas native said he thought his nomination might bring others hope, he said, “I can’t fix centuries of racism in our country”.
Congratulations, Gen. Brown
Is this a good sign for coexistence and a way of ending systemic racism?
