Montford Point Marines

Montford Point Marines. The first African American U.S. Marines. In 1941, just a week before a civil rights march was set to take place in Washington, D.C. against military discrimination, president Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an Executive Order prohibiting racial discrimination in the defense industry or in government. At last, all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces were open to African Americans. The Montford Point Marines were formed shortly thereafter.

Notable alumni: David Dinkins