Johnson Whittaker was an African-American cadet at West Point Military Academy in the 1880s. Author Valerie A. Gray explains the racially charged atmosphere that made Whittaker's time at West Point difficult. Following a racially motivated attack on Whittaker by several white cadets, who later denied any involvement, Whittaker was court-martialed. Details of the trial, including the defense's theory that Whittaker inflicted the injuries on himself in an attempt to gain sympathy, are included. Readers are encouraged to think ...
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Johnson Whittaker was an African-American cadet at West Point Military Academy in the 1880s. Author Valerie A. Gray explains the racially charged atmosphere that made Whittaker's time at West Point difficult. Following a racially motivated attack on Whittaker by several white cadets, who later denied any involvement, Whittaker was court-martialed. Details of the trial, including the defense's theory that Whittaker inflicted the injuries on himself in an attempt to gain sympathy, are included. Readers are encouraged to think about the ramifications of racial bias in their own lives.
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