Join us for our 8th annual Gravely Celebration during Black History Month!  As a result of COVID-19 this year’s event will be virtual but just as inspiring!

NIGHTS TO REMEMBER

In 1962, Vice Admiral Gravely became the first African American to take command of a U.S Navy combatant ship. He continued to break barriers throughout his career, becoming the first African American commander, captain, rear admiral, and vice admiral of the U.S Navy before retiring. Each year, the Vice Admiral’s contributions are celebrated with a themed event honoring today’s trailblazers who exemplify Gravely’s motto: Education, Motivation and Perseverance.

ABOUT THE EVENT

Cost: Free! Space is limited, so sign up now. Get your tickets here.
Theme: Resilience and Opportunity—A conversation about how to turn challenging moments into positive opportunities.
Date: Friday, February 26, 2021
Time: 12pm–1pm

Programming: Tanya Acker, co-host of CBS’ Hot Bench and host of The Tanya Acker Show podcast, will moderate a discussion with guest speakers:
• Retired Rear Admiral Sinclair Harris
• Retired naval officer and author of Trailblazer: The U.S. Navy’s First Black Admiral, Paul Stillwell
• Former Commander of the USS Gravely Alysa Ambrose

Vice Admiral Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. was a trailblazer. Gravely was the first African American to command a warship (USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD 717)); command a major warship (USS Jouett (DLG 29)); and to command a numbered fleet (U.S. 3rd). 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of his becoming the first African American to achieve the rank of admiral.

To learn more about this extraordinary man, his life, and his legacy, click here.