Annually on Veterans Day, Americans join together to honor, remember, and rededicate ourselves to supporting our nation's veterans for their service to our nation. As we salute our veterans, the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) would like to introduce Rob Smith, a Black, gay Iraq war veteran and author, who will serve the organization as its Ambassador for Veterans Affairs. Over the next year, NBJC and former Private Rob Smith will work to bring light to the critical issues that impact Black LGBTQ veterans and service members in the wake of the repeal of the discriminatory policy: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." To honor our nation's' veterans, he has written an inspiring opinion piece for TheGrio, A Path Forward for Black LGBTQ Soldiers, on Veterans Day. His article lays out NBJC's public policy agenda to empower our nation's heroes with a special focus on Black LGBTQ veterans and service members.
Throughout American history, from the Revolutionary War to our current military actions, Black service members have honorably answered the call to duty, serving with great valor and distinction in America's armed forces. Let us never forget the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families. Happy Veterans Day to our American heroes!
The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is a civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS.
