I'm re-reading a book I read several years ago titled "Beyond Defeat" by a wonderful black civil rights pioneer, James E. Johnson. To quote Johnson, "...there are only two things that motivate people: One is fear, and the other is love". In the early 50s, Johnson's journey as a civil rights trail blazer began when he became the first black U.S. Marine Corps NCO (Non-commissioned officer). Johnson went to see a movie at the "on base" movie theater and sat in the section reserved for staff NCOs. An MP asked Johnson to move because he was not a white NCO. Johnson refused to move stating that forcing him to move would be a violation of his Constitutional Rights. Despite numerous higher ups demanding that Johnson move from his seat, Johnson remained seated taking a stand for what he knew to be right. Johnson loved and believed in the greatness of America.Johnson eventually became the first black Assistant Secretary of the Navy and Vice Chairman of the Civil...(Read Full Post)