Who was the first Black American admiral in the US Navy?

The first Black American admiral in the US Navy was Samuel L. Gravely. He achieved this significant milestone in 1971 when he was promoted to rear admiral. Gravely's career trajectory is notable; he served in various capacities and played a prominent role in both World War II and the Vietnam War. His leadership and accomplishments paved the way for future generations of Black officers in the Navy, making him a critical figure in the integration and advancement of diversity within the military.

While Colin Powell is a prominent military figure and served as a four-star general in the Army, he was not an admiral in the Navy. David Robinson is known as a Hall of Fame basketball player and did not serve in a military capacity, while Jesse Brown was the first Black naval aviator but did not achieve the rank of admiral. Gravely's achievement stands out as a groundbreaking moment in Navy history, marking a significant step towards racial equality in the military's leadership ranks.