About this book
Henry Ossian Flipper's remarkable memoir, *The Colored Cadet at West Point*, chronicles the extraordinary journey of a man born into slavery who became the first African American graduate of the United States Military Academy. Born in Thomasville, Georgia in 1856, Flipper taught himself to read during the final days of the Civil War and went on to demonstrate exceptional academic prowess, earning his appointment to West Point in 1873 at just seventeen years old.
This powerful historical autobiography captures Flipper's pioneering years at the academy during a period of intense racial hostility and institutional resistance. His narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Reconstruction, revealing the personal struggles and triumphs of early African American cadets, including the tragic cases of fellow students who faced dismissal and even alleged violence. When Flipper graduated as a Second Lieutenant in 1877 and received his commission with the legendary 10th Cavalry Regiment, he shattered barriers and claimed his place in American military history.
Beyond a personal success story, this memoir serves as a crucial historical document examining race, resilience, and institutional racism in post-Civil War America. Flipper's firsthand account provides invaluable insight into the experiences of Black Americans pursuing education and military service during a deeply divided era.
Perfect for history enthusiasts, students of African American studies, military history buffs, and anyone seeking inspiring narratives of perseverance against systemic oppression, this audiobook remains profoundly relevant today.
