1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 42

Secretary Alexander's official government photo, 1977.

   
Today's date in A Madman Turns 40 history commemorates the historic appointment of Clifford Alexander Jr. On this day, Alexander was appointed as the first black Secretary of the United States Army. Nominated by newly elected Jimmy Carter, he served until January of 1981 when he was replaced by Reagan appointee, John Otho Marsh Jr. 

    Since this is Black History Month, I thought it was appropriate to highlight this moment in American military history. So just who is Clifford Alexander Jr.

Former Secretary Alexander, circa 2015.

    A former member of the New York National Guard, Clifford Alexander spent his term trying to revitalize the now 'all-volunteer' Army. The draft was halted in 1973, but recruitment efforts were at an all-time low in the late 70s due to the painful legacy of the Vietnam War. Alexander also lead President Carter's new mandate to encourage diversity by awarding minority owned businesses a fair share of government contracts.

     After Alexander's term as Secretary ended, he returned back to the private sector where he served in numerous functions as well as a member of the American Stock Exchange's board of governors; a position he still holds. In the 90s, Mr. Alexander spoke before Congress against President Clinton's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy which barred openly gay Americans from serving in any military function. In 2011, Alexander and other opponents of the government's approach towards homosexuals in the military, celebrated in 2010 when President Obama signed an official appeal of DADT into law.

President Obama signing the
Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal into law, 2010

     Well, that's all this Madman has time for today. Check in again tomorrow- who knows where I'll go next in 1977 history...