Colonel Charles Young: Bridge Builder

 Charles Young was the third African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was born near Mays Lick, Kentucky, in Mason County on March 12, 1864, a year before the end of the Civil War. His father, Gabriel Young, ran away from enslavement and joined the Union Army during the war. Gabriel, and his wife, Arminta, moved to Ripley, Ohio, to raise their son after the war ended.

Military History

 Young had a distinguished career of more than 30 years in the United States Army, rising from lieutenant to colonel, all while battling racism in a nearly all-white officer corps. Young’s success in an army that was not quite ready to embrace him required steadfast devotion and perseverance. He was at the height of his career when America entered World War I.

 Young accomplished much during his military service, including being the first African American superintendent of a national park, the first African American military attaché, and the highest-ranking African American Regular Army officer at the time of his death.

About Michael Jones

 Colonel Charles Young is portrayed by Michael Jones of Paris. Jones holds a B.A. from Morehouse College and an M.A. from the University of California, Riverside. He spent several years working as a museum curator for the Kentucky Historical Society and currently works for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet as a Historic Preservation Program Administrator.