Montford Point, a military base in North Carolina, trained the first African-Americans accepted into the US Marines Corps during a time of segregation. These Marines fought for the nation in World War II. They broke racial 'norms' of the times as well as military records.
Mayme Clayton Library and Museum in association with the BADWest St. Clair Bourne 4th Monday Documentary Series Presents: The Men of Montford Point Camp 1942-1949
Monday, February 23, 2015 @7pm
St. Clair Bourne 4th Monday Free Screening
Montford Point Marines were recognized for their bravery and achievements on 27 June 2012 with a Congressional Gold Medal. It took 70 years to give them this recognition. Their story of physical, political and social struggle is worthy of recognition.
The film brings to light the story of heroism displayed by a race, as a tribute to the courage and valor of the first African-American Marines.
Mr. L. E. Johnsonwas born June 15, 1954 in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1972, he graduated from high School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and underwent recruit basic training at MCRD, Parris Island, South Carolina.
Michael's service to our nation has spanned twenty-three years of service in numerous clime and places. He has also served in a variety of billets including; Marine Infantry, (2nd MarDiv Camp Lejeune North Carolina) Military Police/Marine Security Guard (Marine Barracks Yorktown, Virginia, Marine Barrack, London England) Career Counselor (3rd MAW Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro California) Marine Corps Recruiter (Upland /Los Angeles California) Motor Transportation Maintenance Chief/Road Master/RBE Manager Desert Storm (1st MarDiv Camp Pendleton, 1st FSSG Okinawa Japan, Korea, 3rd MAW Miramar California, and Mishap Investigator 1st MarDiv)
Michael's decorations include the United States Marine Corps- Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon w/ (3) stars, Good Conduct Medal w/ (6) stars, National Defense Medal w/ (1) Star, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/ (1) star, Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Ribbon, Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon, Marine Security Guard Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (SA), Kuwait Liberation Medal (EoK).
Mr. Johnson retired from the United States Marine Corps in April 1996 and elected to continue his education at University of Maryland and Chaffey College and received a degree in Administration of Justice. He has served as a police officer with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's and Montery Park Police Department, Teacher/Instructor at Chaffey H.S., Security Director/Manager, HR-Recruiter, Private Investigator, and Supervisor of Security at the Smithsonian Institution. He also has worked as an Admissions Representative at Skadron and ITT College and President of Serene Haven Veterans 2013
Michael is currently the Western Region Vice President of the Montford Point Marine Association Inc. and has served as the National Vice President, Sgt-At-Arms, National Standing Committee Chair, Chapter President/Vice President and Sgt-At-Arms for the Los Angeles Chapter #8. Michael and his group of dedicated veterans; retired and former Marines, are instrumental in communicating their legacy, history and profound impact on the United States Marine Corps. Michael has received many honors for his leadership including: induction into the Montford Point Marine Association Inc. Hall of Fame in 2011, Man of the Year, Special Presidential Awards and Veteran of the Year Honoree 2012. He facilitated recognition by the 112th Congress the Congressional Gold Medal for the original Montford Point Marines in June 2012.
This event is FREE.
Mayme Clayton Library and Museum
4130 Overland Avenue
Culver City, CA 90230
Free Parking.
Join BADWest for $45, and reap all the benefits of being a member, including free monthly meetings, screenings and other special events.
The Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West is a project of Fulcrum Arts' Emerge fiscal sponsorship program. www.fulcrumarts.org
The Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West (BAD West) is a professional organization providing people of African descent working in documentary film, video or other media the opportunity to network professionally, share resources, exchange ideas and meet socially in order to enhance the development, production, promotion and exhibition of documentaries. The Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West also advocates the recognition and professional advancement of Black documentary filmmakers.
