Connecting with Black Veterans

Former state Rep. Clarence “Tiger” Davis, 82, of Baltimore, sees a direct link between AARP Maryland’s agenda and that of Black veterans in the state.

“One of the things we want to do in the Black veterans’ movement is move America towards a more perfect union,” which includes protecting older adults to make society better for all, he says. In addition to his stint in the state legislature, Davis served for six years as AARP Maryland’s volunteer state president.

He used that time in part to strengthen the organization’s work with veterans across the state—particularly with the National Association for Black Veterans. That relationship will be in the spotlight in February with AARP’s sponsorship of a major fundraiser for NABVETS.

The Buffalo Soldiers Memorial Banquet—to be held on Saturday, Feb. 15, at Morgan State University—celebrates the contributions of Black soldiers to America’s history. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the event—and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II—so the program will focus on the stories of Black veterans who served in that conflict.

AARP Maryland has worked with NABVETS on a range of issues and events—from teaming up to push key bills in the General Assembly to sharing information at community events. About 31 percent of Maryland’s 345,000-plus veterans are African American, state data shows.

The banquet is an opportunity to celebrate Black veterans and connect them with AARP’s resources, says Hank Greenberg, AARP Maryland’s state director.

“We have a great debt to those who have served our country, and the thing we can do at AARP is to be sure that they have all the opportunities to age with dignity,” Greenberg says.

Find AARP veterans’ resources at aarp.org/veterans.

—Michelle Cerulli McAdams