US Senate Confirms First Black Military Chief In ‘Historic’ Vote

As the US is grappling to overcome the racial inequality, a positive move came into effect on Tuesday when the US Senate unanimously voted in favour of Gen. Charles Q. Brown to be the next Air Force chief of staff.

Gen. Brown, 58, would be the first African American military service chief. Currently the commander of Pacific Air Forces, Brown was selected on the basis of the vote which resulted in historic 98-0 ratio to confirm the four-star general. Vice President Mike Pence made an unexpected appearance by presiding over historic vote inside the Republican-led chamber.

In the United States and many other countries, people are raising slogans and asking for the end to racial inequality amid the protests sparked by the death of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, while in the custody of the Minneapolis Police. He was suspected of using a 20$ counterfeit bill to buy cigarettes. Amid the country-wise unrest, last week Brown had delivered a powerful message on the racial inequality.

"As the Commander of Pacific Air Forces, a senior leader in our Air Force, and an African-American, many of you may be wondering what I’m thinking about the current events surrounding the tragic death of George Floyd. Here’s what I’m thinking about..." - Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. pic.twitter.com/I2sf1067L6

— PACAF (@PACAF) June 5, 2020

“I’m thinking about two worlds, each with their perspective and views, I’m thinking about my sister and I being the only African American in our entire elementary school and trying to fit in,” said Brown as he recounted his personal experience with racial inequality.

After his historic nomination to be the first African American Air force chief of staff, Brown said, “I’m thinking about African American who went before me to make this opportunity possible.”

According to Brown’s Air force biography, he has nearly 3000 hours of flying including 130 combat hours, mainly in the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Brown has commanded a fighter squadron, two fighter wings and US Air Forces Central Command and has also served as the deputy commander for US Central Command.

With a congratulatory tweet on Brown's confirmation, President Donald Trump tweeted that he is “excited to work even more closely with Gen. Brown, who is a patriot and great leader.”

My decision to appoint @usairforce General Charles Brown as the USA’s first-ever African American military service chief has now been approved by the Senate. A historic day for America! Excited to work even more closely with Gen. Brown, who is a Patriot and Great Leader!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2020