First Sergeant Lerone Robert Bennett Jr., A Soldier's Story
First Sergeant Lerone Robert Bennett Jr., A Soldier's Story
First Sergeant Lerone Robert Bennett Jr. was born on October 17, 1928, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. While he was still young, his family relocated to Jackson, Mississippi, where he spent most of his childhood and formative years. From an early age, Bennett showed a remarkable aptitude for writing and historical inquiry, beginning his journalism career at just 12 as a part-time contributor to The Mississippi Enterprise.
After graduating from Lanier High School, Bennett attended Morehouse College, earning his degree in 1949. During his time at Morehouse, he was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, an organization known for its emphasis on scholarship, leadership, and service, values that would remain evident throughout his life.
In 1949, Bennett joined the staff of the Atlanta Daily World, where he continued to develop his voice as a journalist. His career was soon interrupted by the outbreak of the Korean War. In 1951, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country overseas during the conflict. Bennett rose to the rank of First Sergeant, an indication of both leadership and trust, before returning to civilian life and journalism following his deployment.
After the war, First Sergeant Bennett resumed his writing career with renewed purpose. In 1953, he became an associate editor at Ebony magazine, and by 1958, he was named executive editor, a position he would hold for decades. Under his editorial leadership, Ebony became a vital platform for serious historical scholarship, cultural analysis, and conversations about race, power, and American identity. In addition to his editorial work, Bennett also taught courses at Northwestern University, further extending his influence as an educator.
Much of First Sergeant Bennett’s scholarly focus centered on the African enslavement period of American history and its enduring impact on the nation. His 1954 article, “Thomas Jefferson’s Negro Grandchildren,” brought national attention to the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, challenging long-held narratives surrounding the Founding Fathers. Decades later, DNA testing in 1998 confirmed the relationship, affirming Bennett’s insistence on confronting uncomfortable historical truths. Over the course of his career, he authored nine books exploring African American history, enslavement, and the shaping of American power structures.
In recognition of his cultural and historical contributions, Bennett’s footprints were placed on the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in Atlanta, an honor reserved for those whose work significantly advanced the understanding of civil rights in America.
First Sergeant Lerone Robert Bennett Jr. died on February 14, 2019. He is buried at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum in Chicago. His life stands as a testament to service in both uniform and scholarship, demonstrating that preserving history, identity, and truth can be an act of patriotism in itself.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
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