In support of Black History Month, Brigadier General Anthony Jackson, U.S. Africa Command director for operations and logistics, addressed a group of approximately 50 persons February 26 at the theater on Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany. Through the use of vivid anecdotes based upon personal life experiences, he reflected upon the history of African American leaders in the United States and encouraged participants to consider the role played by the support of family in the development of personal character.

The 45-minute presentation opened with a photographic display of U.S. African American leaders throughout history. Jackson emphasized that similarly strong leadership was a driving factor in the Jackson household during his youth. As one of seven children, he and his siblings were actively supported by their father, a military veteran of two wars, who encouraged them to believe that they could be anything they wanted to be in life. Jackson's personal values and drive to excellence, attributes he stressed were shared by his siblings, were a direct reflection of the support provided by his family.

Jackson addressed the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968, as the most traumatic moment in his life next to the death of his father. Enraged at the event, he commented that he was reined in from a path of violence as a result of his upbringing and that he saw clarity at that moment in the sacrifices of others toward a greater good. "I am the bullet he [Martin Luther King] took, and the reason he took it," stated Jackson.

Brigadier General Anthony Jackson was born in Fort Lewis, Washington and graduated from San Jose State University, Calif. in 1971. He most recently served as the deputy commanding general of U.S. Marine Forces Central Command, departing his post in September 2007. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and the Defense Meritorious Medal.