Carl Brashear, First African American Navy Diver for the United States Navy. The 2000 movie 'Men of Honor' was based on his life and his undying commitment to acheive what no other African American had done before that time.
The height of his career was from the late 1940's to 1970, a time when the civil rights movement was at it's peak in America. When African American's were trying with all their might to prove their worth and equality as people in society.
The story of his life is much the same as any other pioneer of task or industry.
If anyone has seen the movie 'Men of Honor' and read the story of life, you are probably as moved as I am by the story.
Fighting against the prejudice of society, the navy hierarchy, the constant efforts of the white American's to ensure he failed or prohibit from achieving, he overcame every obstacle put in his path by sheer will power and determination.
Stories such as Carl Brashear's stir something within me as a person, so motivating and empowering is it to see someone 110% committed to achieveing something. Too often people quit or fall short of their goals because it is 'too hard' or others stand in their way.
Not even the loss of a leg got in the way of Brashear's determination.
Long story short, Carl Brashear became the first African American Navy Diver. If you haven't seen the movie 'Men of Honor', I recommend you do.