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Retired Black Officer Worried Navy Might Be Going 'Backwards' On Equality

Jessica Palombo
Reuben Keith Green, author of “Black Officer, White Navy” ";s:

An African-American Navy officer who retired in Jacksonville said he remembers being blatantly ignored when he gave commands.

Reuben Keith Green told the story of overcoming racism in the armed forces in his book,  Black Officer, White Navy.  

On WJCT’s First Coast Connect Monday, Green said he still sees troublesome signs of inequality, despite the progress that’s been made since he was in combat.

“I’m worried that the Navy might be going backwards, both on the racial issues and also on the female issues” Green said, adding,  “Just Friday, the day before the Navy’s birthday, the chief of naval operations was chastised by the DoD inspector general for failure to properly handle some sexual harassment, sexual assault complaints against an officer on his staff.”

You can listen to the entire interview with Green along along with the rest of Monday’s First Coast Connect hereor catch the replay Monday night at 8 on 89.9 FM.

On Tuesday’s First Coast Connect at 9 a.m. we’ll hear how First Coast residents can help the victims of Hurricane Michael.

Contact Jessica Palombo at 904-358-6315, jpalombo@wjct.org or on Twitter at @JessicaPubRadio.

Jessica Palombo supervises local news gathering and production, podcasts and web editorial content for WJCT News, ADAPT and Jacksonville Today. She is an award-winning writer and journalist with bylines including NPR, Experience Magazine, and The Gainesville Sun. She has a master’s degree in broadcast and digital journalism from Syracuse University and is an alumna of the University of Florida. A nearly lifelong resident of Jacksonville, she considers herself lucky to be raising her own children in her hometown. Follow Jessica Palombo on Twitter: @JaxJessicaP