“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” – Arthur Ashe
The passing of a loved one always takes something out of a family’s heart, especially when the loved one passes unexpectedly. This was the case for the family of beloved son, brother, father, uncle, cousin, military veteran, and HBCU alumnus Arthur G. Blakey, III whose passing left his family with a deep somberness as his laughter, joy, and unselfishness would be acutely missed in their lives. As is often the case, families want to find a way to shine the light on their loved ones and who they were and the lives they so valiantly lived.
Arthur Blakey, III, was the grandson of an HBCU love story that began over 100 years ago with his grandparents Arthur Blakey, Sr. and Jessica Blakey who would fall in love at Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute (Virginia State University) graduating in 1913 from the institution. Arthur Blakey, Sr. would go on to start at Shaw University’s Medical School, but finish at Meharry Medical College four years later and open his own practice in Goochland County, Virginia. Arthur Blakey, III’s mother, Gladys Holland, also a Virginia State University alumnae, would raise Mr. Blakey, III and his younger three siblings in the surrounding area and shadows of Richmond and Petersburg, Virginia, and even living on the campus of Virginia State University for a formidable period. Eventually himself spending time at Virginia State University before joining the Air Force and serving his country in the Vietnam conflict. His life would go on to continue to be one of service to his community and family. If there was a helping hand needed, he was there to lend it. His sister, Dr. Laurette Blakey Foster, herself a product of the family’s third generation at Virginia State University and entering her fourth decade as a professor at Prairie View A&M University describes her big brother, “Arthur Gilbert Blakey, III was the oldest of his siblings. He was not only the big brother but also the protector. As a child he was always curious and sometimes mischievous but always sheltered his siblings from harm. As he attended St. Emma Catholic Military boarding school it was always a treat to visit on Sunday afternoons to watch the cadets in uniform as they parading their formations. When Arthur completed high school he joined the United States Air Force where he continued in his role as a protector but now one for a greater family. He served two tours in Vietnam before returning to civilian life in Petersburg. Arthur never knew how to say no. If someone needed money, gas, food or a car repaired, he was there. If he did not have enough, he would ask you to help as well. As well as he knew the streets, he knew the aristocrats and was the life of any gathering whether with strangers or family. We are so proud he lived his life his way.”
In looking for a way to honor his legacy, the family decided to speak to the things that were core to who he was and for what he was proud – someone who helped others, his service in the military, and his connection to his community. As such after a series of meetings, his family partnered with the Buffalo Soldiers Museum, located in Houston, TX, which is the nationally recognized museum on the African American military history experience. The Buffalo Soldiers Museum itself still quite young by museum standards is less than twenty years old, but tells a powerful and rich history of African America’s place in the country’s military annals. However, like many African American institutions, more help and resources are always needed. This endowed internship, which will be the first endowed fund of any kind for the museum, will be targeted to HBCU students and faculty to spend eight weeks working at the museum under guidance of the museum’s leadership who is developing a program specifically for the interns in conjunction with the family.
It highlights the value of African American institutions working together, collaborating, and ultimately strengthening the African American ecosystem. In this case we have the African American family, an African American museum, an African American bank, and HBCUs all tied together and strengthening each other. This is how a community empowers itself and builds itself. It is the institutional circulation of economic and intellectual capital that we need more of in our community. The inaugural intern is expected to be chosen for summer 2020. While it will begin with one student, the internship program is expected to grow to support as many as five with one slot being slated for an HBCU professor. Without a doubt the light of Arthur G. Blakey, III will continue to shine bright in the lives of those who know him and those who will benefit from his legacy for generations to come.
For more information please visit http://www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com/
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