William Hastie

William Hastie

November 17, 1904 - April 14, 1976

William Hastie was a Maverick attorney and diplomat born November 17th, 1904 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Hastie spent his childhood in Tennessee until relocating to Washington, D.C. In 1921 he graduated from Dunbar Highschool, then received his A.B Degree from Amherst College (Massachusetts) 4 years later.

Even more prestigious and indicative of his drive for excellence, Hastie receives a LL.B degree from Harvard University in 1930.

Hastie was steadfast on his pursuit of excellence and in 1933, became one of the first African -Americans Members of Franklin Roosevelt's administration.

An impressive accomplishment, but it was when Hastie decided to disrupt, that he would be a MAVERICK in Black History.

In 1942, after serving 2 years as Civilian Aid to Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson and observing the numerous inequalities in military, resigned in protest.

He had urged for racial integration of the troop and today started to act.

Hastie decision to act was prompted by the creation of separate training facilities for African Americans by the Air Force.

It was his stand and protest that kick-started the Army and Navy to “limited experimentation with integrated units.”

Now that’s MAVERICK.

Hastie would continue his ascension and in 1946, President Harry Truman Appointed him governor of the Virgin Islands making him the first African-American to hold the title.

As we remember Williams Henry Hastie we remember his spirit to constantly strive for more and his conviction to do something bigger than himself. That’s MAVERICK.