The Royal Thirteen - A Phi Beta Sigma Event

The Golden Thirteen was a group of African Americans who in 1944 became the first group of Black servicemen to complete officer training for the United States Navy. In 1977 members of the group organized the first of several reunions, some of which were highly publicized and even promoted by navy recruiters. The group became known as the Golden Thirteen in honor of their having begun the process of racially integrating the navy, which at the time of their service may have been the most tradition-bound and segregated branch of the U.S. armed forces.

These men have created their own story, created history and become kings in their own right. The burden of the king is similar to the weight of leadership which emphasizes the responsibilities and challenges that come with being royalty. The Golden 13 created their own history as we now make history as we introduce the Royal…