The Black Veteran Newsletter

06/22/2026

💰 Up to $193 Million Available

🏠 Veteran Housing

🧠 Mental Health

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children & Families

🏡 Youth Homelessness

📸 Pause & Screenshot

06/21/2026

This is exactly why protecting Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) programs matters.

Federal investigators announced that Broadway Electric, Cornerstone Contracting, and two executives agreed to pay $21.3 million to resolve allegations that they improperly obtained federal contracts intended for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.

These programs were created to help veterans who sacrificed for our nation build successful businesses. When companies allegedly use veterans as pass-throughs while controlling the contracts behind the scenes, it takes opportunities away from legitimate veteran entrepreneurs.

I applaud the VA OIG and its law enforcement partners for pursuing this case. Veterans deserve a fair opportunity to compete for contracts that Congress specifically set aside for them.

Fraud against veteran programs is not a victimless crime. Every contract improperly obtained is one less opportunity for a qualified veteran-owned business.

06/21/2026

06/19/2026

🫡🫡🤎🤎Happy Juneteenth!

Today we honor the day freedom finally reached the last enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865. We remember the courage, sacrifice, and determination of those who fought for freedom, including the United States Colored Troops and countless Black men and women who helped shape our nation’s history.

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the continued pursuit of equality. May we never forget their contributions and may we continue to tell their stories.

06/18/2026

🫡🫡🫡 Before there was modern refrigeration on trucks and trains, getting fresh food across the country was a major challenge.

Frederick McKinley Jones, a World War I veteran and self taught inventor, changed that.

In 1938, Jones patented a portable refrigeration unit that transformed the transportation industry. His invention made it possible to safely transport food, medicine, and other perishables over long distances. The technology became especially important during World War II, helping preserve blood, medicine, and food for troops.

Jones earned more than 60 patents during his lifetime, with many focused on refrigeration and transportation technology. In 1991, he became the first Black American to receive the National Medal of Technology, awarded posthumously.

His story is a reminder that Black veterans have not only defended this nation. They have also helped build it through innovation, determination, and groundbreaking achievements.

Today we honor Frederick McKinley Jones, veteran, inventor, and pioneer whose contributions continue to impact our daily lives.

06/18/2026

In addition to the removal of General Daniel “Chappie” James’s portrait from the Pentagon, this administration has removed links and resources highlighting the service of Black military women. should concern every American who values military history.

The U.S. Army’s “African Americans in the U.S. Army” research page still contains numerous active links about Black military history. However, the four links specifically dedicated to Black military women are now struck through and unavailable:

• A Brief History of Black Women in the Military
• Volunteering for Risk: Black Women Overseas during the Wars in Korea and Vietnam
• Breakthroughs for Black Military Women
• From the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation

Black women have served this nation with courage and distinction for generations. From the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion led by Charity Adams Earley, to the first Black women in the Women’s Army Corps, Army Nurse Corps, and countless other military roles, their contributions helped shape our Armed Forces and our nation.

History should be preserved, not hidden. Removing access to these stories does not change what these women accomplished. It only makes it harder for future generations to learn from their sacrifices.

As a Black woman veteran, I believe every veteran’s story matters. The legacy of Black military women is not DEI. It is American history. Their service deserves to be remembered, studied, and honored just like any other chapter in our nation’s military heritage. 🇺🇸

06/15/2026

We couldn’t agree more DAV , "a grateful nation should never try to balance its budget on the backs of the men and women who sacrificed so much for our freedom." Combat-injured veterans have pushed for the Major Richard Star Act for years. They deserve real benefits, not feigned promises.