Held In Trust: The Story of Lt. Henry O. Flipper
Held In Trust: The Story of Lt. Henry O. Flipper(1996) This documentary is about a remarkable African-American who survived brutal hazing at West Point to become, in 1877, the first African-American officer. Subsequently he became the first African-American officer in the 10th regiment of the Buffalo Soldiers, segregated army units officered by whites.
Lt. Flipper was framed on trumped up charges and dishonorably discharged from the U. S. Army. He continually sought to clear his name. Meanwhile, he served with distinction in various U. S. Government civilian positions. He was finally grandly a posthumous honorable discharge in 1976.
Based on an original one-man play, this is a persuasive portrayal of Lt. Flipper’s ordeal. Ossie Davis provides historical narration with reflections from an elderly Lt. Flipper (played by George Robert Snead) that adds poignancy to his personal ordeal. The program is introduced by General Colin Powell, former Chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff.
