Words of wisdom

Last week, the U.S. Senate took a historic step: It confirmed Charles Q. Brown Jr. as the chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, making him the first black officer to lead one of America’s major military branches.

It would be wrong to celebrate Brown’s appointment as a sort of counterbalance to the injustices sparking demonstrations around the country. To do so would be a tone-deaf misunderstanding of the long-lingering effects of what has been called America’s original sin.

But it would also be wrong not to celebrate this occasion, because it does represent progress. It is a milestone on a march in the right direction toward greater equality where everyone, regardless of race, is free to succeed and empowered to do so.

Brown has earned his success and we applaud President Donald Trump for appointing him and the Senate for confirming him.

In a powerful and personal video he made for those under his command, the general spoke with honesty and candor about “a history of racial issues, and my own experiences that didn’t always sing of liberty and equality.”

Brown said, “I can’t fix centuries of racism in our country, nor can I fix decades of discrimination that may have impacted members of our Air Force. I’m thinking about how I can make improvements — personally, professionally and institutionally — so that all airmen, both today and tomorrow, appreciate the value of diversity in a conservative environment where they can reach their full potential. I’m thinking I don’t have all the answers on how to create such an environment. … I’m thinking about, without clear-cut answers, I just want to have the wisdom and knowledge to lead during difficult times like these. I want the wisdom and knowledge to lead, participate in and listen to necessary conversations on racism, diversity and inclusion. I want the wisdom and knowledge to lead those willing to take committed and sustained action to make our Air Force better.”

Those words grow out of a model the rest of our nation would do well to follow: practice empathy, embrace honesty, fight injustice, do what you can to make the country better.