Those We Lost — June 16

Honoring those we lost on June 16 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

George Stinney Jr.

Born October 21, 1929 — Died June 16, 1944

Title: Wrongfully executed Black child and symbol of racial injustice in the legal system

George Stinney Jr. was only 14 years old when South Carolina executed him after a rushed and deeply flawed trial. His conviction was vacated in 2014 after a court ruled he had not received a fair trial, making his story one of the most painful examples of racial injustice, childhood vulnerability, and the death penalty.

Alfred Masters

Born February 5, 1916 — Died June 16, 1975

Title: Montford Point Marine and first Black Marine sworn into the U.S. Marine Corps

Alfred Masters was sworn into the Marine Corps on June 1, 1942, becoming one of the key figures in the desegregation of the Corps. His story connects to the Montford Point Marines, the Black servicemen who trained under segregation while helping open the door for future generations.

Commander Merle J. Smith Jr.

Born 1944 — Died June 16, 2021

Title: U.S. Coast Guard officer, Vietnam veteran, and first Black graduate of the Coast Guard Academy

Merle J. Smith Jr. was the first Black cadet to graduate from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He later commanded a cutter in Vietnam and became a barrier-breaking figure in Coast Guard history and military leadership.