Marine Corps gets first Black 4-star general in 246-year history

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley, the first Black four-star general in the branch's 246-year history, was sworn in Saturday morning during a promotion ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Langley will serve as commander of U.S. Africa Command, which is based out of Stuttgart, Germany, and will command all U.S. military forces in Africa. The Senate confirmed Langley's appointment to the rank of General on Monday. 

He was nominated by President Biden in June. Speaking during the ceremony, the Shreveport, Alabama, native discussed equity and inclusion at the Marine Corps, family and sacrifice.