Black History Month

Posted by Clem Leslie

on Feb 19, 2016

For the next few minutes, Julius Parker, Jr. will take you on a journey that will cover some of the significant accomplishments and events that have become indelible moments in African American History as seen mostly through the eyes of a soldier for thirty-four years.

This journey actually began when the first African Americans arrived on six ships on the shores of what is now called Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. That was 407 years ago or 180 years before the signing of the US Constitution in 1787. Or, 169 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Julius Parker relates black history to the Declaration of Independence ....

Biography

Upon his retirement in 1990, General Parker was the highest ranking African American Military Intelligence Branch Officer in the history of the U.S. Army.

He was born in New Braunfels, Texas. Upon completion of the Reserve Officers Training Corps curriculum and the educational course of study at Prairie View A&M University in 1955, he was commissioned a second lieutenant of Infantry and awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg State University of Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of The Harvard University Senior Executive Program.

A veteran of 33 years of military service, he commanded units at every level of the US Army from Second Lieutenant through two- star General. After his military retirement as Commanding General, Fort Huachuca, he served 21 years as VP for Administrative Services for the University of Arizona. He is a two time recipient of the Arizona Governor’s Award for Excellence.

He has served the Tucson community as a public speaker, mentor, and member of local and state boards of directors.

He is President & CEO of J. P. Industries, Inc. in Tucson, an AbilityOne Program that empowers individuals with severe disabilities with employment opportunities.

He is married to the former Dorothy June Henry of Houston, TX, whom he met at Prairie View A&M University. They have three children. Julian R., is an electrical engineer with a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering, Dorvita Parker, holder of an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and Jules G. is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, specializing in the body’s lower extremities, ankles, and feet.