US Army National Guard Major General Peter Gravett tells the story of how important education was to his family. His parents grew up in the segregated south and moved to the LA Harbor Area to give their children a better life. Gravett is one of twelve children and he and eleven of of his siblings attended college (one passed away). Gravett grew up in two housing projects in San Pedro and rose from those humble beginnings to getting a post-grad degrees from USC and Harvard — and to the rank of major general in the Army National Guard. He was the first African-American in the 225 year history of the guard to become a division commander. Quite and inspirational gentleman!
September 17, 2020
Stories of L.A. Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA)
Vol. II, No. 25 Major General Peter Gravett, whose family has had a presence in San Pedro area for nearly 100 years, espouses education, strong work ethic and church to achieve success in life.
As director/co-producer Jack Baric observes: U.S. A. Army National Guard Major General Gravett articulately recounts story of how important education was to his family. (SM: so timely with new school year and all the challenges during this tenuous time). His parents grew up in the segregated south and moved to the Los Angeles harbor area to provide a better life for their 12 children who all attended college or university. He grew up in two housing projects in San Pedro and rose from those humble beginnings to receive post-graduate degrees from USC and Harvard; and to his high rank in the Army National Guard.
He was the first African-American in the 225 year history of the guard to become a division commander. Quite an inspirational gentleman. Read about his origins and life journey in his book From Last Garrison To The Ranch House. His participation in SOLAHA has been truly meaningful, given his core values of education and strong work ethic, and valued addition to all the amazing stories as we continue to enlighten and entertain as we preserve history for future generations.