Franklin A. Denison

The first “Unknown  Giant” profiled is Brigadier General Franklin Augustus Denison, "A Man of Many First" who was an  African American man who achieved great success  in Law, Military and Politics.   From his boyhood in San Antonio, Texas to his death in 1932, Brigadier General Franklin Augustus Denison has broken many color barriers being the first in many sectors of the military and civilian life. He had a successful life as an attorney in Chicago, Illinois as well as being appointed to political post unheard of for a Black man in his time.  As  a Colonel,  Denison commanded the 370th All Black Infantry Unit in WWI, being the only Black Colonial to serve. Dension commanded his regiment with  an iron fist but treated his soldiers with dignity and respect. He would not let his soldiers fight on the front lines without the proper training like they had given to white soldiers and ultimately the training resulted in many honors for the ALL Black 370th Infantry. Upon his retirement from the Illinois National Guard, Franklin Augustus Denison was given the rank as a  Brigadier General.