Carl Brashear was a trailblazing figure in Black history as the first African American to become a U.S. Navy Master Diver. Born in 1931 in Kentucky, Brashear faced racial discrimination throughout his career in the Navy, but he overcame these challenges with determination and perseverance.

Brashear enlisted in the Navy in 1948 and became a diver in 1954. Despite facing racial segregation and prejudice in the military, he continued to excel in his training and rose through the ranks. In 1970, Brashear achieved the historic milestone of becoming the first African American U.S. Navy Master Diver.

Brashear's story was later brought to a wider audience through the 2000 film "Men of Honor," in which he was portrayed by actor Cuba Gooding Jr. Brashear's pioneering achievements and his resilience in the face of adversity have made him an enduring symbol of courage and determination in Black history.