Join us for an inspiring presentation about the Montford Point Marines—the pioneering Black men who broke barriers to integrate the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Featured speaker Mallorie K.M. Berger is the proud granddaughter of Private Maurice L. Burns, Sr., a Montford Point Marine. She has dedicated herself to researching, honoring, and preserving the legacy of these unsung heroes. Through powerful stories, historical insights, and a call to action, she shares her journey of honoring history, reuniting families with their history and ensuring these brave Marines receive the recognition they deserve. 

Since 1999, Ms. Berger has delved into genealogy, uncovering untold stories of courage and sacrifice. In 2021, her research revealed that her late grandfather, Maurice L. Burns Sr., was one of the 20,000 Black men who integrated the U.S. Marine Corps as a Montford Point Marine during World War II. These Marines were awarded a collective Congressional Gold Medal in 2012, yet fewer than 2,500 have been identified, located, and honored with their own bronze replica medal. Since 2022, Ms. Berger’s efforts have resulted in identifying over 4,000 Montford Pointers, locating and honoring more than 400 of these Marines, including several living Montford Point Marines, one of whom was 101-year-old Corporal George J. Johnson.