By Brian Petersen, Filmmaker and Storytelling Consultant

At Petersen Film and Photo, we’ve told stories that change the world, but his film project honoring the life of General Charles Young is one of the most meaningful we have had the privilege to produce for the National Park Service.

Who Was General Charles Young

Born into slavery in Kentucky in 1864, Charles Young overcame extraordinary odds to become the third African American to graduate from West Point in 1889. He began his career as an officer in the Buffalo Soldiers, the segregated cavalry units charged with managing national parks at the time. In 1903 he led 96 troops to serve as acting superintendent at Sequoia and General Grant National Parks. Under his direction the soldiers built roads to the Giant Forest and Moro Rock, stopped poaching, halted illegal sheep grazing, and negotiated land agreements—all of which expanded park access and solidified conservation efforts.

Young later served as a military attaché in Haiti and Liberia, fought in the Punitive Expedition to Mexico, and became the first African American to reach the rank of colonel in the United States Army. In 1922, while posted in Nigeria, he died of kidney disease and was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In 2021 he was posthumously promoted to brigadier general.

Dialogue from the Short FIlm

Born in Kentucky in 1864, Charles Young was the highest ranking African-American commanding officer in the United States Army from 1894 until his death in 1922. He overcame great adversity even though he was born a son of slaves.

Described by his contemporaries and peers as a genius, a poet, a musician, and a lover of art, Charles Young would graduate West Point and eventually master the languages of Latin, Greek, German, French, and Spanish.

His personal motto was “Look up, and not down,” and he followed it closely, as the record of his life clearly shows.

Charles Young had an impeccable military career, and was assigned to the Ninth Cavalry in a regiment of the “Buffalo Soldiers.”

In 1903 Charles Young became the first Black National Park Superintendent of Sequoia National Park, and completed the incredibly difficult task of building the Giant Forest Road.

He went on to serve his nation in the Philippines, Mexico, and as a military attache to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Liberia, and Nigeria.

He was buried as a national hero in Arlington National Cemetery where some 60,000 mourners gathered to celebrate his life.

“In his eulogy, Secretary Theodore Roosevelt Junior said of Young, “No one ever more truly deserved the high repute in which he was held, for by sheer force of character, he overcame prejudices which would have discouraged many a lesser man.”

Due to his exemplary service and his heroic achievements, Charles Young was honorably and posthumously promoted to Brigadier General.

We honor Brigadier General, Charles Young.

A Film That Brings His Story to Life

We produced this film in partnership with the National Park Service to honor General Young’s extraordinary legacy. Our team led the full production process:

• Historical research and screenplay development
• Music supervision and sound design
• Voice‑over casting and direction
• Editing and final delivery to the NPS

This was not just another project. It was an opportunity to preserve a story that deserves to be remembered and shared.

Watch the film here:
General Charles Young – National Park Service

Why This Story Matters Today

General Young’s leadership, intellect, and moral clarity speak into our moment. His legacy invites us to reexamine who we honor in our national story and reminds us that public lands and the stories within them belong to all people.

We Tell Stories That Change the World

At Petersen Film and Photo we partner with ministries, nonprofits, brands, and public institutions to help them communicate their message with clarity, beauty, and purpose. We combine technical excellence with deep respect for the people and stories we serve.

If you are looking for a creative partner to help shape and share your story we would love to talk.