Prometheans, Inc.

Established in 1944 by surviving African American combat soldiers of the 92nd Infantry Division, who had met at the Howard University detachment of the Army Specialized Training Program in 1943.

From the description of Records, 1944-1950. (Moorland-Spingarn Resource Center). WorldCat record id: 70941331

The Prometheans, Inc., named after the Greek god Prometheus (who gave light and knowledge), was founded by young Black 92nd Division combat soldiers as they fought together on foreign soil during World War II. These young Blacks met as a result of the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) initiated in 1942, and instituted at Howard University in 1943. The purpose of the ASTP was to insure a continuous flow of technically and professionally trained men for the Army's World War II effort. The 300 Black youth recruits from all parts of the country who formed Howard's ASTP detachment were given training in engineering, medicine and dentistry. Most were assigned to active duty in early 1944. Most of the engineering students were assigned to the 92nd Infantry Division, the famed ""Buffalo Soldier"" Black combat division.

The Prometheans, Inc., was formed in 1944 at Fort Huachua, Arizona under the chairmanship of Pvt. Burrell B. DaHaven out of determination of the survivors of that war to unite in a formal organization as a memorial to their colleagues who died on the battlefield. The immediate organizational objective was to offer financial and moral support to its members as they adjusted to civilian life. Howard University was designated as national headquarters for the Prometheans. The organizational coordinator was an honorary member, Dr. Merze Tate, who controlled and supervised all business and financial transactions.

Today the Prometheans' organizational goal is to promote civic betterment through participation in fields of education, health, and especially in youth oriented activities.

From the guide to the Prometheans Inc., Records, ca. 1945, (Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, Howard University)