The Black Knight: An African American's Journey from West Point - A Life of Duty, Honor, and Country

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Retired Col. Clifford Worthy, the great-grandson of slaves, was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Hamtramck, Michigan. He graduated from high school at 16 and enrolled at Wayne University. There he became interested in attending West Point. Congressman John Dingell, Sr., supported Worthy's nomination, and Worthy became one of the first African Americans to be accepted at West Point. He and fellow African American plebes received the nickname of "Black Knights."

Worthy graduated in 1953 and went on to serve as an officer in the U.S. Army from 1953 through 1975. He served as an Artillery officer in American posts, both in Germany during the Cold War and in Vietnam just after the Tet Offensive. He also served as Battalion Commander and Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Army. After his Army service, he worked for General Motors.

Worthy married his first wife Lillian in 1953. They had three children: Mark, who grew up with special needs; Kym, who is now Wayne County Prosecutor; and Jennifer, an artist. After Lillian's death, he requested duty in the Detroit area, so that his exteded family could help with Mark's care. Four years later, he met and married Mildred, a Maryland teacher. Currently, he lives in Bloomfield Hills.

In 2019, Worthy published his autobiography, called "The Black Knight." It recounts the story of his military career, his experience as an African American in the American military and American society during the 20th century, and the challenges he faced in raising a special needs child. 

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