A Black Colonel Takes Command of a Key Marine Corps Brigade The assignment gives Col. Anthony Henderson, whose promotion to brigadier general takes effect in July, further opportunity for advancement in a service that has had few African-American leaders. Col. Anthony Henderson receiving an award at Camp Pendleton, Calif., in 2016. His new command comes as the Pentagon is grappling with issues of race.Credit...United States Marine Corps May 11, 2021 WASHINGTON — The Marine Corps on Tuesday put a Black colonel in charge of one of its key fighting brigades, the latest in a series of steps that positions the Marine, Col. Anthony Henderson, for future elevation to senior leadership positions.