AJ Cade

I am a medically retired United States Marine and federal historian with the United States Air Force who earned two Masters degrees from the Univeristy of Maryland and the George Washington University along with a Ph.D. from GW as well. I am academically trained as a Nineteenth-Century American military historian who specializes in the subaltern of the American Civil War. 

I am the proud author of the award-winning book, Your New Journey: How to Thrive in Graduate School as a Person of Color, a groundbreaking work which helps to guide people such as myself into and through graduate school.

Most importantly, I am a father of four wonderful children, and I dedicate all of my work and success to them and their future. 

If interested in a copy of my CV send an email to americanhistorianllc@gmail.com 

The Motivator

Nineteenth-Century American Military Historian who Specializes in African American and Immigrant History of the Ciivil War.

History Restored: The Untold Story of Black Civil War Soldiers

History PhD candidate and Marine veteran AJ Cade was inspired by a forgotten Civil War regiment of all-Black soldiers and officers. Now, he’s bringing their legacy to life.

UMD Alumni

AJ Cade ‘17, author of“Your New Journey: How to Thrive in Graduate School as a Person of Color”, was inspired by his son to write this book and show him and other aspiring graduate school attendees that not only is it possible to attend, but that it is possible to thrive and succeed.

Award Winning Author and Historian

AJ Cade has been nominated or awarded for many of his works to further the diaspora and Black education. See below for a few of them, and contact us for more information about his work.

Your New Journey wins Gold!

Gold Award: Your New Journey, AJ Cade

I am honored to announce that my first book earned its second book award! The 2023 Reviewer's Choice Awards awarded Your New Journey with their Gold Award within the Education catergory. 

Dr. AJ Cade Wins Election

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2026 ASALH EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

 I hope to use my leadership skills to further ASALH’s mission to research and disseminate African American history. I think my position with the federal government allows me to connect and negotiate with people from various backgrounds, and I plan to use my background and leadership ability to buoy ASALH into the future.

Your New Journey wins 2023 BIBA for Academic Writing

2023 Best Independent Book Award for Academics

Your New Journey won a BIBA in 2023 in the Academia category. All of the judges agree that this ground-breaking work deserves the highest praise for all that it offers. Purchase your copy of this award-winning book today!

Your New Journey: How to Thrive in Graduate School as a Person of Color, nominated for an award

Eric Hoffer Award Nominee

Your New Journey was nominated for the 2024 Eric Hoffer Award because of the book's writing and message. The award committee agrees that Your New Journey is a must-read for all who are interested in higher education!

Critical Accalaim for Your New Journey

Reader Views gave Your New Journey a Five Star Review!

“Your New Journey: How to Thrive in Graduate School As a Person of Color” offers an exhilarating read that will set you up for effortless conquest... You can avoid the pitfalls of financial inflation, burnout, procrastination, or constant self-doubt after encountering this heartfelt narrative. The read is without a doubt timely and crucial, in a world where learners are crisscrossing continents more often than in earlier years, in a quest for knowledge.

Bouchet Society Students Honored for Research, Advocacy

Five Ph.D. students will be inducted into the Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, which recognizes diversity and excellence in doctoral education.

A  Ph.D. candidate in history, Anthony J. (AJ) Cade II’s research chronicles the overlooked legacy of the Louisiana Native Guards, the first Union Army regiment during the Civil War with Black officers leading Black soldiers into battle. He is a retired U.S. Marine, a historian with the U.S. Army Center of Military History (CMH) and co-chair of CMH’s Diversity Inclusion and Equity Taskforce. He also travels to historically Black colleges and universities to promote diversity among graduate degree holders. “Similar to Edward Bouchet—and many people of color—I am the first Ph.D. in my family,” Cade said. “Joining a society built upon welcoming individuals such as myself is in line with my efforts to help diversify my field.”

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