Descended of enslaved grandparents, **Marvin Gilmore** has had an illustrious career worthy of special tribute. WCVB/Channel 5's **Karen Holmes Ward** talks with the distinguished veteran, civil rights activist, and entrepreneur about meeting world leaders, from presidents and governors to renowned musicians and business leaders.
Marvin Gilmore is a distinguished veteran, civil rights activist, and entrepreneur. He is a grandson of slaves who rose from poverty to achieve the American dream: he is a musician-turned-businessman and a decorated U.S. war hero who earned France's Legion of Honor. He has waged a lifelong battle against racism and for the creation of jobs, and he has played a key role in helping Boston outgrow its racial divisions. Gilmore is the subject of [\_Marvin Gilmore: Crusader for Freedom - A Legacy of Battling Discrimination & Building Jobs\_](https://books.google.com/books/about/Marvin\_Gilmore.html?id=6KfUoQEACAAJ "Marvin Gilmore google books") (2014), by Paul Katzeff.