Irene Trowell-Harris. Wikimedia Commons. (1939-) Aiken native Irene Trowell-Harris was the first African-American female in the history of the National Guard to be promoted to the rank of Major General. Resources South Carolina African-American History Calendar - Major General Irene Trowell-Harris National Guard Bureau - Major General Irene Trowell-Harris Veterans History Project - Interview with Irene Trowell-Harris Discus Resources MasterFile Premier