Marines hold Black History Month celebration

Photo By Sgt. Laura Bonano | Marines watch a comedic skit during a Black History Month celebration aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan Feb. 29.  

HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

02.29.2012

Story by Sgt. Laura Bonano 

Regional Command Southwest

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — A group of Marines from I Marine Headquarters Group (Forward) celebrated Black History Month with presentations and comedic skits Feb. 29 at Town Hall.

Master Sgt. Rion Harmon started the event with a brief history lesson of African American culture. He also highlighted African American women such as Marian Anderson, who was the first African American woman to sing with the Metropolitan Opera and Zora Neale Hurston, author of “Their Eyes Were Watching God”.

Attendees learned about courageous African Americans who earned the Medal of Honor for their service.

Command sergeant major of II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD), Sgt.Maj. Michael F. Jones served as the guest speaker and stressed the importance of diversity and celebrating each and every group of people.

“Only one color would be plain drab, God’s garden is full of many flowers and colors,” said Jones.

To present a unique angle on the history of famous African Americans, a troupe of Marines performed a skit featuring; boxer-Muhammad Ali, golfer-Tiger Woods, singer-Ray Charles and all around sensation-Tina Turner.

Audience members laughed as actors; Sgt. Dolphus Hill, Sgt. Devin Cooper III, Cpl. Matthew Gotsch and Pfc. Angela Pacheco fought over who was the greatest by comparing knockouts, chart toppers and triumphs in their careers.

• Date Taken: 02.29.2012
• Date Posted: 03.12.2012 07:12
• Story ID: 85086
• Location: HELMAND PROVINCE, AF