CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Third Army hosted a Black History Month observance here, Feb. 15, with a focus on the significant contributions of African-American women in history.
“From the American Revolution to the present, African-American women have played a large role in the making of our nation,” said Master Sgt. William Downey, Third Army/ARCENT equal opportunity adviser and Richmond, Va., native.
Downey, the master of ceremonies, went on to explain the struggles African-American women have faced.
“Throughout history, African-American women stood against oppression and beat the odds,” Downey stated.
Following Downey’s speech, several female soldiers took on the role of prominent historical figures, including Phillis Wheatley and Harriet Tubman.
Among them was Sgt. Tifani Hightower, Third Army equal opportunity operations non-commissioned officer in charge and Preston, Ga., native, playing the role of Sojourner Truth.
“I told myself when Black History Month came around I wanted to recite ‘Ain’t I a Woman?’ by Sojourner Truth,” said Hightower. “It’s such a strong poem which strengthens not only African-American women, but all women.”
Reciting the poem allowed Hightower to pay tribute to African-American women and the struggles they had to overcome, she said.
“This event allows me to reflect on my history as an African-American female,” Hightower said. “It gives me a better appreciation for where I’m going because I can look back and see where I came from.”
Through observances of events like Black History Month, Third Army is shaping the future by celebrating diversity.