Photo By Chief Petty Officer Benjamin Dobbs | 150225-N-RB168-059 NORFOLK (Feb. 25, 2015) WAVY TV 10 anchor Don Roberts speaks to...... read more read more
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Benjamin Dobbs
U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. – The crashing sound of cymbals and the crisp snap of snare drums were accompanied by fingers melodically dancing across piano keys and pressing saxophone. That was the introductory tune heard by those in attendance as a five-man band of musicians ushered in this year’s Black History Month celebration at U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) Feb 25.
Military service members and Department of Defense civilians filled the command auditorium decorated with photos of prominent African-Americans who made historic contributions in science, politics, arts, entertainment and sports.
WAVY TV 10 News Anchor Don Roberts visited USFF as the guest speaker for the celebration. During his presentation, Roberts sought to educate and highlight members of the black community. He handed audience members 26 large laminated white cards-on those were the names of some well-recognized-as well as some lesser-known figures in black history. As he discussed the contributions made by each person, Roberts invited the corresponding audience members up on stage where they proudly stood as representatives of the person being discussed.
“As the old saying goes, when we know where we've come from, we can better determine where we're going,” Roberts said. “It’s critical for African-Americans, all Americans for that matter, to continually see that.”
Roberts said that observing the history and contributions of previous generations strengthens not only people individually but also America as a nation.
“Acknowledging these often little known facts has turned into a celebration of our history,” Roberts said. “I’ve made it a point to speak out about people who’ve done substantial things that impact all of us-but for some reason their accomplishments are not widely known or are simply ignored.”
Don Roberts is a published author of the books “Rap to Live By” and “Hey Daddy, Read This.” He was inspired to write his books for children and their teachers.
The Black History Month celebration was hosted by the USFF Multicultural Heritage Committee in order to observe a century of black life, history and culture. The committee president, Jacqueline Davis, also entertained onlookers with a traditional African dance to drum music during the festivities. The Asante Adowa dance performance represents the Asante ethnic group native to south Ghana. Davis said she likes to highlight and recognize all the cultures she works with.
“There are many different aspects that everyone brings to the table,” Davis said. “Everyone has to realize that today’s person is tomorrow’s history. We need to make sure we make an impact on history so that we can be proud, our ancestors will be proud, and everyone else will be able to look back and say that we made an impact.”
USFF mission is to train, certify and provide combat-ready Navy forces to Combatant Commanders that are capable of conducting prompt, sustained naval, joint, and combined operations in support of U.S. national interests.
| Date Taken: | 03.06.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.06.2015 15:00 |
| Story ID: | 156226 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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