EEO invites team members to experience African-American history first-hand

Courtesy Photo | There are close to 200 African-American historical landmarks across the United States, according to the National Parks Service. EEO is encouraging team members to use available resources to learn more about these landmarks and the many contributions of African-Americans  

FORT LEE, VA, UNITED STATES

02.19.2016

Story by Thomas Perry 

Defense Contract Management Agency

FORT LEE, Va. - Throughout the month of February, Defense Contract Management Agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity office is teaming with Special Emphasis Program coordinators across the agency to celebrate the historically significant contributions of African-Americans.

In addition to guest speakers and commemorative events around the globe, EEO has launched an initiative based on the month’s 2016 theme, “Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African-American Memories.” Each day the office highlights a National Registry historical site through an email designed to inform and spark interests.

“Our objective is to provide references that offer all DCMA team members the opportunity to review informational websites on a daily basis to enhance their knowledge and understanding about the contributions that African-Americans have made to the development of this great nation,” said Barbara Berryman, EEO Disputes Resolution and Compliance Branch chief. “We also want to encourage employees to take the opportunity to visit some of these ‘Hallowed Grounds’ within their local communities in order to further appreciate the rich history of these locations.”

Toya Coleman, EEO equal employment specialist, explained that while many Americans are familiar with the well-known events such as the story of the Underground Railroad, Rosa Parks’ stand for freedom while sitting firmly in place and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech, these are only a few of the important events that together form an epic story of perseverance in the face of injustice - and ultimately triumph.

“Our daily emails are not only interesting and filled with insightful information, but each one links places and events for all of us to gain a better understanding of African-American history, which may not be as well-known as some other prominent events,” Coleman said. “EEO has specifically attempted to highlight some sites in cities and states that are near contract management offices to prompt the interest of DCMA employees to visit and tour in person.”

Berryman explained that as technology continues to shrink the world and people from groups of many different origins, cultures and creeds continue to expand their interaction, it is important to celebrate the collective history of America.

“Our history is part of who we were, who we are and who we will be,” Berryman said. “Anytime we can learn things about our history and the history of others who are not like us, it gives us a deeper understanding of our uniqueness, our differences and our commonalities.”

According to the Library of Congress, the commemoration of black history in the United States was expanded to African-American History Month in 1976. President Gerald Ford issued the first presidential message on the Observance of African-American History Month that year.

“As we mark the 40th year of National African-American History Month, let us reflect on the sacrifices and contributions made by generations of African-Americans, and let us resolve to continue our march toward a day when every person knows the unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” wrote President Barack Obama, in his 2016 National African-American History Month Presidential Proclamation.

There are close to 200 African-American historical landmarks across the United States, according to the National Parks Service. EEO is encouraging team members to use available resources to learn more about these landmarks and the many contributions of African-Americans.

• Date Taken: 02.19.2016
• Date Posted: 02.19.2016 11:25
• Story ID: 189312
• Location: FORT LEE, VA, US