Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam’s (JBPHH) Joint Forces Multicultural Committee (JFC) hosted an observance honoring African American History Month at Hickam Theater, Feb. 22.
The theme of the event was “Success always leaves footprints”, recognizing central figures in the African American community, and highlighting how their courage and perseverance overcame many obstructions that we continue to benefit from to this day.
“Historically, the barriers these brave individuals faced had remained impenetrable,” said guest speaker Alphonso Braggs, President of the Oahu chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. “Through persistent resolve, they overcame formidable odds and helped establish crucial precedents that created a cultural shift and paved the road for equal opportunities for all African Americans.”
Mr. Braggs opened with a tribute to the pioneers of the African American community, including Booker T. Washington, the Little Rock Nine and Mary McLeod Bethune, as well as others, and the lasting impact they have made to the African American community and the country as a whole.
“Black History month is a time to remember all the contributions African Americans made in US history, and to honor the pioneers who made them,” said Braggs. “These pioneers have cleared the path, and left their footsteps for future generations to follow in.”
The observance also included a “who’s who” presentation of key figures in African American history, an orginal song written and performed by Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Anthony Pone , and musical performances by the Pacific Fleet Band, who showcased songs made by such prominent African American musicians as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding and James Brown.
“The idea of combining a spoken presentation along with musical performances was to give everybody a chance to not only learn, but experience the different contributions that this particular demographic has contributed to American society,” said Master At Arms 1st Class Jeremy Harboth, President of the JBPHH JFC. “We hope that this event and future events hosted by the JFC help give insight to the vast diversity that makes our military the greatest in the world.”
JBPHH joins the nation in celebrating African American history throughout the month of February.
To learn more about African American History Month, visit the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute website, https://www.deomi.org/SpecialObservance/index.cfm.
Date Taken: | 02.23.2017 |
Date Posted: | 02.23.2017 17:36 |
Story ID: | 224589 |
Location: | PEARL HARBOR, HI, US |
Web Views: | 73 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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