Soulful Lunch focus on Black History Month

Photo By 1st Lt. Chelsea Clark | Members of the Vermont National Guard listen to Ms. Kiah Morris, a former Vermont State Representative speak at the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, Feb. 14, 2019. The Cultural Diversity Enhancement Team of the Vermont National Guard hosted a soulful luncheon and discussion for airmen and soldiers with a focus on Black History Month and included a guest speaker. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. Chelsea Clark)  

SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT, UNITED STATES

02.28.2019

Courtesy Story

158th Fighter Wing

In celebration of Black History Month, the Vermont National Guard’s Cultural Diversity Enhancement Team (CDET) hosted a Soulful Luncheon at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, including a presentation by Ms. Kiah Morris, a former Vermont State Representative. Together, airmen and soldiers shared conversation and ethnic cuisine.
The event was orchestrated through the Vermont National Guard Black Employment Program, one of the CDET’s many functions to promote cultural awareness and inclusion.
U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Kirby Addison, the program manager for Vermont National Guard Black Employment initiative and a member of the 158th Fighter Wing’s Communications Flight organizes and coordinates events, such as these, to facilitate objective group discussions as well as cultural reflection.
“Just to be able to have the open and honest conversations and the hard conversations I think are important instead of sweeping issues under the rug; just getting to know each other throughout the years... it’s all about bringing awareness and education to make everyone feel like we’re part of an organization that celebrates all cultures,” said Addison.
A purpose of CDET-hosted events is to validate the necessity of sharing open and honest dialogues by way of inclusion. In turn, providing opportunity to learn and collaborate amongst members of the Vermont National Guard.
Morris’ words reflected those of the intent and purpose within the CDET’s mission. She discussed her experiences of adversity and perseverance.
“In an environment like this where our colleagues are also our family, where there is a brotherhood and sisterhood, isolation (and) marginalization is toxic to the soul because it is the very fabric of who we are as a society,” mentioned Morris.
Morris continued to discuss how biased traits and behaviors are counterintuitive to a successful organization and society alike.
She concluded her presentation by empowering her audience to employ a profound sense of commitment as a means to persevere.
“Committing ourselves to the work ahead; committing ourselves to our community we live in and serve; committing ourselves to the state which we call home; committed to contribute our gifts, our labor, our lives for this nation,” said Morris.
Following Morris, attendees shared in a meal and discussions on cultural awareness and the way ahead in the Vermont National Guard.
“I still think there’s some work to be done. We’re proud to be Americans and we just want to be valued like everyone else,” Addison mentioned.

• Date Taken: 02.28.2019
• Date Posted: 02.28.2019 16:33
• Story ID: 312345
• Location: SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT, US