SANTA ANA, Calif. - Black Women in American Culture and History was the 2012 national theme for Black History Month, and the focus of the celebration held by the Defense Contract Management Agency’s office here.
Sophia Peterson, Black Employment Program and Special Emphasis Program coordinator, along with the help of contract management office employees, was instrumental in coordinating the program. “Black History is a very important part of our country’s heritage and February gives the nation a chance to reflect on the many contributions African Americans have made,” said Peterson. “Coordinating the event was both a privilege and an honor for those involved.”
The celebration took place on Feb. 23 and afforded employees a chance to reflect on the vital role African American women have played in the history of the nation and the armed forces since the American Revolution.
The guest speaker for the event was Theodora Carr, a member of Santa Ana’s Black Historical Society. She spoke about ways black women shaped the United States and spoke about the contributions of Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks and Michelle Obama. Joining Carr were Harriet Tyler, the society’s founder, and T. Leon Berry, society president.
“The attendees were welcomed with opened arms by DCMA Santa Ana leadership and the SEPC team,” said Peterson.
Following the formal ceremony, employees had the opportunity to participate in an educational game of black history Jeopardy and enjoy a southern food potluck.
The celebration was an appropriate ending to a month which started with a presidential proclamation recognizing African American history as a “story of resilience and perseverance.”
“Since the beginning of February, a collection of African American history books, pictures and other cultural items have been on display throughout the office for employees to review,” said Peterson. “It gave everyone a chance to reflect upon the significance of African American history and culture.”