RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Tx –
February is Black History Month, which is not only celebrated annually in the United States and the United Kingdom, but also here at Randolph Air Force Base, as it has been since approximately 1976.
Black History Month was created in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson as "Negro History Week." Mr. Woodson chose the second week of February because it marked the birthdays of two Americans who greatly influenced the lives and social conditions of African Americans: former president Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, said Maj. Bill Collins, Air Force Personnel Center, chief of assignments force structure and sustainment branch.
This year Randolph is celebrating with several events, including a screening of the movie "For Love and Liberty: The Story of America's Black Patriots," a legacy ball, soul food luncheon and an annually recurring Gospel Fest.
The importance of Black History Month in today's society is to "reflect on the accomplishments of African American's throughout the history of this vast nation and highlight the importance they have played in making this country great," said Maj. Collins. This instills not only a pride in one's country, but also in the contributions that one's culture has made to this great nation."
The significance of commemorating Black History Month on military installations is the continuity of heritage and diversity.
"Military organizations were the first, in many instances, to integrate; and they have led the way in advancing the effort to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all who serve, said Maj. Collins. It's important we continue to be an example and celebrate not only the past accomplishments of African Americans who have made a significant mark on our nation, but also emphasize the importance of celebrating our diversity."
Senior Master Sgt Damon Smith, AFPC superintendant of directorate training, said he agrees with Maj Collins.
"Military installations should celebrate this event and others like it, because it shows how the diversity of the most valuable weapon system, people, contributes to accomplishing the mission within the United States Air Force and the Department of Defense, he said."
Black History Month and cultural diversity are a large part of America's past and present. Although racism still exists in today's society, the military somewhat overcomes that burden by encouraging cultural diversity and by having a no-tolerance policy on racism.
Morgan Freeman, a popular black actor and civil rights activist, believes the only way to overcome racism is to stop talking about it.
"I don't believe we should stop talking about it, but I also don't believe the discussion of race or racism should dominate our national discourse," Maj. Collins said. "I also think it is important we don't allow every instance of bias, prejudice, or even bigotry to be confused or conflated as racism."
Many scholars feel as if Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech should be put away for a couple of years so people are renewed when they hear it. The speech, however monumental it may be, runs the risk of devolving into a cliché speech only heard during Black History Month.
Maj. Collins disagrees with this idea.
"I don't agree with this idea of putting away or shelving something that has such a unifying message," he said. "I believe Dr. King's message was not just about African American's but people of all cultures. It's important that we amplify that message and continuously strive to ensure his dream is a reality for all Americans. "
Sergeant Smith said his favorite part of Black History Month stems from increased knowledge and education.
"Well, being a military man, I enjoy learning new information about black military Americans, such as Army veteran & NASA scientist Emmett Chappelle, one of the 100 most distinguished African American scientists of the 20th century.
Major Collins still has high hopes for future change.
"I would like to see more participation and reflection by those who don't quite understand the importance of these observances (not just Black History Month)," he said. "It would also be great to see more leaders embrace and emphasize the importance of these events to encourage participation, and ultimately, I believe, facilitate a better understanding and appreciation for our cultural diversity."
The Black History month events, such as the movie screening segment, Tuskegee Airmen breakfast and the legacy ball were well attended.
"We've had relatively good turnout but we hope that we have an even better turnout for the upcoming events," Maj Collins said. "We fully anticipate that people will participate in full effect for the rest of the events."