Black History Month What it means to me

The history of African Americans in the military closely follows that of African Americans in civilian society. From the end of the Civil War, the segregated units that African Americans were required to serve in through World War II matched the segregation, both legal and social, in American life.

However, in 1946, President Harry Truman established a Committee on Civil Rights, which documented civil rights violations and racial violence and urged the president to rid the country of the “disease” of racism. The committee noted that African Americans who served their country did so in a racist and discriminatory environment.

Not believing that Congress would pass legislation to desegregate the military, Truman integrated the service in 1948 through Executive Order 9981, which prohibited discrimination against military personnel because of race, color, religion or national origin. It was the first major blow against segregation in the U.S., and its impact slowly spread from the military to civilian life.

Stars and Stripes asked military personnel across the Pacific for their opinions of Black History Month and what effect they think it has had on military life. For their take and more on Black History Month, please turn to Page 3.

Black History Month means to me that things my ancestors did are appreciated. It’s a chance to show African American contributions to American society. To me, it’s an opportunity to look back and see my past roots and helps me know where to go in the future. A lot of individuals sacrificed for African Americans like myself to be where they are today. Black History Month creates awareness. A lot of people say ‘Wow. I didn’t know that’ and it makes them reach out to the African-American community to learn about our culture.

Gunnery Sgt. Darrell Clark, Camp Foster, Okinawa

Black History Month is a period when people in the Armed Forces can take time to recognize the damage that has been done to every race and the dangers of a repeat of the damage when the diversity of a mixed population is not recognized. By allowing us to gain insight into the experience of African Americans and the vital role (they played) in building and shaping our nation, it reaffirms the fact that while we are all Americans, we can recognize the difference and uniqueness of each ethnicity.

Master Sgt. Rafika Vann, Camp Courtney, Okinawa

I’m an EO (Equal Opportunity) advisor so being that it’s Black History Month, it’s the time leadership and other services can educate on heritage. In the eight years I have been in the service, I have seen that Black History Month allows people to understand that even though we have different opinions and ways of thinking, we can complete the mission together.

Staff Sgt. Jessica Player, Yokota Air Base, Japan

I don’t like the fact that it’s just a month. I think it should be celebrated all the time. And that goes for the histories of all races. It needs to be spread out and not just grouped together at one time. The opportunity for education is there, but most people don’t take advantage of it. It’s about education, not segregation. It’s about getting people to come together as the human race, rather than according to race. I think a lot more people are seeking a formal invite. If someone reaches out to them personally they will come (to Black History Month events).

Staff Sgt. Gregory Howard, Yokota Air Base, Japan

I’ve been learning more because I’m on committees (for events). (African Americans on the committees) have never made me feel awkward. If (people) want to learn, they will get involved. It’s a great learning experience for the base. (Black History Month) widens the spectrum for people to get involved and broaden their minds.

Airman 1st Class Amanda Kiser, Yokota Air Base, Japan

Black History Month is a celebration of people and their accomplishments, to show extraordinary people going above and beyond, like Martin Luther King and President Obama. This is the land of opportunity and it’s good that we celebrate people of historical stature. We will do a Black History pot luck on the 24th. We get all the good food and we’ll have someone get up and talk about how they’ve been inspired by past leaders and the things they’ve stood up for and changed.”

It’s more of an education to highlight the accomplishments and the struggles they’ve been through. Look at Martin Luther King. This nation was born on the concept that all men were created equal, but we didn’t live up to that. How can we be the leaders of the Free World and oppress our own people?

Chief Petty Officer Joseph Hicks, Naval Air Facility , Atsugi, Japan

It’s not just a month for me. It’s very important to know about your heritage, to know where you came from. It’s a sense of pride. I’m very proud of the history of black people. The people back then know what they went through and how they made things easier for us today.I think people are better educated about black history today. … Every minority can share their heritage with everyone else. People can learn what other groups do. It educates the entire world. Let us show you what we can do.

Senior Airman Quron Witherspoon, Yokota Air Base,  Japan

It is a time to think back and reflect about the great things that black people have done.  It gives people the chance to focus on our community. It gives them a chance to empower themselves after learning about the people who came before us. It gives other groups a chance to learn something about another race. I feel like I understand more about my Hispanic friends because of Hispanic History Month and what they went through.

Staff Sgt. Louis Knox, Yokota Air Base, Japan

It is the time that we have to recognize all people for their contribution to society, in the past, present and future. It has influenced a lot of African Americans to achieve higher positions in our military that were not able to be achieved in the past because of all the barriers that were imposed on them.”

The community has a better understanding of all the accomplishments that the black/African American has contributed to society, not only in the present time but from many years ago, as you can see it portrayed on the AFN channel when they show the first blood bank and other accomplishments of African Americans.

Retired Col. Pedro Lanzo, Camp Zama, Japan

Black History Month offers a chance for me to reflect on where my people have been, where they are now and where they are going as a race in America. It has given us a chance to become more involved as far as promotions are concerned, whereas before there was very little chance to progress in the military. Over the years, we can look at Martin Luther King and others who have helped us open up things where we will have a chance to grow as a person, where we are treated equally and can be promoted just like everyone else. It gives (non-African Americans) a chance to see what we as black Americans have done to make America as diverse as it is, to help America in a way they might not have known. To contribute as a race to make America the great country it is. In the military community, I think things are better than in America a whole. We get together better than in America. We are taught we are equal and on the same team. In America, it is just not that way. In the military, discrimination is not accepted. You’re here as a team whether you like it or not. You have to work together as a team or you get kicked out.

VFW Commander Robert Moses,  Yokota Air Base, Japan

As Americans I think we have come a long way, however we still have a way to go. Let’s learn from the bad practices of the past, stop the hate, stop dividing ourselves, and move forward together as Americans. The only race we should be concerned with is the “human race.” One of my favorite quotes (from Martin Luther King): “I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

Retired Chief Petty Officer Joseph F. Mortimer, Jr. Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan