FORT IRWIN, Calif. - This high desert Army installation hosted an African American Black History/Month Celebration at Sandy Basin Community Center for the Fort Irwin community, Feb. 5.
The Equal Opportunity/Equal Employment Opportunity observance was themed "Civil Rights in America." It relates to the 50th anniversary of the passing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which was a result of the historic march on Washington in 1963. The significance of that law was explained by Lt. Col. Scott McFarland, commander of Regimental Support Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment - the unit which organized the event.
"This was landmark legislation outlawing major forms of discrimination about racial, ethnic, religious minorities and women, and ending unequal treatment and unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools," McFarland said.
McFarland spoke about the military's effort to desegregate its ranks, beginning in 1948 when President Harry Truman signed executive order 9981 forbidding discrimination. Still, it would be a couple of years before integration was achieved and the use of the National Guard by some state governors to block integration of schools was a black eye for the military. However, more often than not, the military provided support for the struggle, such as when the Army's 101st Airborne Division escorted nine African American children to a newly integrated school in Little Rock, Ark., in 1957.
"Thanks to … the signing of the executive order 9981 in 1948 and the signing of the civil rights act of 1964, which we're celebrating today, I'm happy to serve in an Army that leads the nation in respect for all," McFarland said. "And as I look over the last two wars that many of us have served in, I'm proud to serve for a nation that continues this fight against oppression and for the civil rights of many across the globe."
Supporting Soldiers at Fort Irwin and in attendance as guest speakers were Dawnn Lewis and KiKi Shepard. Both ladies have been fixtures of the entertainment industry for years and support communities through various endeavors and organizations. Lewis performed at Fort Irwin two years ago and has reached out to leadership here for events that have helped built partnerships. Shepard was visiting for the first time, but has life-long personal connections to the military. Her father, John Shepard, served in the Army during World War II and was honorably discharged with the rank of master sergeant. She expressed appreciation for servicemembers and Families of this installation.
"To our Soldiers, Families and community members of Fort Irwin, I first want to say thank you - both to the Soldiers and to the family members for your service to our great country - whether it's a long-term service or a short term, you are to be commended and thanked," Shepard said.
Shepard said she was blessed and thrilled to be able to visit a military post and speak about the civil rights movement.
"I'm a proud American today to be standing here with you," Shepard said. "There are many shoulders upon which I stand and to all those that have come before me I say a heartfelt thank you."
Shepard reiterated the importance of civil rights legislation and stated that decency for others should be characteristic of human nature.
"There isn't a constitution that determines that you, as a human being, deserve the right to be respected and treated as a human being - but in our country we had to do it with laws," Shepard said. "Thank goodness we were able to do that."
The one-time Broadway dancer and past host of "It's Showtime at the Apollo" gave credit to the civil rights struggles of the 1950's and 60's, to Martin Luther King, and to the efforts of the Freedom Fighters. She also acknowledged the significance of the military's role in desegregation.
"Today the military remains a living legacy of the great progress all people have made, because like no other organization, the military leads the way in the idea that you are judged by your work ethic and your thirst for education - not by the color of your skin or your gender," Shepard said. "My daddy told me the Army taught him about principles and standing for truth under pressure. He said that the Army rewarded him based upon who he was - relative to what he has capable of doing - as opposed to what and where society thought he should be, because he was a black man."
Shepard recalled that a significant part of the civil rights crusade began with Rosa Park's actions in 1955 and the sit-in of young African Americans at a diner in 1960.
"It took one woman's courage to start a movement in Montgomery and the bravery of four young men in Greensboro to set the South on fire," Shepard said. "Surely, surely there are men and women, young and old - like you, like me - who can do that same thing today."
Lewis, who sang here at the 2011 "Red, White and Boom" grand opening of the Fort Irwin Town Center, said she was thrilled to be back and honored to have been asked to speak on the subject of Black History Month. She explained that the Black community has leaders, not just in the arts and entertainment, but also in science, literature, mathematics and medicine. All ethnicities have had leaders in the same fields, she stated.
"Even though this is Black History Month, I want to encourage each and every one of us, whatever your nationality is, do your research, do your homework - I can guarantee you there is a history among your people of amazing contributions," Lewis said. "It is so valuable that we all embrace, understand and educate ourselves, so we can educate our young about who we are and what we bring to the table that is good, and that is right, and that is valuable. It's not just a Black thing, it's a right thing - it's a human thing."
Social Sharing