FORT HOOD, Texas -- Soldiers from across Fort Hood came together to celebrate a century of Black life, history and culture at the Community Events and Bingo Center here Feb. 18.
"National Black History Month has its origins in 1915, 100 years ago, when historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History," said Col. Patrick Gaydon, commander of the 41st Field Artillery Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, during his opening remarks at the event.
During the ceremony Soldiers were treated to a demonstration of traditional African drumming, a spiritual dance number by the Christian House of Prayer, music by the 1st Cavalry Division Band, a taste of some traditional Southern cuisine, and a speech from guest speaker TaNeika Driver-Moultrie.
Driver-Moultrie is the president of the Killeen, Texas, chapter of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People.
The Soldiers were not only entertained during the celebration but also had a chance to learn about the history of the integration of the Army under President Harry S. Truman.
While Moultrie addressed the crowd, she shared a brief history lesson about a number of significant figures within not only Black History, but American history. People such as Maj. Martin Delany, the first African American field grade officer in the Army; and Gen. Daniel James Jr., the first African-American four-star general.
"I learned that the Army integrated years before the rest of the nation did," said Sgt. Richard Mengelkamp, an equal opportunity leader with 41st Field Artillery Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. "We went forth and set a good standard showing that 'we can do it. You can to.'"
The younger generation sometimes doesn't know all of the steps that were taken to get to this point today, said Driver-Moultrie. In order to know where a people is going, they need to know where they came from.
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