FORT BENNING, Ga., (Feb. 17 2016) --The Maneuver Center of Excellence Equal Opportunity Office will host the annual Black History Month observance at Nett Hall, Building 72, at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 19. The event is open to the community.
Master Sgt. Charlie Carrasco, MCoE senior equal opportunity advisor, said the event will acknowledge black Soldiers and their contributions to the military.
"The event will pay honor to the efforts of black Soldiers in the transformation of Fort Benning into a major military installation," he said. "Units like the 24th Infantry Regiment and the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion played significant roles in overcoming racial inequality and injustice to forge the desegregation and integration of the armed forces."
Carrasco said a tour will be available after the event to view some of Fort Benning's significant historical sites, which include The Playhouse, Building 72; 24th Infantry Regiment Barracks, corner of Anderson and Wold streets; 1st Sgt. Walter Morris Quarters, 302 Meehan St.; Indianhead House Area, Indianhead Rd.; 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion Monument, Bradshaw Rd. and 2nd Lt. Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr. Suite, McIver St.
Aside from the Feb. 19 observance, Carrasco said the installation celebrates Black History Month throughout the month of February. Fort Benning military organizations and Department of Defense Education Activity schools hold numerous special programs, activities and events to spread cross-cultural awareness.
"The National Infantry Museum contributes to Black History Month by hosting special events like the Buffalo Soldier presentations, being held on Feb. 20," Carrasco said. "The MCoE has designated several black historic sites on Fort Benning as places of interest during Black History Month. The community is welcome to view these sites at their convenience."
Carrasco said one of the Equal Opportunity Office's goals is to "promote dignity and respect for all through training and education." He stressed the importance of boosting cross-cultural awareness among Soldiers, civilian employees and Families.
"These observances recognize the achievements and contributions made by members of specific racial, ethnic or gender groups in our society," he said. "Observances promote understanding, teamwork, harmony, pride and spirit among all groups, not just within the specific group being honored."
The Equal Opportunity Office works to promote diversity as well as unit readiness. Carrasco said while the Black History Month is one event, he encourages all leaders, both military and community, to observe Black History Month through all the options available.
Contact the Fort Benning Equal Opportunity Office at 706-545-3196 or 706-545-3197 for more information on how to promote diversity in your office.
Social Sharing