YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea - Service members from Eighth Army, students from Seoul American High School, and the community celebrated African American/Black History Month with an observance at Yongsan Garrison's Dragon Hill Lodge Feb. 16.
The annual event recognizes the contributions of African Americans in the development of the United States and the world.
"Society has come a long way in the struggle for equality, and we (Americans) owe many of our successes today to African Americans." said Eighth Army G1 Personnel Services Sgt. Maj. Willie T. Grandison Jr., guest speaker for the event.
The observance various performances, including a worship melody by the Gospel Service choir, a praise dance, and a solo by Staff Sgt. Catina Gardner, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Medical Brigade. Gardner dressed up as famous African American singer Patti LaBelle.
Gardner said that listening to and performing music from bygone eras reminds her of the past and highlights some of the cultural contributions made by African Americans. She hopes others can share her appreciation for the arts and recognize how influential historical black performers are in today's entertainment scene.
Seoul American High School students in Kappa League also made presentations about African American hallowed ground sites throughout the United States and a representative from the Delta Gems recited Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise."
Humbled by the observance and appreciative of African-American history, the guest speaker for the event, Sgt. Maj. Grandison, shared his childhood story of a time when he felt ashamed of his of his ancestry and skin color, only to later realize the sacrifice his family made to help him achieve success.
He also spoke of the freedom minorities have achieved in recent times and urged the audience to make sure future generations inherit this legacy, earning a loud applause.
"The food and musical performance … (were) impressive," said Spc. Jahnay Walker. "The speech made me emotional. It made me proud of my origin and gave me a perspective to look to the future and ever advance forward."
Throughout the year, the Army celebrates and commemorates diversity throughout its ranks. Activities are designed to enhance cross-cultural awareness and promote harmony among all military members, their families, and the civilian work force.
The origins of African American History Month date back to when a Harvard-trained historian, Carter G. Woodson, announced Negro History Week in 1925. The event was first celebrated in Feb. 1926. This celebration was later expanded to a month in 1976.
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