Black History Month: Remembering the little names

FORT DRUM, N.Y – The 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade hosted a Black History Month celebration, Feb. 22, with food, drinks, and a guest speaker Chaplain (Col.) James Key, senior command chaplain for the installation.

The event's purpose was to highlight the achievements and contributions that black Americans have made to the armed forces and the nation.

For Sgt. Elliot B. Hayne, a geospatial engineer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th Division Sustainment Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade, these types of events help to enlighten Soldiers.

"These observances help you understand why these individuals are important and why certain historical events made such an impact," said Hayne.

Hayne said he appreciates events like these because they allow him to share his knowledge.

"My father is a teacher, and he likes asking me questions about the different observances we have, and anyway, he can help incorporate them into this curriculum," said Hayne. "Being in the Army has allowed me to be exposed to a lot of diversity, and that's something that I like to share with my father."

Although remembering individuals and their accomplishments is a critical aspect of Black service members' history, Key emphasized the importance of a support system during his speech.

"We sometimes look at those big names and think how unreachable it can be," explained Key. "I want people to understand that those big names are there because of the little names that were inspiring them, keeping them out of trouble, giving them good advice, and we can't forget how important that is."

Key referred to those individuals as "heroes and sheroes" and emphasized that they also deserve acknowledgment.

"We all have some [little names] in our communities, regardless of where we come from, and sometimes we don't understand them, but we need them because they understand their purpose in life is to help elevate and motivate others," added Key.