Community members celebrate black history

By Jeremy Wise, Army Flier StaffFebruary 3, 2011

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- To celebrate and recognize the accomplishments and contributions to society African Americans have made, Fort Rucker organizations host many events in February.

African American/Black History Month was established in 1976, according to Sgt. 1st Class Jack Sturgill, 110th Aviation Brigade equal opportunity officer,

"African Americans have played a significant part in making this country what it is today," Sturgill said. "Civil and military contributions are highlighted during the observance as well as some key individuals."

February holds the birthdays of famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass and former president Abraham Lincoln. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People also formed in this month.

The local celebration begins with a kickoff event at the Fort Rucker Post Exchange Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Tuskegee University Golden Voices concert choir will perform a selection of songs and provide more entertainment through a step team.

Daleville High School's Multi-Cultural Club will also provide entertainment with a choir and a step team.

Visitors can sample local restaurants' wares, as well.

The next event is the Black History Month 5K, Feb. 5, 9 a.m., at the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Facility. This run is hosted by the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

Registration is currently ongoing and costs $20, $10 for a no-shirt option, according to Kristina Fink, DFMWR fitness programs coordinator. Participants can register at either the Fort Rucker PFF or the Fortenberry-Colton PFF and from 7:30 to 8:40 a.m. at the Fort Rucker PFF on race day.

For active-duty personnel only, two ethnic luncheons are scheduled at the dining facilities. The first is Feb. 9 at the Consolidated DFAC from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., while the other happens Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.at the Advanced Individual Training DFAC.

Both luncheons feature fried chicken, barbecue ribs, baked fish, barbecue chicken, many vegetables, a salad bar and two desserts. Meal price is $4.25.

On Feb. 11, the equal opportunity office offers a tour of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Site and Tuskegee University. The bus leaves at 7 a.m. from the U.S. Army Aviation Museum and returns about 6 p.m.

The cost is free, but patrons should bring money for food.

Registration ends Feb. 10.Call Sturgill at 255-2669 to register.

The movie "Glory" is presented Feb. 15, 7 p.m., at Fortenberry-Colton PFF. Sturgill encouraged patrons to bring blankets, chairs and their own snacks.

The celebration closes with the African American/Black History Month Luncheon at The Landing Feb. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. tickets are $10 and can be purchased at unit equal opportunity offices or by calling Sturgill.