Fort Sam Houston, U.S. Army South celebrate African-American/Black History

By U.S. Army South Public Affairs OfficeFebruary 8, 2012

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1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Maj. Latonya D. Croom, the chaplain sergeant major, performs a song by the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Tina Turner, while her backup singers perform in the background during Fort Sam Houston's African American/Black History celebration Feb. 3 at And... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Dr. LuGuana Gray, the associate professor of history at the University of Texas at San Antonio and the guest speaker during Fort Sam Houston's African American/Black History celebration Feb. 3 at Anderson Hall here, speaks about the role that African... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lt. Col. Antoinette R. Gant, a Soldier assigned to U.S. Army South, performs a song by the Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight, while "the Pips" dance in the background during Fort Sam Houston's African American/Black History celebration Feb. 3 at Anderso... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Dr. Isaac Hampton II (left), U.S. Army South's command historian, speaks to Col. Richard Bassett (back turned), U.S. Army South's chief of staff, while Dr. LuGuana Gray, the associate professor of history at the University of Texas at San Antonio, an... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas --Fort Sam Houston Joint Base San Antonio kicked off the installation's celebration of African-American/Black History Month Feb. 3 at Anderson Hall here.

This year's theme is "Black Women in American Culture and History." Maj. Gen. Simeon G. Trombitas, U.S. Army South's commanding general, gave the opening remarks while Dr. LuGuana Gray, the associate professor of history at the University of Texas at San Antonio, served as the guest speaker.

"Even before this country was founded, African-Americans contributed their blood, sweat and tears to make this nation - to keep it great and to help build the greatest armed forces in the world," said Trombitas. "Despite hardships and challenges there was never a time in history when African-Americans were unwilling to serve or fight bravely for this country. They served believing that their courage, honor, duty, sacrifice and love of liberty would neutralize inequality and injustice."

After discussing the efforts of African-American pioneers like Phillis Wheatley, an American patriot and revolutionary war poet, and Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad leader, Trombitas took a moment to speak about today's African-American leaders such as first lady Michelle Obama and Maj. Gen. Marcia Anderson, currently serving as deputy chief, U.S. Army Reserve. This past October, Anderson became the first African-American woman to be appointed a two-star general in the Army.

Like Trombitas, Gray stated that the efforts of today's African-American leaders would not be possible without the foundation laid out before them.

Gray's experience in teaching African-American women's history served as a backdrop to her presentation that highlighted the role of women in the civil rights movement.

"I believe that one can trace the history of African American civil rights struggles through the work of black women," said Gray, the granddaughter of a World War II veteran and the daughter of a Vietnam War veteran. "Black women were crucial in the fight for educational, social and economic uplift."

Among the women noted in Gray's presentation were Ida B. Wells, best known for speaking out against lynching; Mary Church Terrell, a strong advocate for the end of segregation and one of the first African-American women to earn a college degree; Maggie L. Walker, the first African-American woman to become the president of a bank, and Madame C.J. Walker, one of the nation's first female millionaires.

"The efforts of these women serve as testimony to the power of black women's determination, agitation, and powers of negotiation," said Gray. "These are much needed skills we have brought with us into the 21st century as our struggle for a more just society continues."

During the festivities, Soldiers from Army South treated the attendees of the event to a concert featuring popular hits by African-American musical artists.

Lt. Col. Antoinette R. Gant performed a song by the Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight, while Sgt. Maj. Latonya D. Croom belted out a song by the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Tina Turner. 1st Sgt. Nadene A. Turner closed out the concert by serenading the crowd with a song by the Queen of Motown, Diana Ross.

The entertainment helped to visualize African-American women's achievements and contributions to American culture.

"The patriotism, loyalty and leadership of African-American women coupled with their hard work, intellect and artistic expression, today more than ever is evident all around us," said Trombitas. "These women, who have carved out a path to justice and equality, give us all great pride in our past and great confidence in our future. This month we embrace the past and the sacrifices made by those who went before us and we celebrate the diversity that unites our Nation and strengthens our military to achieve the extraordinary."