Richmond City Commissioner Robert R. Blythe spoke to Blue Grass Army Depot Soldiers and civilians at the depot's Black History Month luncheon Thursday, February 23 at Lake Buck Lodge in Richmond, Ky.
BGAD Commander Col. Brian L. Rogers introduced Blythe to the fifty to sixty depot employees in the audience. Rogers emphasized the importance of having depot employees gather to "celebrate the diversity of our Army and our nation".
"Every Soldier, every civilian and contractor, male or female, of every race or ethnicity or religion, contributes a unique perspective to our Army and our depot," said Rogers. "Diversity in our workforce helps us understand our problems better and pursue creative approaches to meeting our objectives. A diverse Army is strong, and it's healthy."
Blythe spoke to the employees after the Commander's remarks. Blythe has been a Richmond City Commissioner since his election in 2002, and a Pastor of First Baptist Church in Richmond since 1981.
During his presentation, Blythe encouraged his audience to return to traditional family values and also to "to hold on to our stuff".
"Dr. William Turner said we as black people have given up our 'stuff'," Blythe said. "Our 'stuff' is the basics which we learned generations ago, and which has brought us to where we are today."
He described "stuff" as good manners, respect, being courteous, and having concern for other people's children.
"But this does not apply only to black people…Speaking, being courteous, is part of our 'stuff'. I begin to wonder what has happened to us, to our society, that has so estranged us that we no longer feel a sense of extended family that we once enjoyed."
Blythe also said that black history is closely linked with the history of other peoples.
"Black history does not function on an island or a vacuum," said Blythe.
After Blythe's speech, Mary Luddy, Chief of Personnel Management, and Nichole Zimmerman, human resources intern, held a Black History Trivia contest, with awards provided from MWR.
Depot employee Roney Campbell said he sees a real benefit to events like the Black History Month luncheon.
"Yeah, I do, it's good coming together," said Campbell. "It's about everyone coming together to communicate, we need more unity."
Charles Alcorn, depot employee, would like to see more luncheons and events, although he understands the depot's limitations on cutting into production time.
"We need more than one event…one day, one hour's recognition is kind of limited," said Alcorn.
The depot's Family Morale Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) staff provided a delicious meal of baked chicken, green beans, red potatoes, hominy grits, turnip greens, and desserts for the luncheon.
Regina Crawford, Field Representative for Sen. Mitch McConnell, also attended the luncheon.
Rogers encouraged all depot employees to take advantage of the 30-minute extended lunch period offered for all ethnic observances.
Next month's celebration of Women's History Month will be held Thursday, March 22, from 11:30-12:30 p.m.
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