The White Falcon - 02.03.2006, Side 7

NASKEF celebrates African American History Month
Story by Chief Master Sgt. Errol Sanders
Why is Black History Month so important?
For many years, I have heard numerous conver-
sations that kept echoing these words: I can’t get
a job with it. I need to learn average white man
history to pass college exams. If it is so important,
why wasn’t it taught in high school and college?
After being the president of African American
Heritage Committee, I learned a lot about the
black history that the educational system largely
ignored for centuries.
Black History Month dates back to 1926 and
was the brain child of Carter G. Woodson, an
African American historian.
In his view, the knowledge and dissemination of
African American history would, “besides build
self-esteem among blacks, help eliminate preju-
dice among whites.”
During my recent attendance of San Angelo
National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People (NAACP), I learned black history
is not about skin color and “white people” contrib-
uted as much as blacks, but history omitted it.
The guest speaker, Ruby Parks, first person to
integrate whites in New Orleans in 1960, stated,
“Everyone knows about the blacks who were
lynched in Mississippi but no one knows about
the two whites from Chicago who traveled down
to Mississippi to help black voting and were also
lynched. Ruby insisted black history must tell the
truth.
Black History Month is not a tool of divisive-
ness, but it’s intended to enlighten all Americans,
as all races black and white, are forever bound
together.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., expressed in his “I
have a Dream” speech: “Little black boys and lit-
tle black girls will be able to join hands with little
white boys and little white girls and walk together
as sisters and brothers.”
Black History Month is a way to educate all
Americans about diversity. Everyone must over-
come ignorance and be open-minded to judge a
man not by his skin color but only by the content
of his moral character.
Ruby Parks added at the NAACP dinner, evil
comes in all skin colors so don’t tell your children
to stay with your color. If we learn our history,
then one may not repeat past failures.
African Americans should continue to study and
participate in Black History Month to ensure our
ancestor’s sacrifices won’t be forgotten.
The research of the Buffalo Soldiers and the
Tuskegee Airmen greatly inspired me to be aware
of black valor, to read more of our beautiful black
history, and to study the origin of Black History
Month.
African Americans participation in America’s
wars to a large degree contributed to democracy
A Tribute
By: (hannessa Roundtree
He t\as a natural born leader, a freedom upholder
speaking wisdom and truth, mind heavy like a boulder
not all about violence, let words be the action
gaining peace and unity was his one satisfaction
every young boy and girl of each race or each creed
shouldn't be discriminated against but be free
to play together, stay together all united as one
if he'd been given one more chance
I’m sure it would've gotten done
so lift our heads up high and lift our voices to sing
and pay a tribute to the man, Dr. Martin Luther King
His one and onl> dream was for blacks to be treated
like any other human therefore to be seated
in C ongress as well as a presidential nominee
Supreme Court justice or w hatever else we could be
we should be equal, given the same rights
the onh difference is the color between blacks and whites
because the knowledge we uphold comes w itliin our minds
and l)r. King, helped us through some hard times
lie spoke for freedom among the black people
11 is w ord stood proud just like a church steeple
F.veryw here he w ent, crow ds cheered him on
much sorrow was felt, after he was gone
We've carried on his dream,
one big fight's been put forth
lie strived for something that he knew was right
to prove that blacks are equal to whites
lie's looking down at our va1le\ from thcalmight\ clouds
His dreams arc being fulfilled and the king is proud
so lift our heads up high and lift our voices to sing
and pay a tribute to the man, l)r. Martin Luther King
The NAS Cultural Awareness Committee hosted a contest at the A.T. Mahan
Elementary and High Schools in honor of Black History month. The theme of the
contest was, “The Importance of Black History and what it means to me.” The
above poster was submitted by Channessa Roundtree. Other winners were Meagan
Browder, Nikko Cabrera and Alyssa Knisley.
and freedoms which we enjoy today. changed my view of Black History Month and 1
I bear witness that the richness and diversity encourage your participation next year. Remember
of African American achievements definitely black history is American history.
CDR promotion board disbanded due to possible breach
Story by Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
The Fiscal Year ‘07 active-duty com-
mander line promotion selection board
was disbanded Feb. 21 after it was
discovered that written material not
specifically approved by the Secretary
of the Navy for distribution to board
members was made available to selec-
tion board members, both prior to and
during the selection board.
The board will be reconvened with
new members as soon as possible.
Community managers, detailers and
support staff are not allowed to com-
municate with board members or pro-
spective board members about matters
related to the board, except for routine
administrative matters.
Because the Secretary of the Navy
is responsible for the selection board
process by law and instruction, the
Secretary must decide what informa-
tion is given to board members.
Once a selection board convenes,
all communication with board mem-
bers must be in writing, approved by
the Secretary, and be made part of the
board’s official records.
“Our Sailors must have complete
confidence in the absolute integrity of
the board process. Any time there is a
possibility that something could hap-
pen to impact that process, we do not
hesitate to take appropriate action,” said
Vice Adm. John C. Harvey, Jr., chief
of Naval Personnel. “I’m committed
to ensuring all actions by our selection
boards maintain our Navy’s trust and
confidence in the board process.”
Rear Adm. David Gove, commander,
Navy Personnel Command, has con-
vened an investigation into the issue.
The officer who sent the unapproved
material has been relieved, pending the
outcome of the investigation.
March 2, 2006
The White Falcon
Page 11