CSS Reflects Upon the Importance of Diversity during Black History Month Event

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- The Center for Service Support celebrated African-American history and the military's journey through the Civil Rights Movement during a lunchtime event held Feb. 29 at its headquarters in Newport, R.I.

Dr. Olenda Johnson, an associate professor and the first African-American woman to serve on the U.S. Naval War College faculty, served as the guest speaker for the tribute.

Johnson spoke about the importance of honoring diversity and the rich histories of our varied cultures. She also recounted her family's own experiences through the Civil Rights era, reflecting upon how the works of her father paved the way for her successes and helped open the door for change and equal opportunities for all.

"When we celebrate diversity and our diverse histories, we are celebrating much more than the historical accomplishments of a particular group," Johnson said. "I believe we are celebrating the primacy of American values. We are acknowledging the changeability of once unmovable institution. When we celebrate diversity and our diverse histories, we, together, continue to march toward transforming our future for future generations to come."

By blending the event with a celebration of history and a challenge for people to seek ways to make a difference in their lives, Johnson motivated event participants to do their part in continuing the nation's and the military's march toward equality.

"Dr. Olenda's genuine spirit for positive change came through her infectious storytelling of transformation in her own life ... all delivered in such a compelling way that the entire audience was hooked from 'I'd like to share some stories with you'", said Cmdr. Sid Hall, CSS director of training. "We will all, I believe, be more attuned to the opportunities that are presented to us to be "vessels of change.'"

Harvard historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History established Negro History Week in 1926. Fifty years later, in 1976, then-President Gerald R. Ford declared February as Black History Month. The 2012 theme for Black History Month was "Black Women in American History and Culture."

For the Navy and CSS, this year's event not only celebrated the accomplishments of African-American women, but also emphasized the importance of celebrating all diversity as a nation and as the military.

"I believe that it is important for all of us to listen carefully to the perspective of others regarding all issues, but particularly those issues that carry as much importance and weight as Black History and diversity," said Ben Witcher, CSS director for workforce management. "We all wear lenses that filter our view of the world. Naturally, our lenses are colored with our own life experiences. Increasing our awareness by seeking to understand all perspectives can only serve to adjust our lenses and broaden the view."

More 123,000 active-duty, Reserve and civilian members of the Total Force identify themselves as African American in today's Navy. This includes 22 active and Reserve flag officers, 559 active and Reserve master chief petty officers, and 17 members of the Senior Executive Service.

Center for Service Support is located at Naval Station Newport, R.I., adjacent the U.S. Naval War College and the Surface Warfare Officers School. Its staff and faculty remains dedicated to providing Sailors in the administration, logistics and media communities with the knowledge and skills needed to support the fleet's warfighting mission.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Center for Service Support, visit www.navy.mil/local/css/.