Over 100 Sailors at Training Support Center Great Lakes celebrated Black History Month, themed “Black Migration,” Feb. 20.

This year’s theme emphasizes the movement of people of African descent to new destinations and, subsequently, to new social realities. While inclusive of earlier centuries, this theme focuses especially on the 20th century through today. Featured in the Black History Month material is a man’s silhouette which consists of numerous images of African Americans from all walks and places in life, to include inventors, scientists, military members, astronauts, actors and actresses, politicians, sports figures, and others who are icons of the American fabric.

“The theme, ‘Black Migrations,’ emphasizes the movement of people of African descent to new destinations and, subsequently, to new social realities in the United States,” said TSC Navy Military Training Instructor Information Systems Technician 1st Class Jocelyn Mengomo. “This massive demographic shift from 1910 to 1940 and 1940 to 1970 remade our nation in ways that are still being felt today. They actively confronted racial prejudice, as well as economic, political and social challenges to create a Black urban culture that would have an enormous influence in the decades to come. During the migration, many people found doors opening into areas that had been previously denied, resulting in an explosion of opportunities in the arts, sports, science, technology, and politics.

Guest speaker for the event was Beverly A. Phelps, multicultural coordinator for College of Lake County, Illinois. In her position, she works with diverse groups of students as an advisor, retention specialist, mentor and mother figure to help students reach their academic and career goals.

“I am very proud to be here celebrating Black History Month with Training Support Center Sailors and staff,” Phelps said. “I thank you for your service. I think it is important to look back at the tremendous successes that have been made in the past, and recognize the black leaders that challenged discrimination. It is also important that we all continue teaching future generations of the past assist in lifting them up so they can become successful.”

TSC Commanding Officer Capt. David Dwyer spoke to the audience expressing his honor to have the opportunity to talk about the diversity of the Navy and highlight the contributions of Black Americans, past and present who have served and continue to serve.

“Black history is American history,” Dwyer said. “We owe it to ourselves and those who will follow in our footsteps to learn about those black Americans who made history, who served against the odds, and who laid the foundation for the diverse Navy we have today. African Americans have been serving our country through naval service since the Revolutionary War with heroism and courage that all too often went unrecognized. I think we can all be proud of our Navy and its commitment to racial equality. In fact, today’s Navy is so much more representative of America as a whole, and its diversity is not only one of its greatest achievements, it is one of its greatest strengths.” 

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