Training Support Center (TSC) San Diego wrapped up African American/Black History Month with a ceremony Feb. 28.

Following this year's national observance theme "African Americans in Times of War," TSC San Diego celebrated achievements by African Americans and the central role they have played in the nation's history.

"It's very important that we recognize the struggles and accomplishments of African Americans in our country," said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Enrique Hinojosa. "By keeping this history alive, we learn from our past and better ourselves as a nation."

During the observance ceremony, Sailors from the TSC San Diego diversity committee hosted Dr. Willie P. Blair, state president of the Black American Political Association of California and a Navy veteran who served as a commissioned officer during the Vietnam War.

While addressing TSC San Diego staff members, Blair recalled his experiences growing up in Tennessee under Jim Crow laws and also overcoming discrimination as a naval officer.

"There was a senior chief from Mississippi who requested a transfer from my division because he had never taken orders from a black man before," Blair stated. "I told him to look at the device on my collar instead of the color of my skin, and we would get along just fine. Several years later, I became the godfather of his daughter."

Blair also discussed the significance of the Civil Rights movement, discrimination today, and how America has continued to progress toward a more equal nation. Blair praised those who fought for equality and emphasized how their contributions and the contributions of those who still fight today are paving the way for a better future.

"The future looks bright," said Blair. "We're still going to struggle. It's still going to be rough in some places, but we have seen that together we can be strong. All countries of the world continue to look at the United States as that nation who went through tough times - who turned against each other - but one day learned to turn toward each other."

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For additional information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit the NETC website at https://www.netc.navy.mil or http://www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. Follow the command on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/netcpao and Twitter @netcpao.

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