Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Headquarters held a National African-American History Month program for military and civilian personnel, Feb. 28, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

The theme this year, "Success Always Leaves Footprints," was the focal point of a talk by guest speaker Rev. Nathaniel Gadsden. Gadsden is a life skills coach and motivational speaker.

Gadsden began his talk by thanking NAVSUP for having him as guest speaker and said, "Thank you for helping us to remember."

"There are so many stories that we don't know about; there are so many stories yet to be told," he mentioned. "History is not just African-American history; it's American history."

"African-American history is on display in museums," said Gadsden, "but we should not forget the period of slavery, and we should always remember we were fighting for freedom."

He also spoke of the contributions of African-Americans in the arts, athletics, film-making, academia, and civil rights.

"Young men and women changed the landscape of America with dignity and grace," said Gasden, "whether on the playing field, attending college, or in the arts."

He also mentioned, "Every culture has a richness, and the more we know about each other, the more we learn about each other, and the more we share our hidden stories ... it's amazing how we grow."

"We don't always see the stories, but it's up to us to tell the stories," Gadsden shared.

Rear Adm. Jonathan Yuen, NAVSUP commander, said in a message to the NAVSUP workforce about African-American History Month, "As we think about the contributions of African-American men and women to our society, we can see the progress we have made as a nation. Many stood their ground and refused to be silenced in the face of injustice. These pioneers blazed the trail for the freedoms that exist today."

NAVSUP provides U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for quality-of-life issues for U.S. naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods.

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