Naval District Washington (NDW) has joined the national celebration of African-American/Black History Month by honoring the history and culture of African-American and black Sailors.

The recognition of African-American/Black History Month (AA/BHM) originated in 1926 as "Negro History Week." Led by Carter G. Woodson, it recognized the contributions of African Americans to the country and fostered a better understanding of the African-American experience.

This year, Navy commands are encouraged to celebrate and reflect on the theme "Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African-American Memories."

"Celebrating Black History Month gives us an opportunity to honor the historic leaders of the black community both past and present," said Chief Electrician's Mate Christopher James, NDW's Special Observance Committee Chief.

James explained the goals of AA/BHM, "During Black History month, we try to highlight the finest aspects of the African-American culture and steer away from the negative stereotypes depicted in the mainstream media. We also take the time to highlight the works of historical figures less known, like Harriet Ann Jacobs, an African-American writer who escaped from slavery and was later freed." Jacobs later became an abolitionist speaker and reformer.

The NDW Special Observance Committee is also holding a poster competition within the command in line with this year's theme. For details on how to participate in the competition, visit www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/ndw/news/ndw-annouces-black-history-month-poster-competition.html. The winner will be announced during an observance ceremony on February 17.

"Hosting the poster competition gives everyone an opportunity to participate in the annual celebration of achievements attained by African Americans, and to recognize the central role they have played in U.S. history," said James. "Black history month should help us confront the past as well as celebrate it. By taking part in it, we are not only paying tribute to the achievements of past years but also reflecting on how to create a better tomorrow for African Americans."

African-American Sailors have made great contributions to shape today's Navy. One of the most famous examples is Master Chief Master Diver Carl Brashear who was the first African-American Navy Diver. He was also the first African American to attain the designator of Navy Master Diver. Today, a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship bears his name, the USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE-7).

"African Americans have made tremendous contributions to the Navy over the years." According to James, "...Samuel Gravely, who was the first African American to serve aboard a fighting ship as an officer; Wesley Brown, who was the was the first African American graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy; and The Golden Thirteen who were the enlisted men who became the first African-American commissioned and warrant officers in the United States Navy."

Observed during the second week of February, a week that encompassed the birthdays of two champions of equality, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, the event brought National recognition to African-American contributions throughout American history. Fifty years after its creation, during the bicentennial of the United States in 1976, President Gerald R. Ford expanded the observance and proclaimed February to be Black History Month.

More information on the many milestones achieved by black Sailors and the history of the African-American Navy experience can be found at the Naval History and Heritage Command webpage at http://www.history.Navy.mil/special%20highlights/africanamerican/african-hist.htm.

A full-color brochure on the history of African Americans in the United States Navy is also available for download through the Naval History and Heritage Command link.

Individuals can obtain a complete educational presentation, including a downloadable educational poster on African-American/Black History month from the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) website https://www.deomi.org/index.cfm.

For more information on Navy diversity events, including the observance of African-American/Black History Month visit the Navy Office of Diversity and Inclusion calendar at https://www.deomi.org/SpecialObservance/index.cfm.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.

For more news from Naval District Washington, visit www.navy.mil/.