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188th celebrates Black History Month

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Hillier
  • 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
FORT SMITH, Ark. --  The official Black History Month observance at the 188th Fighter Wing invited Airmen to enjoy the music and sounds of West Africa, while learning about many contributions to American society made by African Americans.

Master Sgt. Sam Janski, wing staff first sergeant, talked about the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, whose flying saved lives above the skies of Europe during World War II, and the ingenuity of Fredrick McKinley Jones, whose pioneering work in the field of refrigeration saved lives on the ground by preserving critical medical supplies.

Airman 1st Class Richard Green, a member of the 188th Logistics Readiness Squadron, related the strides that African American members of the 188th have made during their careers.

The event's keynote speaker was Dr. Charles Robinson II, a history professor at the University of Arkansas, and Vice Provost of Diversity Affairs. Robinson has published four books as well as earned the Fulbright College Master Teacher Award, the Arkansas Alumni Distinguished Teacher Award and the Student Alumni Board Teacher of the Year Award.

Robinson spoke passionately about the continued need for Black History Month, and how it provides an opportunity for all Americans to share in their country's heritage.

"Every time anyone eats a potato chip, drives through a traffic light, receives a blood transfusion, or uses a microphone, they need to know that a black person was responsible for making it possible," Robinson said. "When we understand that there were many groups of people that contributed to making America what it is today, it gives us a sense that we are all one family and we are all united together in a common cause.

"Black History Month reminds us that we have a responsibility as citizens today to try to continue to create, as the Constitution says, 'a more perfect union.'"

Robinson went on to compare the building of American society to the construction of a house.

"The structure of this house must be supported by fairness, and the twin pillars of truth and justice," Robinson said. "This house must have a long, long table of equality surrounded by many chairs of opportunity, and on the center of the table of equality in this house is the piping-hot pie of American prosperity.

"And if you know this pie of prosperity like I know it... you can never be satisfied with the crumbs - not even the large ones. And all the descendants of slaves and those of slave masters will be able to join hands and see it together because all of us have a role to play in building this house."

The event culminated with a rousing performance from Afrique Aya, a troupe of drummers and dancers which shared rhythms inspired by the music and culture of West Africa.

Afrique Aya celebrated the synergy of na¬ture, spirit, movement and percussion. Through a rich tradition of storytelling and performances, Afrique Aya's goal is to connect its audience with lyric movement and music that conveys a vibrant, universal narrative.

Afrique Aya's music and dancing had the audience on its feet, singing along, and encouraged Airmen to join in the festivities.

"We were honored to have a talented group of performers and a distinguished and highly respected keynote speaker," said Maj. Lionel Riley, 188th Equal Opportunity Office chief. "We're very thankful they all took time out of their busy schedules to help us celebrate the history and contributions African Americans have made to this country."


188th celebrates Black History Month

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Hillier
  • 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
FORT SMITH, Ark. --  The official Black History Month observance at the 188th Fighter Wing invited Airmen to enjoy the music and sounds of West Africa, while learning about many contributions to American society made by African Americans.

Master Sgt. Sam Janski, wing staff first sergeant, talked about the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, whose flying saved lives above the skies of Europe during World War II, and the ingenuity of Fredrick McKinley Jones, whose pioneering work in the field of refrigeration saved lives on the ground by preserving critical medical supplies.

Airman 1st Class Richard Green, a member of the 188th Logistics Readiness Squadron, related the strides that African American members of the 188th have made during their careers.

The event's keynote speaker was Dr. Charles Robinson II, a history professor at the University of Arkansas, and Vice Provost of Diversity Affairs. Robinson has published four books as well as earned the Fulbright College Master Teacher Award, the Arkansas Alumni Distinguished Teacher Award and the Student Alumni Board Teacher of the Year Award.

Robinson spoke passionately about the continued need for Black History Month, and how it provides an opportunity for all Americans to share in their country's heritage.

"Every time anyone eats a potato chip, drives through a traffic light, receives a blood transfusion, or uses a microphone, they need to know that a black person was responsible for making it possible," Robinson said. "When we understand that there were many groups of people that contributed to making America what it is today, it gives us a sense that we are all one family and we are all united together in a common cause.

"Black History Month reminds us that we have a responsibility as citizens today to try to continue to create, as the Constitution says, 'a more perfect union.'"

Robinson went on to compare the building of American society to the construction of a house.

"The structure of this house must be supported by fairness, and the twin pillars of truth and justice," Robinson said. "This house must have a long, long table of equality surrounded by many chairs of opportunity, and on the center of the table of equality in this house is the piping-hot pie of American prosperity.

"And if you know this pie of prosperity like I know it... you can never be satisfied with the crumbs - not even the large ones. And all the descendants of slaves and those of slave masters will be able to join hands and see it together because all of us have a role to play in building this house."

The event culminated with a rousing performance from Afrique Aya, a troupe of drummers and dancers which shared rhythms inspired by the music and culture of West Africa.

Afrique Aya celebrated the synergy of na¬ture, spirit, movement and percussion. Through a rich tradition of storytelling and performances, Afrique Aya's goal is to connect its audience with lyric movement and music that conveys a vibrant, universal narrative.

Afrique Aya's music and dancing had the audience on its feet, singing along, and encouraged Airmen to join in the festivities.

"We were honored to have a talented group of performers and a distinguished and highly respected keynote speaker," said Maj. Lionel Riley, 188th Equal Opportunity Office chief. "We're very thankful they all took time out of their busy schedules to help us celebrate the history and contributions African Americans have made to this country."