Black History Month potluck brings base together

Guests Kyishu Smalling and Nicole White perform a cultural dance routine for the Beale AFB Black History Month potluck Feb. 26, 2019. The theme for this year’s event was “Black Migrations” and emphasizes the movement of people of African descent to new destinations and subsequently to new social realities, focusing especially on the 20th century. (U. S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Douglas Lorance)

Black History Month potluck brings base together

Lt. Col. Ahave Brown, 9th Maintenance Group deputy commander, shares his experiences with the audience during the Beale AFB Black History Month potluck Feb. 26, 2019. Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their impact on the history of the United States. (U. S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Douglas Lorance)

Black History Month potluck brings base together

Attendees serve themselves food at the Beale AFB Black History Month potluck Feb. 26, 2019. Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their impact on the history of the United States. (U. S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Douglas Lorance)

Black History Month potluck brings base together

Published March 1, 2019
By Senior Airman Douglas Lorance
9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif -- Beale held a potluck Feb. 26, 2019 at the Valley Chapel Grand Hall to celebrate Black History Month.

9th Reconnaissance Wing Chaplain Capt. Charles Ugo was a guest speaker at the event. He detailed his journey from Nigeria into the Air Force, helping to explore the theme of this year’s event of “Black Migrations.” This theme emphasized the movement of people of African descent to new destinations and subsequently to new social realities, specifically throughout the 20th century and present day.

“Listening to Captain Ugo’s speech, it’s very inspiring to see where people who may not necessarily look like me have come from and their successes,” said Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Landreneau, 9th Physiological Support Squadron NCOIC of aircrew training maintenance. “It’s very inspiring to me to know that it doesn’t matter what color you are or what religion you practice, it’s all about the judgement of your character.”

Other events included a cultural dance routine and a leadership panel followed by a potluck luncheon with dishes provided by volunteers from all over the base.

“We had a lot of people respond quickly when we decided it was going to be a potluck,” said Tech. Sgt. Nikia Newton-Morrow, 9th PSPTS NCOIC of aircrew training academics. “It was a really good turnout.”