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Soldiers, Airmen and other KMC members enjoyed an African-American History observance Feb. 28 at the Galaxy Theater on Vogelweh Military Complex.
The observance featured presentations by students from Kaiserslautern High School with support from 21st Theater Sustainment Command Soldiers. The “First in Support” command provided audio visual support with Soldiers and equipment from the communication section. They also provided two members of the Sergeant Morales Club as ushers.
“I volunteered to be an usher at this ceremony because I like to give back to the community in any way that I can,” said Sgt. Jasmen E. Williams, customer service NCOIC of the 106th Finance Company, 16th Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade. “I think cultural observances like this one are very important because it is a valuable experience for the children and members of the audience to see where we (African-Americans) came from.”
The audience experienced a wide range of
cultural displays, including videos covering the civil rights movement, poetry readings from
African-American authors, tribal dances, spiritual songs and a recitation of Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech by Sgt. 1st Class Andre Johnson, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz Equal Employment Opportunity representative. The ceremony closed with the singing of James Waldon Johnson’s 1899 song “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
As the observance concluded, members of the audience expressed how much they enjoyed the observance and appreciated the efforts of KHS students.
“Today’s observance was absolutely fantastic. From the videos to songs, these students did an excellent job,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Harold C. Mitchell, 21st Special Troops Battalion, 21st TSC Master Resiliency Training officer. “My favorite part was probably seeing the African dances. These young people really (were) amazing.”
