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Here's a great article I found at www.northwestnavigator.com: -- Sailors and civilians gathered to celebrate Black History Month at the Grand Vista Ballroom on board Naval Station (NAVSTA) Everett, Feb. 22. The presentation began with Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Sabrina Wade singing the black national anthem, poetry readings, and a performance by the Total Experience Gospel Choir from the Oneness Christian Center in Seattle. The guest speaker for the event was Snohomish County Sheriff John Lovick, a former Coast Guardsman, Highway Patrolman, Mill Creek City Councilman, and Washington State representative. Lovick is the first African-American to be elected to Sheriff in Snohomish County, and he spoke of his experiences with segregation, inequality, and injustice while growing up in rural Louisiana, and how that has helped mold him into what he is today. “Your uniforms are a symbol of honor, duty, service and equality,” said Lovick. “I know for a fact that the military has worked hard, leading the way when it comes too equality and progress for Soldiers, Sailors, citizens regardless of race, religion, and class.” Lovick placed great importance on his boot camp experience, teaching him valuable lessons in leadership that helped prepare him for a life of public service. “I was from the deep South, Louisiana, and it was the first time in my life that I had attended a class with anyone other than black students, the very first time. It became clear to me later on that the drill instructor knew exactly what he was doing; he knew exactly how he needed to mold young men from all over the country. We had all races, all financial backgrounds, but who did he put in charge? A young black boy from Louisiana. In eight short weeks, we went from 50 nervous young boys, to mature young men.” One Sailor noted that Lovick’s words brought the struggles of African Americans in the past, into the present. “I enjoyed myself a lot. My favorite part was the speaker; he seemed like a very knowledgeable man,” said Postal Clerk Seaman Chames Thomas, NAVSTA Everett. “His career path with the Coast Guard, State Patrol, the Legislature, and Sheriff is something that I would hope to get close to. I think that Black History is something that should always be celebrated, but it’s nice that we have a month that we can call our own. It helps a lot of people become more knowledgeable about our culture, and some of the things we’ve gone through in the past.” Capt. Thomas Mascolo, commanding officer of NAVSTA Everett, remarked that Black History is important because it allows people to honor and celebrate all. “Black History is something unique to the Western Hemisphere, people didn’t come of their own accord they were brought here in chains and they are in some ways very much native Americans,” said Mascolo. “So, it’s just a very important part of America, not of Europe, not of Africa, not of Asia, but it’s apart of America, and that is why I think that it’s important that everybody has a piece of that.” Immediately following the presentation, everyone was invited to the All-American Restaurant for a special lunch in honor of the day. “I thought the Sheriff’s speech was moving because it did not teach hate,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Glendon Turner. “It taught that people make mistakes and that if you forgive someone, don’t hold a grudge, that you will prosper.” http://www.northwestnavigator.com/index.php/navigator/regionalnews/naval_station_everett_celebrates_black_history_month/