All hands were present at an annual ceremony held in honor of Black History Month in the Grand Vista Ballroom at Naval Station Everett Feb. 18.

“Americans have recognized black history since 1926, first as Negro History Week and later as Black History Month,” said Chief Culinary Specialist Carlos McNeal, NAVSTA Everett, during the ceremony.

McNeal introduced the guest speaker, Seattle native Thomas (T.J.) Vassar, Jr., whose father was in the Navy when he was a child. Vassar is now an accomplished public speaker and writer who holds a few different titles at Lakeside School in Seattle, including Diversity Coordinator.

Vassar thrived and graduated from Lakeside as a child and was accepted to Harvard University. After graduating there he returned to Seattle and eventually started working at the old private school he once attended as a student.

He is currently most recognized as the Lakeside Educational Enrichment Program (LEEP) Director in which 85 low and moderate income eight grade students are inspired to excel in school. He helped expand the original six week summer program into a full year program that includes college counseling and activities for high school students. LEEP is now thriving under his direction.

“He has done a lot throughout his career and it is a privilege to have him speak here at Naval Station Everett for Black History Month,” said McNeal.

During his presentation Vassar talked about the diversity in the Navy and in the U.S. today and how it helps the military and other institutes around the country.

“Each of us brings our own culture and perspectives to work,” said Vassar. “Today nobody leaves their background and experiences at the gate. The Navy benefits from this rich cultural mosaic that we call America.”

Although it is sometimes easier said than done, Vassar said, we need to use our differences to make our armed forces stronger.

Vassar also spoke about one of the Navy’s core values and the power it plays in embracing diversity.

“To have the strength to overcome or control your fear in the face of danger or difficulty, this is the way I look at courage,” said Vassar.

Vassar said all the servicemembers in the room showed courage by joining the military but they must demonstrate a different type of courage in their everyday life.

“Have the courage to engage your friends, family, and brothers and sisters in arms when you see someone being harassed because of their religion, gender or velocity of life,” said Vassar. “Don’t just walk away.”

After the ceremony the All American Restaurant served an African American meal that featured jambalaya, red beans and rice, collard greens and cornbread.