Naval Station Everett (NSE) Sailors and Department of Defense civilians celebrated Black History Month at the Grand Vista room inside the Commons, Feb. 19.

The ceremony was to honor and reflect upon the contributions of the African American community, both in the Navy and nationally.

The guest speakers were Rear Adm. Scott Swift, Commander, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group and Reginald Gillins, NAACP, Snohomish Chapter.

This is the 83rd annual observance of Black History month in the United States. Black History Month was founded in 1926 by historian and author Carter G. Woodson, who chose February because the 16th president’s, Abraham Lincoln, birthday was in the same week as former slave, turned abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

The 99th Congress in 1986 enacted public law 99-24 thus assigning the month of February as “National Black History Month.” Three NSE Sailors; Culinary Specialist 1st Class Glendon Turner, Storekeeper 2nd Class Juwairiya Yusuf and Personnel Specialist 3rd Class John Gilbert gave presentations.

“Today’s presentation has reminded us how African Americans have helped shape our country,” said Operation Specialist 1st Class Daniel Feil.

The ceremony continued with words of inspiration and encouragement from both guest speakers.

“I count it a privilege and honor to be here,” said Swift. “This ceremony allows us to reflect on what that heritage has given us in our daily lives, and in a broader context gives us an opportunity to reflect on what diversity brings to all of us. I appreciate being part of this, and other venues, because what it boils down to is the showing of value in people; and that is what today is all about — valuing the individual contributions of others to not just the Navy, but also society.”

Gillins continued Swift’s assertion about valuing people.

“I find that you find the most value in people when you engage in where they are or where they come from, not necessarily on the job but in their home or neighborhood,” said Gillins. “The spirit of Black History Month is where we celebrate black achievements, including that of our first black president.”

Gilbert shared his thoughts on the ceremony.

“I thought the ceremony was a good representative in terms of the different types of contributions that African Americans made, both national and in the military,” said Gilbert. “The whole presentation was put together really well. I believe everyone came out knowing a lot of different things that they didn’t know prior to this ceremony. It was a very positive event.”

The ceremony concluded with an African American-themed meal at the All American restaurant.