Naval Base Kitsap took part in the 79th Annual African American/Black History Month celebration at the Bangor Chapel by welcoming Capt. Ollis Mozon, Commander Navy Region Northwest Chaplain, as the guest speaker the event themed “The Niagara Movement.”

Following the National Anthem, performed by second year guests The Chosen Vessels, Mozon began with the story of the Niagara Movement and the founding of the NAACP. He spoke of W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington, each of whom fought for the rights of African Americans in different ways.

“Lynchings and burnings were considered a way of life in the South back then,” said Mozon. He said DuBois was known as a radical leader while Washington, who was not as educated as DuBois, took a more subtle approach.

After the Niagara Movement disbanded in 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was formed, and still today stands as the strongest power for African American progress in the United States.

As Mozon spoke of DuBois’ education and his degree from Harvard, he said that anyone who wants to get their point across to a number of people must be knowledgeable. “Education is the key to hold and defend diverted opinions. Different opinions are good for America and African Americans.”

On the subject of racism in the United States of America, Mozon said that it’s sad to say that racism is still alive in the country. He mentioned President George W. Bush’s State of the Union address, where the President said, “Our country must abandon all habits of racism. We can’t carry the message of bigotry and freedom at the same time.”

Not only were servicemembers and civilian employees at the event, but Rear Adm. Len Hering, commander, Navy Region Northwest, brought his son, Chris, along with him.

“It’s touching to know the black history and what they went through back then,” said the 13-year-old. “Everyone should hear the history of African Americans.”