About 200 Sailors onboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) attended an African American Heritage Celebration at the Naval Base Kitsap’s gymnasium, Feb. 25, in honor of Black History Month.

The Stennis Multicultural Committee (MCC) sponsored the celebration, which is a group of volunteers who prepare a variety of events to educate Sailors about other cultures and the histories of different races. Senior Chief Disbursing Clerk (SW/AW) Roy Mobley, an MCC senior member, said the celebration was held to educate people about the contributions of African Americans throughout history.

“Our goal was to educate everyone about the history of African Americans,” said Mobley. “I was really glad to see the audience was a good mix of all races.”

Mobley said one of the highlights of the celebration was a slide show presentation that illustrated in chronological order of important people and events from colonial times to the present.

In the middle of the ceremony, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Kent Malone detailed many black inventors throughout history and their contributions, some of which include the refrigerator, traffic light, lawn mower, elevator, and much more.

For one attendee, the celebration was very creative and informative.

“It was a very well done event,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Alexandre Noble, Combat Systems Department. “There were strong messages about teamwork and self respect, which related well to the values of the Navy.”