NASIC holds Black History Month events

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Hunsaker
  • National Air and Space Intelligence Center Public Affairs

This year for Black History Month, NASIC will focus on “The Age of Innovation” by hosting a variety events in recognition of black inventors and pioneers.

Senior Airman Khalynn Murray, Space, Missiles and Forces Intelligence Group administration specialist, volunteered to lead up this month’s activities. The events are all hosted in line with NASIC’s R3 initiative emphasizing respect, readiness, and resilience.

“We would like to encourage as much participation as possible,” said Murray. “This will help with voicing the problems being faced in today’s society.”

A literary competition held Jan. 28 through Feb. 5 called for participants to select and write on a suggested topic.

“Some of the topics we presented were ‘what if’ scenarios of historic figures,” said Murray. “Others included perceptions on minorities in America and is ‘colorblindness’ helpful or hurtful.”

A commencement program will be held in the IPC auditorium on Feb. 6 from 1030-1200 during which time NASIC Command Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Easter will announce the winners from the competition. Additionally, members from a local spoken word group known as The W.O.R.D (Warriors of Rhetorical Discourse) will perform a few original poetic and musical pieces.

Finally, guest speaker Jean Shoates, a former NASIC employee, will share her experiences as a black female engineer here in the 1950’s, followed by  an open discussion.

Though the commencement program kicks off NASIC’s recognition of Black History Month, there are more activities planned for the coming weeks. “Be on the lookout for facts on historical figures on the TVs and SharePoint,” said Murray.