NEXCOM Celebrates Black History Month

By Kathleen Martin, Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) Headquarters in Virginia Beach, Va., hosted a diversity event Feb. 16 celebrating Black History Month.

The program highlighted the many contributions of African American women and African American history through storytelling, music and dance.

NEXCOM associates gathered to hear Crystal Hatton depict the evolution of African American women. She spoke of the pioneers in the nation's history, including Sojourner Truth and the many other significant contributors who played an important role in the evolutionary process.

"There are so many nameless and faceless women who didn't make the history books, but who had an incredible impact on the evolution of African American women," said Hatton. "Today we remember and celebrate our mothers, our sisters, our teachers, and many others who have had an incredible impact on history and our lives and we look forward to the continued journey."

The group also learned of the connection of historical West Africa to the religious expressions of African Americans through songs and music in during a presentation by Corey and LaQuita Marie Staten of Atumpan - The Talking Drums.

"Through history music and song, we can tell the history of African Americans through the years," said Corey Staten. "Griots, or African storytellers, have used music to tell their stories beginning with the African drum to blues to rap."

NEXCOM's CEO's Council for Diversity coordinated the event as part of its ongoing mission to promote and integrate diversity through the development of associates, mentoring and initiating outreach to our Navy community.

"Events like these provide an opportunity to learn and highlight how our differences make us stronger, more cohesive and more effective," said retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, NEXCOM chief executive officer. "It is truly our diversity that makes us stronger as a command, as a Navy and as a nation."