News/Features

DAF leadership hosts Black History Month Observance event

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—Department of the Air Force senior leaders hosted a virtual event Feb. 9 to celebrate the contributions of Black American Airmen and Guardians throughout the history of the department.

Speakers included Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, and Department of the Air Force Office of Diversity and Inclusion director, Marianne Malizia.

“This is an opportunity for us to celebrate (and) also an opportunity to dedicate ourselves to continue a journey that America as a whole … has been on for a long time,” said Kendall. “Too much of the Black experience in America has been about inequality and injustice, but that journey has also been characterized by courage, persistence in the face of great odds, (and) intellectual and artistic brilliance … things that we can all, as Americans, be proud of and celebrate.”

During this event, Airmen, Guardians, and DAF civilians shared their personal stories of overcoming adversity and also spoke about how the department works to provide a culture and lifestyle that enables people from all backgrounds to succeed.

“I want to do things that are going to make a difference, so that’s my goal here with the Secretary, to make a difference for all our Airmen, no matter their background,” said Brown. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, your opportunity and the opportunity for all of us is now. It takes determination and preparation for all of us to have an impact and change history, so when the opportunity knocks, you want to be fully ready.”

See HISTORY, Page 8

Photo by Eric Dietrich

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. listens to remarks from Wanda T. Jones-Heath, right, principal cyber advisor for the Department of the Air Force, during a livestreamed event at the Pentagon celebrating Black History Month, in Arlington, Va., Feb. 9, 2022. The event featured Airman and Guardian stories and a tribute to Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, a Tuskegee Airman who died Jan. 16.

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