Lower Colorado Basin Hosts African American History Month Celebration

Written by: Doug Hendrix

On Tuesday, February 11, employees gathered in the Regional Training Center in Boulder City, Nevada, to participate in a lively discussion hosted by the Region’s EEO staff in observance of African American History (aka: Black History) month.

The theme of this year’s special emphasis program, “African Americans and the Vote,” coincided with the 150th anniversary of the 15th Amendment and recognized the struggle African Americans have endured to gain their right to vote and participate in our democracy.

Guest speaker Eric Frost, a motivational speaker from Yuma, Arizona, provided attendees with dynamic accounts of many notable African Americans that opened the doors of government to legions of Americans that have traditionally been underrepresented in our government programs and institutions.

Among the numerous historical accounts profiled by Eric during this years’ presentation, were: Harriett Tubman, a leading black abolitionist who led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom along the route of the Underground Railroad; the 369th Infantry Regiment – commonly referred to as the Harlem Hell Fighters – and their contributions to the New York Army National Guard during World War I and World War II; and, the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American military pilots who bravely flew more than 15,000 individual sorties over Europe and Africa during World War II and earned them more than 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses.

“Through bravery, perseverance and resolve — often in the face of incredible prejudice — African Americans have enhanced every aspect of American life, including fighting for everyone’s right to participate in our democratic way of life,” said Eric. “Voting is more than pulling levers and electing someone to represent you, it provides you and your family with a chance to be recognized and a voice in the societal decisions surrounding you.”

Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated February as Black History month and endorsed a specific theme.

Published on February 27, 2020