Robins celebrates diversity with Black History Observance Published Jan. 29, 2009 By Lanorris Askew &8 ABW/PA ROBINS AFB, Ga. -- Robins is no stranger to showcasing its diversity and once again the base will celebrate differences by bringing its people together during the 2009 Black History Observance. Capt. Maryann Edwards, BHO project officer, said the overall purpose of the Robins Black History Month celebration is to recognize the continuous achievements and contributions made by African Americans. "It is also used as a vehicle to continue to educate and uplift our community, while fostering interaction of people of all races, ages and gender," she said As project officer, the captain is responsible for the celebration, including the overall planning, coordinating, advertising and operations of the events. And with events including a gospel extravaganza, an educational symposium and a luncheon with guest speaker George Watson Sr., an Original Tuskegee Airman, the observance promises something for everyone. "I would like for all those who participate in the events to leave with a sense of unity and togetherness," Captain Edwards said. "I also hope that people will leave with a sense of duty to what we as citizens must do within our communities to educate and empower ourselves to serve all people in need, regardless of race, creed or color." Hildred Jones, who has been working on the Robins Black History Observance committee since 1989, said her wish for participants is that they understand that we can all be one as we work together, that there is no "little I or big you." Captain Edwards said she believes it's important for a military installation like Robins to host observances like this because it enhances cross-cultural and cross-gender awareness and promotes harmony among all military members, their families and the civilian work force. "It also helps people to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of each other, regardless of our differences," she said Ms. Jones agreed. "It's important because there is not just one race of people that works on any military installation, there are many cultures throughout America and should all be celebrated." She added that personally, she feels obligated in some form to continue to educate and make people aware of continued history making moments. The observance, which officially kicked off Jan. 23 with a bowl-a-thon at Robins Lanes, will continue through the end of February and will conclude Feb. 28 with a Grand Finale featuring entertainment by the music trio "Treas." Complete list of BHO activities: Golf Tournament $45 per person today- tee time noon. POC is Jeanette McElhaney 926-3857 Gospel Extravaganza - Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. Base Chapel. POC is Hildred Jones 926-3939 Suicide Awareness Walk- Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. RAFB Fitness Center. POC is Scott Peavy 926-2840 Educational Symposium- Feb. 17 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Robins Conference Center. POC is LaBrenda Jones 327-8415 Tuskegee Airman Students' Meet & Greet- Feb. 18 9 to 11 a.m. Robins Elementary School. POC is Capt. Maryann Edwards 327-7940 Luncheon Tickets $12.00 Feb. 19 11 a.m. Heritage Club Ballroom: Guest Speaker-- George Watson Sr. "Original Tuskegee Airman." POC is Staff Sgt. Sharika Lee 320-6615 Children Movie Night- Tickets $3.50 Feb. 22 4:30 to 7 p.m. (price includes movie, popcorn and soda) Base Chapel Annex. POC is Master Sgt. Nirobii Carodine 714-7097 Grand Finale- Tickets $35.00 February 28 Cocktails doors open at 6 p.m. to Midnight Heritage Club Ballroom: Entertainment by "Treas." POC is Jeanette McElhaney 926-3857 T-Shirts & Sweatshirts are available by pre-orders only. Cost $15 and $20 respectively. POC is Jeanette McElhaney 926-3857