Air Force photograph by Rebecca Amber

The opening ceremony for African American History Month was held in the Base Exchange Feb. 2. The Omega Psi Phi fraternity from Auburn University was one of the fraternities and sororities in attendance because of their history of providing mentorship and resources to African-American students.

Edwards AFB’s African American History Month celebration began Feb. 2 with an opening ceremony in the Base Exchange.
Representatives from Blacks in Government Inc., the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Tuskegee University, Los Angeles Alumni Chapter, and several groups from the college Greek system were in attendance.
Col. Karen Cox-Dean, 412th Medical Group commander, spoke on the history of the month and shared several childhood memories. At the end of the ceremony, everyone in attendance was invited to join together for cake.

Air Force photograph by Rebecca Amber

An attendee snaps a photo of a display at the African-American History Month opening ceremony Feb. 2 at the Base Exchange.

This year’s theme is “Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories.”
Other opportunities to participate in African American History Month are:

Feb. 10 and 17 — School Reading Program at Branch Elementary
Feb. 1-29 — Library display at the base library
Feb. 18 — Soul Food Tasting at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Feb. 20 — Saturday Gospel Celebration at Chapel 1, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Feb. 25 — Luncheon at Club Muroc, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Read more about African American History Month at www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/.