An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN THE NEWS

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS | Feb. 21, 2015

ARSC celebrates Black History Month with powerful presentation

By Staff Sgt. Sheila Holifield Army Reserve Sustainment Command

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Soldiers with the Army Reserve Sustainment Command (ARSC) had an opportunity to learn about the Civil Rights Movement and the many contributions of African-Americans during their February Battle Assembly. During the month of February, African-American history is celebrated and honored and the theme for 2015 is “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture.”

The ARSC’s Equal Opportunity office put together a program to celebrate and honor African-American history for Soldiers of the ARSC. A speaker from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, Alabama, gave Soldiers a presentation full of facts, emotion and imagery. 

“He was by far one of the best speakers I have heard in a very long time,” said 1st Sgt. William Ballard, with the ARSC.  

Samuel Pugh, outreach coordinator and speaker for the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, began talking to Soldiers about the Civil Rights Movement and the events that led up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  

“His specific details about each event and account of what our ancestors went through was powerful,” said Staff Sgt. Latoria Wren, human resources noncommissioned officer with the ARSC.

Pugh shared many accounts of the foot Soldiers and pioneers that paved the way here in Birmingham and throughout the South. This was the first time Pugh had given a presentation to Soldiers and said he enjoyed being a part of the program. 

“It’s important, to share this crucial part of not only black history, but American history,” said Pugh. “When we take the time to get an understanding about each other’s cultures, we can learn to appreciate each other’s differences and grow together as a community.”