Ellsworth celebrates African American History Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Randahl J. Jenson
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Mouth-watering scents of shrimp jambalaya, grits and beans fill the auditorium as Airmen shuffle along a row of white tables and crockpots, filling their plates with heaps of soul food.

A slideshow presenting African American History facts plays on repeat in the corner while Airmen and Civilians converse near an art gallery of drawings, paintings and decoupages.

The Ellsworth Diversity Council hosted an African American heritage celebration inside the base Deployment Center auditorium Feb. 28, 2017.

“We organized an art display to celebrate African American History Month,” said Airman 1st Class Marlana Ryan, a medical technician assigned to the 28th Medical Operations Squadron. “We’re also celebrating how people were able to adapt and make different dishes based on where they were in the country, and the resources they had available.”

Airmen, high school students and children from the Child Development Center all participated in the art competition, and their work was displayed at the event. Diversity was the reoccurring theme throughout the art presented.

“We all play on the same team,” said Col. Bernard Hatch III, the commander of the 28th Maintenance Group. “We treat each other with dignity and respect regardless of our origin.”

The event only lasted a few hours, but Ryan believes in celebrating history all the time.  

“It’s important to remember and celebrate heritage,” said Ryan. “Not only as a minority, but also as my position in the military – I want to celebrate all types of people.”