TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. —
The primary-ever Oklahoma Black Historical past Day was celebrated on the state Capitol Feb. 13 with Lt. Gen. Stacey Hawkins, Air Power Sustainment Middle commander, serving because the keynote speaker for the occasion.
Hosted by the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, a spotlight of this schooling initiative was to focus on black Oklahomans whose contributions benefited not simply the state, but additionally the nation.
“That is the primary time a day has been devoted to studying and celebrating the contributions of African People to the economic system, tradition, and development of our nice state,” mentioned Black Caucus Chairman Rep. Jason Lowe, of Oklahoma Metropolis.
Hawkins, whose dad and mom have been each educators and neighborhood service organizers, talked to a rotunda stuffed with college students of all ages and Oklahoma state leaders in regards to the significance of service and giving again to the neighborhood.
“On the coronary heart of America’s standing on the earth, on the coronary heart of our instance, is the concept of service,” mentioned Hawkins, “And I’d ask the entire younger folks right here right this moment to commit your lives to a spirit of service, serving your dad and mom, serving our brothers and sisters, serving our neighbors.”
“And I’d additionally add serving your native communities, your state, your tribal nations, and our beloved republic,” he mentioned.
Hawkins additionally talked in regards to the historical past of African People who made vital contributions to the Air Power and navy service, together with Oklahoma native retired Maj. Charles B. Corridor, who was a Tuskegee Airman and the primary black fight fighter pilot to shoot down enemy plane and the primary black pilot to earn the distinguished flying cross.
Hawkins talked about how this journey speaks to the idealistic energy of democracy, freedom, equality, renewal, and likewise to the ability and spirit of forgiveness.
“We maintain these occasions to focus on the struggles of these amongst us who could have encountered a tough highway to turning into absolutely vested within the American dream of life, liberty, and happiness. And whereas I feel it’s helpful to recollect and mirror deeply, I additionally suppose that true progress is measured by society’s capability to assessment and forgive,” Hawkins mentioned.
The final was joined by a number of different audio system all through the day, together with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, State Consultant and Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus Vice Chair Monroe Nichols, Marilyn Luper-Hildreth, daughter of civil rights activist Clara Luper, and extra.
