NNOA hosts Black History Month Luncheon

Photo By Cpl. Jovane Holland | Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, commanding general for 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, recieves gifts from Walter Washington, financial secratary for the Montford Point Marines, San Diego chapter, at the second annual Black History Month Luncheon, hosted by the National Naval Officers Association, at the Pacific Views South Mesa Club here, Feb. 29. Bailey, who served as the guest speaker, Bailey highlighted several well-known Black women, such as Madame C.J. Walker and Venus and Serena Williams, as well as several lesser known but equally important women, including Cathay Williams, who enlisted in the Army in 1866 under the name William Cathay and served for more than two years before being discovered and discharged.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

02.29.2012

Story by Cpl. Jovane Holland 

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – More than 100 Marine, sailors, retirees, representatives from the Montford Point Marines and government civilians attended the second annual Black History Month Luncheon, hosted by the National Naval Officers Association, at the Pacific Views South Mesa Club here, Feb. 29.

The NNOA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan and nonsectarian organization whose purpose is to actively support the Sea Services in the development of a diverse officer corps by maintaining operational readiness through recruitment, retention and career development and providing professional development, mentoring, and support of cultural awareness, according to the group’s mission statement.

The theme for the event was “Black Women in American Culture and History,” and presented a way for Camp Pendleton to celebrate diversity within American culture and the military, said LCDR Bridget Wise-San Antonio, president of the NNOA Camp Pendleton Chapter.

“The Black History Month theme for this year was nationally determined and extremely relevant,” said Wise-San Antonio. “It’s important to recognize Black women as a strong focus in our communities and our nation.”

After a buffet-style lunch and accompanying slide show of prominent African-American women and their contributions to society, attendees were addressed by guest speaker Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, the commanding general for 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

“This isn’t just black history – it’s American history,” said Bailey. “The bravery of African-American women throughout the years—overcoming racism and gender discrimination—wasn’t easy, but they did and still do embody a proud legacy of determination.”

Bailey highlighted several well-known Black women, such as Madame C.J. Walker and Venus and Serena Williams, as well as several lesser known but equally important women, including Cathay Williams, who enlisted in the Army in 1866 under the name William Cathay and served for more than two years before being discovered and discharged.

“These women had the courage to make a difference,” said Bailey. Because of their determination and contributions, we as a nation have a bright future. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

The event was largely successful and presented a great opportunity to share the contributions of Black women through time, said Wise-San Antonio.

“This was such an important event because diversity is everyone’s issue,” said Wise-San Antonio. “A diverse nation equals a strong nation, and we should do our best to support every culture that makes us who we are.”

• Date Taken: 02.29.2012
• Date Posted: 03.01.2012 18:21
• Story ID: 84591
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US