Service members of all branches and backgrounds from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa gathered for an observance of Black History Month at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti on February 20, 2009.

The Joint Force Five (E-5) and Echo Six (E-6) Associations organized the event at the base club 11 Degrees North to acknowledge past challenges and look forward to the promise of the future.

Navy Captain Patrick Gibbons, Camp Lemonnier's commanding officer, spoke about how far the military has come in terms of diversity and equality over the years. He talked about Wesley Brown, who became the first African-American graduate of the Naval Academy in 1949.

"In May, the Academy dedicated a fieldhouse to him that could fit this building 17 times," Gibbons said. "He contributed to some of the finest moments in the history of the Civil Engineer Corps, building the first nuclear power plant in Antarctica, and served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. But he retired as a lieutenant commander because he hit the glass ceiling that was in place at the time. He wasn't able to serve wherever he wanted, but his honorable service in uniform helped open doors for those who came after."

Gibbons discussed how an African-American Seabee he recently met is serving in Africa today, building a bridge in Uganda, and making a real difference without the barriers that faced Brown.

"I know things are not perfect today, but I have seen amazing progress, even in my own career. We must strive to remember where we came from and continue to press onward," Gibbons said.

The Joint Force Five displayed a historical presentation that highlighted notable African-Americans; including Madam C.J. Walker, the first woman of any race to become a millionaire through her own efforts, and Tony Dungy, the first African-American coach to win the Super Bowl.

Guest speaker Army Brigadier General Roosevelt Barfield, who spoke during his last day as deputy commander of CJTF-HOA, described the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the first four-star officers from each branch of service. Barfield said their contributions are demonstrated by retired Army General Colin Powell's ascending to the position of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and secretary of state, Army General Kip Ward's current position as commander, U.S. Africa Command, and current President Barack Obama's election to the highest office in the United States and commander-in-chief of its armed forces.

"You have an obligation to make a contribution that transcends your own wants and needs," Barfield said. "Let us observe this occasion not just as African-Americans, but as one nation who seeks to honor the Declaration of Independence's stated ideals that all men are created equal and they all have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As members of the military, let us acknowledge that we are a unique melting pot of cultures and ideals, and we are in a special position that affords us the ability to contribute to the betterment of mankind."

The event also featured an exhibition by the Djiboutian Institute of Art and a performance by local band Afar & Somalie Tradition. Petty Officer 2nd Class (SW) Robert Maxwell, Joint Force Five treasurer, said the logistics of getting base access and transportation for the local nationals, setting up the displays and getting chairs for the attendees was an "intense, week-long" effort, but in the end it was rewarding to get everyone in the same room for this purpose.

"Nobody had to come, but a lot of people turned out anyway," said Maxwell. "We all felt it was necessary to do this, and to have involvement from the local community made it even better."

While the band performed into the evening for the event's guests, Army Sergeant Tory Holmes sang the Negro National Anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing," and ended with "We Shall Overcome." Holmes, a resident of Wichita Falls, Texas, said it was an honor to be asked to sing for the occasion.

"I learned a lot today," Holmes said. "It's good to learn about the common experience of your people, where we come from and where we're at now. It felt good to express that through song. The whole ceremony was a good experience."

The Joint Force Five and Echo Six Associations regularly organize and participate in community service and events like this one, including January's Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration.