MacDill Black History Month Observance Luncheon

Retired U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Frank Bell Jr., national historian for the 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry Associations, speaks about his early years in the Air Force as the guest speaker during the Black History Month observance at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Feb. 21, 2019. Bell has a passion for history, continuing research on the African American experience, and their life in the military and their communities following separation from military service. The theme for National Black History Month February 2019 is "Black Migrations." This year's theme emphasizes the movement of people of African descent to new destinations and subsequently to new social realities. While inclusive of earlier centuries, this theme focuses especially on the 20th century through today. Black History Month is an annual celebration of contributions that African Americans have made toward our American history despite the struggles for freedom and equality. Black History Month's origin is credited to Dr. Carter Woodson, and in 1986 the U.S. Congress passed legislation recognizing February as National Black (Afro-American) History Month. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Frank Rohrig)