Photo by Spc. Brian R. Williams Reverend Doctor Arnold W. Howard speaks on the successes and challenges facing the African American community in the area of economic empowerment during his keynote speech at the Black History Month Celebration held at Fort Detrick, Maryland on Feb. 24. The 21st Signal Brigade coordinated the event.

The Celebration focused on the past and present successes and challenges of the African American community in the area of economic empowerment.

According to the Presidential Proclamation from the White House, Office of the Press Secretary, ‘‘Each February, we recognize African American History Month as a moment to reflect upon how far we have come as a Nation, and what challenges remain.

‘‘This year’s theme, ‘The History of Black Economic Empowerment,’ calls upon us to honor the African Americans who overcame injustice and inequality to achieve financial independence and the security of self-empowerment that comes with it.”

21st Signal Brigade Equal Opportunity Advisor, Master Sgt. Johnnie Buchanan, coordinated the participation of guest speaker Reverend Doctor Arnold W. Howard, a native of Baltimore City, Maryland, Ms. Tamara Doleman from Doleman’s Black History Museum in Hagerstown, Maryland, and musicians Mr. Don Blakely and Ms. Bonnie Clowes.

Reverend Howard was the keynote speaker at the celebration. He is the oldest of seven brothers and sisters, he possesses numerous graduate degrees, and served in the United States Air Force from 1973 to 1981 as an Instructor Flight Navigator aboard KC-135 Tankers and B-52 Bomber aircraft.

He was awarded a Doctorate of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary of Dayton, Ohio, in 1995 and has served as the 5th Pastor of the Enon Baptist Church in Baltimore since 1989.

During his speech, Reverend Howard spoke about contributions of past and present African Americans to the Civil Rights Movement, educational advancements, and economic empowerment in the United States.

Reverend Howard said, ‘‘I have found that the military community generally exceeds and is more advanced than the civilian community on issues of equality and equity. The camaraderie and brother and sisterhood experienced in the shared mission and responsibilities are not as prevalent in civilian communities; communities which are often divided by geography, class and personal preference.”

In his closing remarks he added, ‘‘I would hope that your accumulated knowledge and behaviors learned from being a part of this diverse military community and family will manifest themselves wherever you go as you take your future place beside the brothers and sisters for whom you and those who have joined with you so courageously and sacrificially give of yourselves to serve this present age.”