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Dryden celebrates African American history
X-Press Assistant Editor The ISF was transformed into a four-star banquet hall as Dryden celebrated African American History Month with a Feb. 14 luncheon program. The program's theme – "Creating and Defining the African American Community: Family, Church, Politics and Culture"—served as the backdrop for the event's activities, which included a high-energy cultural demonstration by an internationally recognized music troupe and an inspiring keynote address by Lancaster Vice Mayor, the Rev. Henry W. Hearns. African American Advisory Council Chair Shawn G. Hill and Council Co-Chair Carroll Booker were excited about the event and hoped attendees would enjoy the opportunity to experience the program their council had carefully planned and orchestrated. "The important thing we're doing here is seeking to inform our audience with authentic African and African American styles of music, culture, spirituality and community. We'd like for Dryden to get the feel of the culture," said Hill. "This event, combined with our Black Inventions Museum program, is something we hope everyone will learn from, something that will teach them what the African American culture has accomplished for our country, for the world," said Hill. "We're really excited about presenting these events to everyone at Dryden," added Booker. "It's important that we all understand how different cultures communicate and come together, and we hope our audience will come away with some inspiration from the Rev. Hearns, either spiritually or personally." Following a sumptuous luncheon comprised of traditional African American cuisine, attendees were treated to a performance by ADAAWE, a sextet of vocalists and percussionists per-forming authentic African songs accompanied on African instruments such as the djembe, the tama talking drum, the djun-djun, the ocean drum, the rain stick and the conga. The songs demonstrated the musical and cultural heritage of the African Diaspora, grace-fully weaving together traditional music from African nations, including Nigeria, West Africa; Kenya, South Africa; Ghana, West Africa; and Senegal (Mandinke and Bambara), West Africa. Although ADAAWE primarily sang African songs in their original languages, songs were also performed in English and often featured English translations of lyrics from the African songs. Lyrics stressed togetherness and an awareness of "where we are today." "Our songs are meant to hit the heart, mind, spirit, and feet," encouraged ADAAWE member Joselyn Wilkinson. "Because there is no such thing as an audience in Africa, what you give to us we give back to you. Open up your heart to the world of rhythm inside." The African rhythms, urban soul, and rich harmonic vocals combined to present an uplifting and unique performance. Team Dryden and guests from the local community also welcomed keynote speaker, the Rev. Hearns. Eschewing his prepared speech, the Rev. Hearns chose instead to speak about the familial, religious, political and cultural experiences he and his family have endured since the 17th century. "You could say I came here indirectly from Africa," declared Hearns. "I have my family's history going back about 350 years. I've taken my children and shown them where my great grandfather said he was sold and to the cabin in Byhalia, Miss. where I was born. When you talk about the black community, family, church, politics and culture – they are inseparable. My mother had an eighth grade education and she used to always tell me "nobody can stop you, but you." Hearns pointed out that "when you talk about roots, I think of having to go through back door of businesses, of "colored" water fountains, of having a hamburger handed to you from the back door of a restaurant – I've been there, done that. There are hundreds of black men and women who could accomplish so much but were not allowed to because of who they were." Citing education and faith as the roots of his opportunities, Hearns elaborated on his personal experiences and beliefs. "I went into the military with no education, but I got my GED during the Korean War. When I returned I played football at Tennessee State. While at my first job I was made to sit in a special place behind some drawings and a door. I said to myself, "Keep on planning, moving like God wants you to." I had the faith in God and the church to do what I had to do. Now I'm happy to say that we've set up a church here in town with 2,000 people – that's 600 families who are integrated." "I am proud to be an African American," professed Hearns. "Not many people are proud to say that, but I am. When I was running for office years ago, I was advised to downplay my African American heritage and to refrain from displaying my photo in the paper. I was convicted by the church to not listen to that advice." "Ask yourself, ‘How much can I contribute to my community?' challenged Hearns. "The Space Shuttle didn't get up there just because whites worked on it, or just because blacks worked on it, but because all of us got involved in it. Remember, history is very important to us. Culture is very important to us. Family is very important to us. But above everything else, the church is important to us. We can't stay in Africa. We've got to be here. Prepare for change, prepare your children for change." Hearns later added, "It's absolutely important that the people who work here at Dryden continue to have a mission and, in order to achieve that mission, continue to have respect for each other. That is imperative. African Americans are a part of the system and we do everything we can do to achieve the Dryden mission. If Dryden is to continue to be successful, all of its history must be spoken and written. I think Dryden is doing a great job." Commenting on the program, Dryden's Associate Director Joe Ramos noted that "it was a treat to hear Rev. Hearns discard his prepared speech to give us insight into some of his personal challenges and how his roots in family and religion gave him the guidance to overcome these external challenges. He was an excellent choice to speak on the theme of this year's event "Creating and Defining the African American Community: Family, Church, Politics and Culture" because he embodies the essence of all these elements. I have known Hank personally since his arrival at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) over 25 years ago. In fact, I was his supervisor for a short period in 1980-81 when I was Chief of AFFTC's Technical Development Branch. I still remember the pleasure I had in promoting him to Chief of the Facilities Development section in December 1980. I have an even greater pleasure in seeing his continued success as a community leader, as Pastor of Littlerock's First Missionary Baptist Church and as Vice Mayor of Lancaster – especially since he was re-elected to serve for a third term. His character makes him a role model for achieving success." Complimenting the entire program, Dryden Equal Opportunity Officer Erma Cox was quick to note that "Shawn Hill did a great job [organizing the event]. Rev. Hearns worked at Edwards, is a member of our community and spoke well on how things are changing in the world. He spoke more to the theme of the program because he knows our community better than most. He challenged us not to sit on the sidelines. We must keep the lines of communication open, especially with our youth. We have come a long way, as he pointed out, but we still have a way to go. There are so many influences on our young people out there. We have to be sure to influence them ourselves. In fact, we all need to work on our young people – they're our future. There's progress for everyone, not just one segment of our population." Cox noted that "there was plenty of room for more of our work force to have joined us. I hope they'll come out next year." With a program of such high caliber this year, it is likely that Cox's wish may come true for next year. |
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Responsible NASA Official: John Childress For questions, contact: Dryden Web Group Page Curator:WD-Team Modified: March 26, 2001 |
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