Team Seymour to celebrate ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ day

  • Published
  • By 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
  • 4th Fighter Wing

The 4th Fighter Wing continues the Air Force tradition of breaking barriers by hosting its first “Strength in Unity” Diversity and Inclusion Day April 27 at Debden Park.

The event is open to all Team Seymour members and their families, and will celebrate many of the distinct cultures and backgrounds represented.

Secretary of the Air Force initiatives to attract and retain the most innovative, skillful and strategically agile force call for greater cultural awareness and improved force management processes. Diversity and inclusion events hosted by installations across the Air Force aim to educate members on the strategic importance of retaining a talented workforce.

“Constantly striving for excellence, together as one united team, is what makes the Air Force great,” said Col. Christopher Sage, 4th Fighter Wing commander. “It extends beyond our personal heritage, traditions and culture. Our source of strength is our diversity of thought. Our diverse backgrounds and experiences bring tremendous perspective to the challenges we face today. We celebrate our unique backgrounds, but we also celeberate the things that bind us together – love of country and service before self. We are all Americans serving side by side, united in purpose - the defense of our nation.”

The local day-long event will kick off at 7:30 a.m. with a spirited “Diversity Dash Color Run” 5K starting at the Fitness Center.

“The color run is symbolic,” said Senior Master Sgt. Carolyn Russell, 4th Fighter Wing Diversity and Inclusion Council chairman. “The intent is to celebrate our diverse population and recognize how embracing our differences unifies us and improves our ability to tackle complex operational challenges.”

Opening remarks will be offered by a 4th Fighter Wing representative at Debden Park at 11 a.m.

Organizers of the family-friendly event will promote learning through entertainment and interactive activities. Traditional African, Mexican and Pacific Islander dancers will perform. Food trucks, live music and free activities for children will be available. Information booths will showcase the spectrum of cultures.

More than 250 students from the local community are scheduled to attend. A group of students will perform an excerpt of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” speech at 11:15 a.m.

“We understand that issues of diversity and inclusion extend beyond our gates,” said Staff Sgt. Roxanne Richardson, 4th Fighter Wing Command Post emergency actions controller and event organizer. “Sharing the message of ‘Strength in Unity’ with the Goldsboro community demonstrates our commitment to the value of inclusion.”

This was echoed by the event chairman.

“Offering the community a voice [at the event] shows unity between Team Seymour and Goldsboro,” said Russell. “Inclusion means recognizing how partnerships with the community support our mission.”

Historically, cultural awareness groups have hosted separate observances throughout the year. The commemorative Diversity Day celebration will provide an opportunity for groups to celebrate their traditions and identities in unison at a shared venue. Organizers agree that celebrating together just makes sense.

“Job performance and job satisfaction increase when members feel accepted and respected in the workplace,” said Tech. Sgt. Renee Gilliam, 4th Fighter Wing Equal Opportunity NCO in charge.

The values of diversity and inclusion embraced by the Air Force are familiar to many members.

“The importance of diversity is seeing things through a different lens and truly appreciating the value of others,” said Richardson. “My mother always told me to dare to be different. She instilled the fact that embracing differences between people will broaden my horizons, build bridges and create an open mind, and that failing to realize this will only block my potential.”

Event organizers hope the day of celebration and dialog will prompt members to consider their values and personal heritage, and contemplate their views on diversity and inclusion.

According to Gilliam, the best approach is through education.

“Learning not only helps us accept our differences, it also brings connectedness and understanding of our similarities,” she said.