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The ability to dream

By Senior Airman Whitney Stanfield, 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published February 08, 2012

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SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N. C. -- Every night as people lay down to sleep, they close their eyes and dream.

Some people dream of a better life for themselves; others like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed of a better life for everyone else.

In the 1600s, the first African Americans came to Jamestown, Va. as indentured servants. At that time slavery was legal in each colony. As slaves they shared their dream through songs and praise to God. Their dreams began to come true when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, making slavery illegal in 10 states. The proclamation gave approximately three out of the four million slaves in the country their freedom.

Black History or National African-American History Month recognizes the achievements of African-Americans and their role in U.S. history. The recognition began in Feb. 1926 as "Negro History Week," which was founded by Carter Woodson and other prominent African-Americans. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford designated February as Black History Month.

"Black history is a legacy of those who made it possible for our dreams to become a reality," said Chief Master Sgt. Rita Felton, 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. "The legacy impacts the lives of tomorrow's youth (encouraging them) to believe in themselves and never give up, because they are the next generation."

King, a Civil Rights leader, gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech where he shared his vision of a color-blind society. To reach his dream he lead marches, a nonviolent bus boycott and was incarcerated several times fighting for African-American rights. His dream became reality in 1964 with the signing of the Civil Rights Act which ended segregation and discrimination toward African-Americans and women in schools, society and employment.

"My family contributes to black history by serving our country," said Capt. Thomas Webb, 4th Fighter Wing base chaplain. "My dream was to become a chaplain in the military and I am the first officer in my family."

A major milestone for the African-American community occurred Nov. 4, 2008, when Barack Obama became the first African-American president.

"Celebrating all heritages in the military brings unity amongst the Airmen," said Col. Patrick Doherty, 4th FW commander.

Regardless of your heritage, celebrate it every day and dream for better tomorrow.
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