MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The fourth annual Cultural Awareness Day is scheduled to be held Feb. 10th, 2017, here on Maxwell AFB
The 42nd Air Base Wing’s leadership will host the two-hour cultural blending event in Building 842, the base honor guard hangar, starting at 11:00 a.m.
“Embracing Diversity by Connecting Cultures,” the theme of this year’s event, will combine the many annual observances into a singular celebration of the diversity within our community.
These observances include: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Women’s History and Equality Day, Asian American/Pacific Islander heritage month, Hispanic heritage month, African American heritage month, American Indian heritage month, Disability Employment Awareness and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.
The CAD program features specific activities for all age groups, guest speakers, artists, performers and food sampling.
“Prior to 2014, the base celebrated these special observances with individual programs throughout the year, and maybe some people were able to attend one or two of those events,” said Jackie McCollum, the Maxwell Equal Opportunity director. “However, by hosting these events together, we can exchange ideas on the different cultural groups that make up the mosaic of this country in a combined program, increasing awareness and education to the base populace.”
Each year, the DOD sponsors special observances to recognize the historic, cultural, technological or scientific, and civic contributions of specific groups of people in the United States. The department customarily supports these special observances through various local programs and activities, developed by local committees. The local committees consist of interested volunteers from the local installation, with the advisement and oversight of the installation Equal Opportunity office.
“It is important for us to recognize the great achievements of everyone from the diverse groups that make up America and the Air Force,” said Col. Eric K. Shafa, 42nd Air Base Wing commander. “This Cultural Awareness Day will enable us to understand and appreciate these diverse perspectives on life, culture and community of all Americans.”