“There are challenges in this world that will get in your way if you let ‘em…Don’t let these challenges STOP YOU.”
This quote, offered by 1st Sgt. Rickey Thomas, provided a moving takeaway for all the students in attendance at this year’s Black History assemblies. Each year, the members of our African-American Club organize the programs and work very hard, with guidance from advisor Bonita Adams, to create moving programs. This year on February 24, they followed the theme of how African Americans have impacted the military, too often enduring mistreatment, to serve our nation. The students described:
•The Buffalo Soldiers
African-American soldiers who served on the western frontier after the Civil War. They fought and won many battles during the Indian wars. They captured cattle rustlers and thieves and protected settlers, stagecoaches, wagon trains and railroad crews along the western front. They were the nation’s first park rangers. Racism inside and outside the military challenged their efforts, yet they served courageously.
•The Harlem Hellfighters An African-American unit in World War I that spent more time in combat than any other American unit. The members became famous during World War I, not only for their courage on the battlefield, but many for their talents displayed through the 369th Regimental Army Band. This all-Black band served well in the segregated army and was led by James Reese Europe. Mr. Europe was credited by many as helping to initiate the Harlem Renaissance. Despite their courage, sacrifice and dedication to our country, they faced lynchings, institutional racism and Jim Crow Laws.
•The 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion Consider how this all-African-American, all-female unit was sent overseas during World War II to keep the mail flowing to nearly seven million soldiers. Their motto: “No Mail, Low Morale,” helped to keep the spirits up of the soldiers who were serving. Mail and packages were crammed in warehouses that had not been delivered for two years. What was supposed to take them six months to complete, they did in three. Racism, sexual discrimination and sexual harassment did not stop their efforts to serve courageously, with dignity and grace.
During the assemblies, the students also recognized our very own 1st Sgt. Rickey Thomas (Army, Retd.) who has extensive experience serving in the U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve. He has been stationed in Louisiana, Arizona, Georgia, Alaska, Korea, Germany; overseas during Desert Storm and in support of the Bosnian conflict. He would write essays and term papers for college, while sitting in a foxhole or tent, on legal yellow paper in pursuit of a graduate degree, which he achieved. He was an assistant professor of military science at the University of Michigan. He also has associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and a master of science degree. He has been awarded more than 27 medals, ribbons and special skills badges. He is in his 20th year of teaching at SHS, where he now directs the nationally acclaimed JROTC program.
The Emerald Guard Drill Team, also under his charge, has won more than 600 trophies and numerous championships.
Mrs. Adam’s father, Ronald L. Sparks Sr., who served in the U.S. Army, and my brother, Ronald Sparks Jr., who served in the U.S. Air Force, also were recognized Throughout our history, there are too many examples of mistreatment; however, our students did a masterful job once again of challenging their peers that no matter what you may face in your life, choose to serve and do it well. The ultimate victory over adversity is to be the best that you can be.
