51 FSS is launching a new series titled “Observing Diversity” that highlights Osan’s diverse members in the community to include Active Duty, Dependents, DoD Civilians, NAF/APF Korean Nationals etc. This month we’ll be shining light on three members that radiate Black Excellence in honor of Black History month!
Black history month celebrates individuals of the African diaspora and highlights the narratives of past adversities that have shaped the successes Black people have accomplished onward. It is vital to observe Black achievements because they are often overshadowed for numerous reasons. This month’s edition of “Observing Diversity” focuses on individuals who emanate greatness while representing Black people in leadership roles. Establishing a diverse set of leadership among the ranks is critical because it shows younger generations that they can replicate the same success. In order for Black people to advance, they face an uphill battle despite the victories and triumphs that they have conquered as a people thus far.
Lt Col Payne wishes “Today’s society didn’t need Black History Month, but there is a lack of representation in influential positions and continued racial brutality among other prejudices” currently occurring that validates the existence of special observances. Col Jeffress says “We should always take the opportunity to learn from the past and actively shape our futures” despite the hardships that might get in the way. He goes on to say, “Special observances are a venue to educate and inspire our children who will be the leaders of tomorrow.” Lt Col Montgomery expresses that “We need to celebrate diversity across all cultures because diversity fosters innovation and helps create more engaging work environments.”
Black people in America have suffered from oppression and atrocious hardships since their ancestors were brought from Africa as slaves to the land of the free ironically over 400 years ago. To this day, Black people still continue to endure a diverse set of entanglements. These inequalities range from employment discrimination to lack of access to quality education. Lt Col Payne notes the “Media perpetuates stereotypes that are defining blackness.” This is why it is important that Black representation in the media production space exists to produce shows such as “Black-ish” which depicts Black people in a different light that the greater society may not be used to watching on the screen.
In Col Jeffress’ opinion, “The challenges of Black people are different depending on where they reside and the accessibility of resources and educational opportunities.” However, the disturbing reality is that it is not common for Black youth to grow up in atmospheres that support upward mobility in an economical sense. It has been researched that Black children that relocate to neighborhoods that have characteristics of higher mobility experience higher earnings and low incarceration rates as they transition into adulthood.
Lt Col Montgomery notes “The numbers reveal that people of color continue to suffer disproportionately across several societal metrics.” She names the delivery of inadequate health care services among Black people as one of those disparities. Racial segregation in the era of Jim Crow has caused an insufficient supply of health care providers and specialists in “low-income and minority neighborhoods.” In addition, studies concluded that other elements have contributed to the health outcomes of Black people that include a lack of access to high-quality food markets. It’s extremely vital that Black people are aware of the inequities and advocate for improvements to eliminate structural racism in the healthcare system.
Considering all this, Black people have made copious strides to improve their quality of life. However, they still face considerable hurdles to overcome. Hence, it is crucial to dedicate time to showcase what Black people have gone through and where they are headed. Ultimately, not only is it imperative to celebrate Black History, but there should also be an emphasis on other sectors of society that face similar burdens. The “Observing Diversity” series will continue in the month of March honoring select women of Team Osan!
Submit your nominations for Women’s History month by 5 February to 51fssmarketing@gmail.com by informing Marketing why they should be featured in our Observing Diversity Series.
Col Jeffress – COURAGE
Lt Col Montgomery – EMPATHY
Lt Col Payne – LOVE
Col Jeffress – There are a lot of good leadership books & I have read a few. Off the top of my head, Simon Sinek has a lot of leadership material you should consider. However, my leadership is mostly influenced by growing up with an amazing dad!
Lt Col Montgomery – John Maxwell, Daniel Goldman, Simon Simek. Podcasts: Cultivate your life by Laura Casey, Living Proof by Beth Moore.
Lt Col Payne – Right now I’m all about podcasts! Fitten and Ask Lemuel, SpiritualiTEA by Dr. LaTanya Moore, Manifesting 101 are my top listens this season. I recently completed an audible title you should get “Honor’s Reward” by John Bevere…it’s a game changer!
Col Jeffress – “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.”
Lt Col Montgomery – “I will eliminate hatred, envy, jealousy, selfishness, and cynicism, by developing love for all humanity, because I know that a negative attitude toward others can never bring me success. I will cause others to believe in me, because I will believe in them, and in myself”. By Napoleon Hill
Lt Col Payne – “…let no one deprive you of your crown.” Revelation 3:11, Holy Bible
Col Jeffress – Athlete: Serena Williams Author: J.R.R. Tolkien Musician: B.B. King
Lt Col Montgomery – Athlete: Heptathlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Musician: Prince Artist: Leonardo DaVinci Author: William Shakespeare.
Lt Col Payne – I’ll pick musician here. The greatest is hard, but I’ll go with Nas as my favorite for lyrics, content and relevancy and artists like Lacrae, Jonathan McReynolds and Lauryn Hill for keeping us grounded in reality and focused on the good inside.
Col Jeffress – Younger: Don’t be afraid to fail? Older: Don’t fear the internet!
Lt Col Montgomery – Advice for both leaders: You are where you are today because you stand on somebody’s shoulders. And wherever you are heading, you cannot get there by yourself. If you stand on the shoulders of others, you have a reciprocal responsibility to live your life fully so that others may stand on your shoulders. It’s the quid pro quo of life. We exist temporarily through what we take, but we live forever through what we give. Our greatest blessings is sharing our testimonies to help others live their best life. Read your goals daily when you wake up and before you go to bed.
Lt Col Payne – I’d advise those ten years younger than me (so the eleven year olds reading ☺) surround yourself with people who are better than you so you can rise to their level. To those ten years ahead of me in age, I’d ask them to share their lessons learned in life so to create a platform to help society go further, faster.
Col Jeffress -If the secretary builds time on my calendar I am game!
Lt Col Montgomery – Theodosia.f.Montgomery.mil@mail.mil
Lt Col Payne – Of course I’m on global, “the” facebook: tamekia allen payne, @therealcoachpayne