Chaplain’s Word

Celebrating African American Voices

“Lift ev'ry voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring. Ring with the harmonies of Liberty

Let our rejoicing rise, High as the list'ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, let us march on till victory is won.”-James Weldon Johnson.

One of the most powerful assets any human being can possess is a voice; a voice that can articulate the sentiments of a person’s heart, mind and soul; a voice that will speak loud and clear to provide explanation and justification for the inalienable rights given to them by God; the voice that sings of good times and challenging times; the voice that harmonizes with others who have shared the same story, experiences, losses and victories.

Consequently, it has been the voices of African American leaders known and unknown who have paved the way for other African Americans to pursue exploits that were once not available to them.

During this month, we celebrate the achievements and contributions of the African American community and its people. Although our road has had many stones in it, we have prevailed and continue to make significant strides in our communities and society as a whole.

This month we celebrate Chaplain Barry Black, Rear Adm. (Retired). He is the chaplain of the United States Senate. Chaplain Black has trail blazed a path for many to follow being the first of many great accomplishments. Black was the first African American and Seventh Day Adventist Chief of Chaplains. Black was the first African American to become Chaplain of the United States Senate. His voice resonates in the hearts of young African American chaplains with the hope and assurance that they too can achieve what he has achieved.

Next, we celebrate President Barack Obama; the first African American President of the United States of America. He and his family have been a consistent voice for the African American community and a source of inspiration that will always remain in the hearts of many.

Lastly, we celebrate Adm. Michelle Howard. Howard was the first African American woman to command a Navy vessel. She would later become the first African American and woman to serve as the 38th Vice Chief of Naval Operations. Howard excelled at the pinnacle of naval leadership.

All of the individuals mentioned have in their own ways, through their actions, and achievements given voice to the possibilities that are available for young African Americans who aspire to achieve what these giants in our community have achieved.

Acknowledgment of these accomplishments from people of all ethnicity and walks of life enhances the strength and richness of our country and the human community. African American history is carefully intertwined within the tapestry of America’s history.

We are grateful for all of the voices that continue to speak through their actions, achievements and desires to make a difference that will impact the lives of many.

We salute the resolute voices of African Americans who have blazed trails for others to follow.

We salute the voices who speak to reconcile, impart and inform.

We salute the voices of mothers and fathers who constantly reinforce in the minds of their children that they can do and be anything that they put their minds to. We salute the voices of our ancestors who paved the way, endured pain and never gave up.

We salute the voices of those who are not African American but understand the need for collaboration, cooperative efforts and common desires to make a difference.

Our impact and contributions are many combined with those of our brothers and sisters of different ethnicity. Together all of our voices can make this world a better place.