In honor of Black History Month, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) is hosting a special blog series, featuring insights and candid narratives from several of the Center’s African-American leaders. We invite you to follow the series this month here on ECBC’s official blog site.The second installation of this series features Doretha Green, a member of the Advanced Technology Demonstration Branch.
What is the one word that characterizes Black History Month for you?
Journey is the one word that characterizes Black History Month for me. It has been a long journey from the day the first slaves from Africa were deposited on the shores of this nation for the purpose of providing uncompensated labor to build this nation; to this day, when an African American was elected President of the United States of America. A journey defined by sorrow, pain, determination and joy.
What moment in Black History do you find to be the most significant moment for you, the community, or the Nation? Why?
I do not think that there is one specific moment in African-American history that is more important than another. African-Americans provided significant contribution to the history of this nation starting from the beginning of the American Revolution with Crispus Attucks thru today with President Barak Obama. Between these events, African-Americans fought in every war to defend this country, while being denied basic rights as citizens in a segregated nation until 1954 when the Supreme Court in Brown vs. Board of Education deem “separate but equal” unequal. In the 1960s African-Americans, determined to exercise their rights as citizens, began peaceful protest marches, sit- ins, and boycotts through the south demanding equal rights. The marches and protests moved our lawmakers to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (discrimination in employment), Voting Rights Act of 1965 (discriminatory voting practices) and the Fair Housing Act of 1968. These laws did not change hearts and minds, but it was a start in protecting African-American and other minorities’ basic rights as citizens of the United States of America.
What are your thoughts about the significance of Barak Obama’s election as the first Black Commander in Chief?
African-Americans make up approximately 13.5% of the population of the United States. President Obama was elected by a majority of the citizens of this country, not just by African-Americans. The significance of the election was that he was elected because of his plans for the country, intelligence, and character demonstrated during debates, speeches, and question and answer sessions throughout the election process. The color of his skin did not matter to some of our citizens, but the vision he had to move our nation forward was crucial in his election.
What can the ECBC workforce do to support diversity at the Center?
Do not judge co-workers or potential new hires by superficial stereotypes you grew up with or that are perpetuated in the media and entertainment. Recognize that we are all unique in our own way and everyone does not have to look, talk or have the same life experiences to successfully work together on a project. Value each co-worker’s unique contribution.
Doretha Green is a member of the Advanced Technology Demonstration Branch where she is the Technical Manager for the Rapid Area Sensitive-Site Reconnaissance Advanced Technology Demonstration. She has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Louisiana Tech University, a Master of Science in Management from Florida Tech, and is a member of the Acquisition Corps.
This content on this blog does not represent the views or beliefs of ECBC, its employees, its management or the federal government.
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