African-American Heritage Month Published Feb. 10, 2015 By Senior Airman Tevin J. Chambliss 90th Security Forces Squadron F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- February is nationally known as Black History month. For more than 500 years, people of African-American descent helped shape American history. The story of Black History Month begins 50 years after the 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. Few could have imagined the future contributions of African-Americans to military service, music, art and literature, from the Tuskegee Airmen, who served heroically during World War II, to Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, who catapulted the discussion of civil rights for African-Americans into political discourse through marches, sit-ins and other non-violent protests. These Americans sacrificed much to provide freedom and liberty for not only African-Americans, but all Americans. Carter G. Woodson, one of the first African-American historians, authors and journalists, wanted to change the world's perception of African-Americans and their contribution to American society and culture. Woodson once said: "We should emphasize not Negro History, but the Negro in history. What we need is not a history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice." It was his efforts, and those of other champions, who broke down daunting barriers, allowing African-Americans to participate as American citizens and have their stories told. The world has changed drastically from the times of slavery to now. The 90th Missile Wing will host its African-American Luncheon and free soul food sampling Feb. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Fall Hall Community Center. The event is open to everyone on base.