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| U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mercedes Taylor A Mariachi band plays “La Bamba” during Diversity Day at Little Rock Air Force Base. Mariachi bands play folk music from Mexico. |
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Little Rock Air Force Base celebrated its diverse work force with a third annual Diversity Day on Jan. 15.
The event, held just before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, spotlighted future heritage events for airmen to observe during the rest of the year.
Events included booths representing special observances by all branches of the military, performances from multi-cultural groups and local musicians.
Speakers included Edmund Davis, former personal assistant to the late Dr. Milton Crenchaw, an original Tuskegee airman who passed away last month.
Although Diversity Day has passed, there are many ways to observe and celebrate different cultures and heritages throughout the year.
“A simple way to stay engaged with other cultures is to log on to the Air Force portal and look for the Air Force Culture and Language Center,” said Air Force Tech Sgt. Diego Yoshisaki, a member of the 2016 Diversity Day committee.
“The AFCLC has tremendous information regarding culture and language. I also recommend airmen stay engaged with the observances and the different committees such as Black History Month, Asian Pacific Islander and Hispanic Heritage,” Yoshisaki said.
Continuing to recognize diversity allows Team Little Rock airmen and other service members to work together more efficiently.
“Once you understand someone’s diverse perspective, you’re able to work and lead them better,” said Capt. Tarah Mitchell, 2016 Diversity Day chairman. “It’s important to understand why we not only embrace diversity, but how it positively impacts the Air Force.”
