Benjamin Banneker Chapter News
VOL. 02 SPECIAL EDITION February 24, 2000
General Services Administration
2000 Black History Month Program
The theme of this years 'Black History Month' was: Heritage and Horizons: The African American Legacy and the Challenges of the 21st Century.
The programs listed below note just a few of the activities, events, and programs conducted throughout GSA locations in the Washington, DC and Metro. Area in celebration of this years 'Black History Month'.
Central Office - Black History Month Program
On February 24, 2000, the Benjamin Banneker Chapter (BBC) of Blacks In Government (BIG) in conjunction with the General Services Administration, the Federally Employee Women, and the National Federations of Federal Employees, co-sponsored a Black History Month Program at the GSA Central Office Building.
The keynote speaker for the program was his Excellency Koby A. Koomson, Ghana Ambassador to the U.S.A. Additional special guests included the Queen Mother of Ghana, Professor George F. Kojo Arthur (Cultural Perspective), Ghanian Drummers, Poet, and Singers.
Ms. Martha N. Johnson, Chief of Staff, GSA, introduced his Excellency Koby A. Koomson and Ms. Ann Everett, Deputy Regional Administrator, NCR provided the closing remarks to a diverse audience consisting of GSA employees, special guests of the Ambassador and the Queen Mother, and students from Jefferson Junior High and Amidon Elementary Schools both in Washington, DC.
Special gifts from the Benjamin Banneker Chapter to Ambassador Koomson (Waterford Crystal replica of the Washington Monument), Dr. Koomson (Ambassador's wife) (Waterford Crystal Makeup Bell*) and the Queen Mother (Waterford Crystal Bowl) were presented by Mr. Rawle King, Region XI Council President, BIG.
*Legend of 'The Make-up Bell
Many, many years ago, the Irish devised a charming, musical way to end a quarrel between husband and wife. According to tradition, an engaged couple or a newly wed pair was given a crystal make-up bell. When a disagreement threatened to cloud domestic bliss, the bell provided a face-saving way for either husband or wife to say, "I love you and I'm sorry we quarreled." Thus the ringing of the bell signaled that the spouse who rang it was ready to make up. Of course, tradition also decreed that it should not always be the same spouse who rang the bell, but that the two should take turns in initiating a reconciliation.
Federal Supply Services - Black History Month Program:
On February 9, 2000, the Benjamin Banneker Chapter (BBC) of Blacks In Government (BIG) in conjunction with the General Services Administration's Federal Supply Service co-sponsored a Black History Month Program at the Marriott Crystal Forum in Crystal City, Va.
The keynote speaker for the program was the Reverend Walter Fauntroy, Pastor, New Bethel Baptist Church and former Member of the U. S. Congress, representing the District of Columbia.
Ms. Donna Bennett, Deputy Commission, FSS, standing in for Mr. Frank P. Puglises, Jr, Commissioner, Federal Supply Service, provided the opening remarks.
The program also included musical selections by Mr. T. C. Hairston, Public Buildings Service, NCR and remarks by Ms. Sanya Ham, President , Benjamin Banneker Chapter of Blacks In Government.
Other events that took place during this years 'Black History Month' celebration at the General Services Administration included: Afrocentric Book Sales; Art Exhibits, Meet the Authors, Soul Food Cuisine lunch and a Employee Talent Showcase.
The Benjamin Banneker Chapter/BIG thanks everyone who participated and gave support to all the Black History Month Endeavors.
Click on the links below to see photos taken during this years Black History Month program celebration at the General Services Administration:
L.F.King, Sr. (12/29/00)