my name is marisa williams, and on behalf of the african american historical society i'd like to welcome you to our 2018 black history month kickoff celebration. this year's national -- i'll wait. this year's national theme as established by the association of the study of african american history is african americans in times of war. this theme honors those african americans who have fought in wars dated as early as world war i. it also recognizes those african americans who have been iconic and revolutionary in the struggle for skbru struggle for justice in america. now as a planning committee we decided to expand on the national theme and say african americans in times of war are a resilient spirit. since coming to america, african americans have had to embody a sense ofri sill yep see in order to succeed. from wars over seas to the struggle of day-to-day life in america, african americans have had to be resilient. our program will demonstrate that spirit african americans have had to embody. now, before we get started, there are some very important individuals and groups that we have