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HomeAbout DLANewsNews Article View

# HDIFC recognizes Black History month with final presentation 

By Jason ShambergerDLA Disposition Services

                BATTLE CREEK, Mich.  –              
                HDIFC recognizes Black History month with final presentation                            Members of the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, gathered for a keynote address by Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Deputy Director Army Col. Andre Toussaint.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Disposition ServicesVIRIN: 230227-D-YU183-010As Black History month came to a close, members of the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, gathered for a keynote address by Defense Logistics Agency Disposition ServicesDeputy Director Army Col. Andre Toussaint.

Using real world scenarios paired with examples taken from cinema and history, Toussaint highlighted topics that were not the traditional format for this type of presentation – and that’s exactly what he had in mind.

“I didn’t want this to be a typical speech,” said Toussaint. “I wanted to leave people with something they could take back with them and for them think of how they could individually change the trajectory of the country.”

During the program with the HDIFC workforce, topics ranged from the beginnings of the slave trade to lessons on perception and biases. The overall message for the audience though was to treat each person with dignity and respect and for Toussaint the words hit home.

“I think things went well and the message was well received,” said Toussaint. “I wanted to make sure they understood how we all have biases built into our subconscious.”

Those in the audience seemed to agree as voiced by Lakeeah Kelly, an equal employment specialist with Disposition Services who was in attendance.

“I thought it was very insightful,” said Kelly. “And it gave us something to think about and consciously realize what we say. I have sons at home and this provided something I can take back [to them].”

And with the ending of Black History month, so begins the start of another observance month – which as Kelly states all have an important role to play.

“For me I think it’s important to have special emphasis months. They educate and bring awareness to special emphasis programs and break some biases or stereotypes associated with each ethnic group.”

Next month’s observance of Women’s History Month will include a panel featuring women from different leadership positions within DLA – with the goal to give perspectives from different levels within the organization.

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DLA DSBattle Creek DSBlack History Month 2023People & Culture DSLeadership DSEEO DSEEO Special Emphasis Program