# Black History Month spotlight: Adam Morrison

/ Published Feb. 7, 2022
FORT BELVOIR, Va., 
*Editor’s note: February is Black History Month and throughout the month, we will spotlight Defense Logistics Agency Energy employees who are honoring their history and making a difference through their accomplishments both in their workplace and community.*

**What is your name and where is your hometown?**

Adam Morrison, Miami, Florida.

**Describe your job:**

I am the Equal Employment Opportunity Director for DLA Energy.

**How did you get into this career field?**

I started in the military as an Equal Opportunity Representative as a young Sergeant/E-5, at Fort Gordon, Georgia. I developed a passion for taking care of Soldiers by ensuring those of all grades and gender were treated with dignity and respect.

**What makes you proud about your job?**

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Practioner, our office sets the baseline for how people should treat each other at work. We help influence and set a culture that does not accept or tolerate discriminatory behavior. This is something I not only believe in but model. I am proud that I get the chance to affect positive change in the professional and personal lives of people. I believe there is no greater joy then being able to leave a lasting impression and even a small part of yourself in another’s life.

**What was the biggest influence on your career?**

In 2018 while working as an EEO Specialist and Disability Program Manager with Naval Facilities Engineering Command at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, I was assigned to handle a Reasonable Accommodation case for one of our off-site agencies. I had many conversations with the employee to help him process his request and make difficult decisions. Sadly, the person passed away due to medical conditions. Little did I know, my initial conversations and counseling of his RA had made an impact on him as well as his wife. About a week after receiving the news of his passing I received a phone call from his wife. She explained to me how grateful she was of how I had interacted with her husband and handled his RA. She even sent a handwritten letter to my supervisor of which I still hold on to this day. That made a great impact and had a major influence on my EEO career, reminded me that you never know the magnitude of your impact in someone’s else’s life.

**What advice do you have for others who may want to follow in your footsteps?**

If you are not GENUINELY passionate about the professional and personal welfare of others, to the point of personal sacrifice, don’t get into this profession. People want to know how much you care, just as important as what you know. As an EEO Practitioner you represent the Commander’s EEO Program, and that representation must be done ethically and morally.

As an EEO Practitioner, your CHARACTER and INTEGRITY is just as important as your competence. I live by this.

**This year’s Black History Month theme is “Black Health and Wellness.” Why do you think this theme is important to emphasize? How do you honor this theme?**

I believe this theme of “Black Health and Wellness” speaks to the importance of health, for all. It means taking an inventory of your mental, emotional, spiritual, physical health and then making the necessary appointments and life adjustments to ensure you are living a long and prosperous life and leaving a legacy behind for the next generation. 

Healthy living is something many people take for granted. Taking care of our mind, body and soul is not about vanity. The decision to learn and implement healthy lifestyle is as important as the desire to live a prosperous life (3 John 2). I believe true prosperity can only be enjoyed when we are in a state of good health. We must never allow ourselves to get too busy with work, families, etc. and barely take time to rest. Sound physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health is achievable with the right application of the knowledge of healthy living and healthy life.

**Are there any other ways you contribute to your community or workplace?**

I currently serve as a Pastor, and volunteer to work with Wounded Warrior Project.

**Is there anything else you’d like to share/add?**

My wife, Nervia, and I are excited about being members of the DLA Family and we are here to serve the agency as well as the community.