HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. — More than 200 employees and guests attended Stennis Space Center’s annual Black History Program Thursday in the StenniSphere auditorium. This year’s theme was “A White Man’s Journey Into Black History.” 

The Slidell High School Navy Junior ROTC presented the parade of colors at the program’s opening. Stennis Space Center Director Roy Estess delivered the welcome address, and Capt. Larry Warrenfelz, chief of staff for the Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command at Stennis, introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Joel A. Freeman.

Freeman, author of the book “Return to Glory: The Powerful Stirring of the Black Man,” said that ancient Egyptian history shows “an incredible picture of what black people accomplished.” From building the great pyramids in Egypt to pioneering the fields of medicine, philosophy, architecture and more, the black race was central to the development of civilization, Freeman said. The key to moving forward in race relations, Freeman said, is to be comfortable in our own skin. We must all be proud of our history and how we’re designed — what we have to offer.” In addition to being a world-renowned author, Dr. Freeman is an international presenter and a mentor for many players in the National Basketball Association, National Hockey League and National Football League. 

The Saint Rose de Lima Catholic Church choir of Bay St. Louis performed musical selections including “Oh Happy Day,” “On Time God,” “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” and “Go Down Moses.” Remarks from Commander Peter Furze of the Naval Oceanographic Office concluded the program.

Stennis Space Center sponsors a Black History Program annually during Black History Month.