U.S. Airmen with the 83d Network Operations Squadron learn about major African American contributors to American society during the Black History Month lunch and celebration at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Feb. 23, 2023. The Langley African American Heritage Council presents their theme as “Black in Tech”, to highlight African American achievements in technological advancements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Bithell)

Base Ceremonial Guardsmen with the Joint Base Langley-Eustis Honor Guard present the colors during the Black History Month lunch and celebration at JBLE, Virginia, Feb. 23, 2023. The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard was established May 1948 to commemorate the customs and courtesies of the Air Force, and all of those who have, and will serve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Bithell)

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Leray Smedley, 83d Network Operations Squadron, flight chief of cyber operations, utilizes a doughnut as an analogy of the missing pieces taught in American history throughout his speech during the Black History Month lunch and celebration at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Feb. 23, 2023. The Langley African American Heritage Council honors many African American contributors to technological advancement that have helped shape the course of history during this year’s theme of “Black in Tech”. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Bithell)

During the Joint Base Langley-Eustis Black History Month lunch and celebration, many African Americans with military backgrounds, such as Jimi Hendrix, a former 101st Airborne Division Soldier, were highlighted for their service at JBLE, Virginia, Feb. 23, 2023. The Langley African American Heritage Council strives to represent the diversity of the Air Force and the strength it adds to our mission capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Bithell)

Mr. Carlton Savage & Friends perform songs by influential African American musicians, such as Chuck Berry and B.B. King, during the Black History Month lunch and celebration at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Feb. 23, 2023. James E. West, one of the African Americans honored during the event, invented the microphone, which is used in many aspects of life today including the performing arts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Bithell)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Timothy Labinski, 83d Network Operations Squadron commander, reads about technological inventions created by African Americans that have helped the progression of the world during the Black History Month lunch and celebration at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Feb. 23, 2023. Some of the featured inventions included GPS invented by Gladys West, Caller ID invented by Shirley Ann Jackson, the microphone invented by James E. West, the video game cartridge invented by Jerry Lawson and the first home security system invented by Marie Vane Brittan Brown. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Bithell)

Black History Month sign stands on display outside the entrance of the BHM lunch and celebration at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Feb. 23, 2023. BHM celebrates the achievements of African Americans and recognizes their role in U.S. history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Bithell)

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. – Hair tools and a bag of rice lay on a table after a demonstration at a Black History Month event at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Feb. 22, 2023. The history of how enslaved African women hid grains of rice in their braids to survive was one of many topics highlighted during the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anna Nolte)

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. – A member of the Joint Base Langley-Eustis Youth Program speaks at a Black History Month event at JBLE, Virginia, Feb. 22, 2023. Youth programs are designed to teach skills, such as public-speaking, to children and teenagers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anna Nolte)

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. – A member of the Joint Base Langley-Eustis Youth Program speaks at a Black History Month event at JBLE, Virginia, Feb. 22, 2023. Black History Month, officially recognized in 1976, celebrates the accomplishments of African Americans throughout history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anna Nolte)

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. – Carla Jones, Joint Base Langley-Eustis Youth Program assistant, demonstrates placing rice into hair braided by members of the JBLE Youth Program at a Black History Month event at JBLE, Virginia, Feb. 22, 2023. Before the demonstration, a member of the JBLE Youth Program spoke on the historical significance of enslaved African women hiding grains of rice in their braids in order to survive. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anna Nolte)

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. – A member of the Joint Base Langley-Eustis Youth Program speaks at a Black History Month event at JBLE, Virginia, Feb. 22, 2023. Led by members of the JBLE Youth Program, this event was an opportunity to celebrate Black culture and promote inclusion. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anna Nolte)

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. – A member of the Joint Base Langley-Eustis Youth Program speaks at a Black History Month event at JBLE, Virginia, Feb. 22, 2023. In addition to practicing their public-speaking skills, participants were given an opportunity to share on a topic of their choice related to Black history and culture in front of their friends, family and leadership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anna Nolte)

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. – Sharon James, Joint Base Langley-Eustis Youth Program education technician, introduces the first speaker at a Black History Month event at JBLE, Virginia, Feb. 22, 2023. The event, led by members of the JBLE Youth Program, was an opportunity for participants to celebrate Black culture and learn about Black history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anna Nolte)