In recognition of Black History Month, the Black Employee Strategy Team hosted a panel discussion featuring some of the future leaders of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 13, 2019. Opening the event was Kennedy’s Associate Director, Technical, Kelvin Manning. Panelists shared personal testimony about their journey toward NASA employment, leadership styles and keys to their success.

During a Black History Month celebration on Feb. 18, 2020 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Hortense Diggs, director of Communication and Public Engagement, commemorates the contributions of former NASA employee and mentor Roslyn McKinney. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Keynote speaker was James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director. Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

A Black History Month celebration was held on Feb. 18, 2020 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” From left are Kim Carter, associate program manager, Exploration Ground Systems; James Jennings, keynote speaker, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director; and Hortense Diggs, director of Communication and Public Engagement.

Jakebia Keith, program and contract analyst for the IT Resources Management Office, welcomes NASA and contractor workers to the Black History Month celebration at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Feb. 18, 2020. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Keynote speaker was James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director. Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

James Jennings, at left, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and former Kennedy Space Center deputy director, was the keynote speaker at the center’s Black History Month celebration on Feb. 18, 2020. He received a Certificate of Appreciation from the program’s organizer, the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. At right is Martin Hayes, program analyst with Exploration Ground Systems and BEST chairperson. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

Henrietta Hanner, an administrative assistant in Safety and Mission Assurance, speaks about the theme of this year’s Black History Month celebration at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Feb. 18, 2020. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Keynote speaker was James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director. Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

NASA and contractor workers attend a Black History Month celebration at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Feb. 18, 2020. James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and former Kennedy Space Center deputy director, was the keynote speaker. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, at right, speaks with James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and former Kennedy deputy director, during the center’s Black History Month celebration on Feb. 18, 2020. Jennings was the keynote speaker. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

Chuck Dovale, deputy director of NASA’s Launch Services Program, attends the Black History Month celebration at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Feb. 18, 2020. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Keynote speaker was James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director. Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

Martin Hayes, program analyst with Exploration Ground Systems and chairperson of the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups, speaks to attendees during a Black History Month celebration on Feb. 18, 2020, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The program was organized by BEST. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and former Kennedy Space Center deputy director, was keynote speaker at the event.

James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and former Kennedy Space Center deputy director, was the keynote speaker at the center’s Black History Month celebration on Feb. 18, 2020. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

Jakebia Keith, program and contract analyst for the IT Resources Management Office and secretary for the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups, stands during recognition at the Black History Month celebration on Feb. 18, 2020, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The program was organized by BEST. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and former Kennedy Space Center deputy director, was keynote speaker at the event.

Michael Bell, chief, Knowledge Office, introduces keynote speaker James Jennings during the Black History Month celebration at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Feb. 18, 2020. Jennings is the former associate administrator for NASA Institutions and Management and former deputy director of Kennedy. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

Hortense Diggs, director of Communication and Public Engagement, stands during the singing of the National Anthem at the Black History Month celebration at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Feb. 18, 2020. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Keynote speaker was James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director. Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

NASA and contractor workers attend a Black History Month celebration at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Feb. 18, 2020. James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and former Kennedy Space Center deputy director, was the keynote speaker. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

Yvonne Williams, in front, administrative assistant with Jacobs, sings the National Anthem at the start of the Black History Month celebration at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Feb. 18, 2020. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Keynote speaker was James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director. Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

Kelvin Manning, Kennedy Space Center’s associate director, technical, addresses the audience during a Black History Month celebration at the center on Feb. 18, 2020. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Keynote speaker was James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director. Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, at right, greets James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and former Kennedy deputy director, during the center’s Black History Month celebration on Feb. 18, 2020. Jennings was the event’s keynote speaker. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

Burt Summerfield, associate director, management, attends the Black History Month celebration at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Feb. 18, 2020. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Keynote speaker was James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director. Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and former Kennedy Space Center deputy director, was the keynote speaker at the center’s Black History Month celebration on Feb. 18, 2020. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

Kelvin Manning, associate director, technical, attends the Black History Month celebration at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Feb. 18, 2020. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Keynote speaker was James Jennings, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director. Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

In recognition of Black History Month, the Black Employee Strategy Team hosted a panel discussion featuring some of the future leaders of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 13, 2019. Participants from left, are Tamiko Fletcher, Kennedy’s chief security information officer in IT Security; Anthony Harris, chief, Facility Systems Branch in Safety and Mission Assurance; Charmel Anderson-Jones, senior cross program quality engineer in the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate, Exploration Ground Systems Division; and Malcolm Boston, contracting officer representative in the Launch Services Program. They shared personal testimony about their journey toward NASA employment, leadership styles and keys to their success.

In recognition of Black History Month, the Black Employee Strategy Team hosted a panel discussion featuring some of the future leaders of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 13, 2019. Participants from left, are Tamiko Fletcher, Kennedy’s chief security information officer in IT Security; Anthony Harris, chief, Facility Systems Branch in Safety and Mission Assurance; Charmel Anderson-Jones, senior cross program quality engineer in the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate, Exploration Ground Systems Division; and Malcolm Boston, contracting officer representative in the Launch Services Program. They shared personal testimony about their journey toward NASA employment, leadership styles and keys to their success.

During a Black History Month celebration on Feb. 18, 2020 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Hortense Diggs, at the podium, director of Communication and Public Engagement, commemorates the contributions of former NASA employee and mentor Roslyn McKinney. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” Keynote speaker was James Jennings, seated, far right, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director. Jennings shared advice with workers and managers.

A Black History Month celebration was held on Feb. 18, 2020 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The program was organized by the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST), one of the center’s employee resource groups. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.” From left are Kelvin Manning, Kennedy’s associate director, technical; Daren Etienne, BEST marketing director; James Jennings, keynote speaker, former NASA associate administrator for Institutions and Management and Kennedy’s former deputy director; Martin Hayes, BEST chairperson; Jakebia Keith, program and contract analyst for the IT Resources Management Office and BEST secretary; and Phillip Hargrove, BEST co-chairperson.

Merritt Island, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana enjoys the automobiles on display in the a noncompetitive car show at 2013 Black Employee Strategy Team BEST BBQ at KARS Park I on Merritt Island. Events also included a spades tournament. BEST hosts the barbecue as a fundraiser for the Evelyn Johnson Scholarship, which is handed out every year to students who exemplify significant achievement both academically and in their community. The scholarship is in honor of Evelyn Johnson, a founding member of BEST and former deputy director of Kennedy’s Diversity and Equal Opportunity Office. Photo credit: NASA/ Charisse Nahser

Merritt Island, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center worker Bettye Lee serves Center Director Bob Cabana some delicious food at the 2013 The Black Employee Strategy Team BEST BBQ at KARS I Park on Merritt Island. Events included a noncompetitive car show and a spades tournament. BEST hosts the barbecue as a fundraiser for the Evelyn Johnson Scholarship, which is handed out every year to students who exemplify significant achievement both academically and in their community. The scholarship is in honor of Evelyn Johnson, a founding member of BEST and former deputy director of Kennedy’s Diversity and Equal Opportunity office. Photo credit: NASA/ Charisse Nahser

Merritt Island, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center worker Yves Lamothe and Center Director Bob Cabana welcome guests to the 2013 Black Employee Strategy Team BEST BBQ at KARS Park I on Merritt Island. Events included a noncompetitive car show and a spades tournament. BEST hosts the barbecue as a fundraiser for the Evelyn Johnson Scholarship, which is handed out every year to students who exemplify significant achievement both academically and in their community. The scholarship is in honor of Evelyn Johnson, a founding member of BEST and former deputy director of Kennedy’s Diversity and Equal Opportunity Office. Photo credit: NASA/ Charisse Nahser

Merritt Island, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center worker Yves Lamothe and Center Director Bob Cabana welcome guests to the 2013 Black Employee Strategy Team BEST BBQ at KARS Park I on Merritt Island. Events included a noncompetitive car show and a spades tournament. BEST hosts the barbecue as a fundraiser for the Evelyn Johnson Scholarship, which is handed out every year to students who exemplify significant achievement both academically and in their community. The scholarship is in honor of Evelyn Johnson, a founding member of BEST and former deputy director of Kennedy’s Diversity and Equal Opportunity Office. Photo credit: NASA/ Charisse Nahser

Merritt Island, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center worker James Davis, Maxine Daniels, and Bettye Lee serve delicious food to attendees at the 2013 Black Employee Strategy Team BEST BBQ at KARS I Park on Merritt Island. Events included a noncompetitive car show and a spades tournament. BEST hosts the barbecue as a fundraiser for the Evelyn Johnson Scholarship, which is handed out every year to students who exemplify significant achievement both academically and in their community. The scholarship is in honor of Evelyn Johnson, a founding member of BEST and former deputy director of Kennedy’s Diversity and Equal Opportunity Office. Photo credit: NASA/ Charisse Nahser

Martin Hayes, co-chair of the Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST) at Kennedy Space Center, speaks during the “KSC and Proud to Be” centerwide diversity event held at the Florida spaceport’s Operations Support Building II (OSB II) on Aug. 20, 2019. The event featured a presentation by Robin Hauser, a director and producer of award-winning documentaries. Hauser, who has spoken at the White House and at conferences worldwide, addressed bias in artificial intelligence. A new employee video focusing on the importance of employee resource groups at the center made its debut showing at the event.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the dais (right), Kwatsi Alibaruho speaks to guests at NASA Kennedy Space Center's annual BEST (Black Employee Strategy Team) African-American History Month luncheon. Among attendees was Center Director Jim Kennedy. The guest speaker for the luncheon, Alibaruho is a flight director from Johnson Space Center Mission Control. The theme for this year's luncheon was "Creating New Paths From Journeys Past." The luncheon was held in the Kurt H. Debus Center at Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center's annual BEST (Black Employee Strategy Team) African-American History Month luncheon, Erin Parrish (left) displays a plaque she received from Elaine Johnson (right) that names Parrish the recipient of the Evelyn Johnson Scholarship. Elaine Johnson is the daughter of Evelyn Johnson, one of the organization's founding members. The Evelyn Johnson Scholarship is given each year by BEST in honor and memory of Evelyn Johnson. Stay-In-School and coop students at Kennedy as well as dependents of KSC civil service employees are eligible. The theme for this year's luncheon was "Creating New Paths From Journeys Past." The luncheon was held in the Kurt H. Debus Center at Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton