Photo By Staff Sgt. Tori Miller | The Guinea Fine African Dance Collaboration performed at the Black History Month...... read more read more
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The Georgia National Guard celebrated “History Makers” during the 2019 Black History Month Observance ceremony at Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Ga., on Jan. 20.
“I believe our country has made great strides because we recognize these groups,” said Brig. Gen. Reginald Neal, Director of Joint Staff, Georgia National Guard Joint Force Headquarters. “The military as a whole recognized the importance of everyone being involved in this process.”
The observance featured many interactive opportunities for presenters and attendees.
International Junior Miss Georgia Princess 2019, Addyson Riley, sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Attendees sang along with Riley to the favorite song famously known as ‘The Negro National Anthem’. Written by James Weldon Johnson, it celebrates Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.
Olympic gold medal winner and track star, Eddie Hart spoke of his trials and dream to become the “Fastest Man in the World” in the 100-meter sprint. Hart was set to compete in both the 100 and the 4x100-meter relay at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.
Hart was a favorite to win the 100-meter dash at the event. Then in just one of the many bizarre and deadly events during the Munich Games, he was disqualified after arriving seconds late for a quarterfinal heat.
A few days after the devastating disqualification, Hart’s 4x100 USA relay team won gold.
“It’s about having the ability to respond, not react to life’s defining moments,” said Hart.
Hart also spoke of the Port Chicago disaster during World War II. Hart’s father, T.J. Hart, survived the explosion that killed over 330 people. Hart closed with expressing his gratitude toward service members and their commitment to serve.
The celebration also featured performers from the Guinea Fine African Dance Collaboration. This group is a collaboration of Atlanta West African dance artists dedicated to preserving the dance, history, folklore and culture of Africa. The performance allowed for attendees to interact during the performance and celebrate cultural inclusion.
Black History Month became federally recognized in 1976 by President Gerald Ford. Since its initial recognition, every president has written a declaration honoring excellence in African-American history during the month of Feb.
Many visitors, soldiers and airmen were in attendance for the Black History Month Observance. The Georgia Guard is proud to celebrate diversity and inclusion not just during February, but year-round.
“It doesn’t matter your race, creed or sexual orientation, you are welcome in our formation,” said Brig. Gen. Randall Simmons, Georgia National Guard Assistant Adjutant General - Army.
| Date Taken: | 02.20.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 02.22.2019 14:06 |
| Story ID: | 311612 |
| Location: | ATLANTA, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 81 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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