Photo By Airman 1st Class Albert Morel | Members of the Spangdahlem African American Heritage Council and volunteers pose for a...... read more read more
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SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – The Spangdahlem Air Base African American Heritage Council hosted a Juneteenth block party at the base’s Community Commons center to commemorate the abolition of slavery in the United States on June 18, 2024.
2024’s celebration highlighted Spangdahlem’s diverse community and fostered an environment where Saber Nation could reflect, honor and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans to the U.S.
“The main purpose of the Juneteenth block party was to educate attendees on the importance of Juneteenth and to raise awareness of many things that are sometimes overlooked in our community,” said Senior Airman Jabari Loving, 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron incoming cargo technician and AAHC president. “I find that events like this bring people together and improve the cultural competency of the Saber community.”
Loving served as host and keynote speaker during the block party and started the event with a moment of silence in honor of Senior Airman Roger Fortson, who was killed at the age of 23 in a shooting in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on May 3, 2024.
After the moment of silence, Loving gave the attendees a synopsis of Juneteenth and recited a poem about his connection to the day.
“As president of the AAHC and a member of the African American community, any holiday celebrating the accomplishments and achievements of my community I hold near and dear to my heart,” said Loving. “If you don't celebrate the little wins you’ll never be able to acknowledge how far up the road you've traveled.”
Juneteenth, or June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and enforced the liberation of slaves in the last area of the former Confederacy where the practice was still commonplace. Every year since the liberation, the anniversary of the day has been recognized in some form or fashion and eventually grew into a nationwide commemoration. In 2021, the day was officially declared a federal holiday by President Joseph R. Biden.
“Juneteenth celebrations are important because they honor the end of slavery and recognize the history behind the significance of this day,'” said Airman 1st Class Tahjay Sherman, 52nd Force Support Squadron fitness center employee and AAHC member. “Today we brought the base together to celebrate this day and let people know what Juneteenth is all about.”
During the block party, Airmen danced to the music of a live DJ, ate soul food and participated in a series of games and contests.
Although Juneteenth is the youngest American federal holiday, its significance does not go unnoticed. As the Spangdahlem AB community strives for a more unified and inclusive future, celebrations like Juneteenth continue to serve as an opportunity to honor the past and acknowledge the challenges of today.
| Date Taken: | 06.20.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 06.21.2024 10:09 |
| Story ID: | 474479 |
| Location: | SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Spangdahlem AB celebrates Juneteenth 2024, by A1C Albert Morel, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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