Celebrating Juneteenth at Columbus Air Force Base

  • Published
  • By Elizabeth Easterling
  • 14th Flying Training Wing

On June 15, 2024, Senior Master Sgt. Giavonia Fields, 43rd Flying Training Squadron, senior enlisted leader, helped host the second annual Juneteenth Celebration on Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. Fields’ favorite ways to celebrate Juneteenth include being with friends and family, enjoying music, barbecues, prayer services and educating those around her about the holiday.  

Juneteenth became an official federal holiday on June 17, 2021, although, it has been celebrated by African Americans since the 1860s to commemorate the official ending of slavery in the United States. Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, however, most slaves throughout the remote parts of the country were not free until Union Major General Gordon Granger, District of Texas commander, mandated the final implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation by dispatching General Orders, No 3, on June 19, 1865.  

The purpose of the African American Heritage Council is to provide morale and welfare for building relationship within the installation and community and simultaneously educate and bring cultural awareness to the contributions of African Americans in our society. While planning the event on base, members of the council contemplated on what Juneteenth symbolizes in African American culture. 

  

Bernadette Logan, Credence Management Solutions, flight training operations Support Program Manager and member of the African American Historic Council said, “Reflecting on the significance of Juneteenth, I find great importance in recognizing the historical and ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. Juneteenth symbolizes the resilience and perseverance of the African American community in the face of adversity, serving as a reminder of the collective journey towards justice and liberation. For me, Juneteenth stands as a beacon of hope, unity, and remembrance, honoring the past while advocating for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.”  

The event was themed around Remembrance: affirming truth, history and light. It included food, games, featured recording artist, Dondria for musical entertainment and dance performances from teams from fraternities, Lowndes County Dance Company, and the Columbus Middle School cheerleaders.  

“Celebrating Juneteenth with my Air Force family emphasized the importance of togetherness. I am most proud of the diversity and inclusion that was represented in the audience,” said Fields. “While assembling this program, I received support from everyone regardless of race, gender, age, rank, etc. We all came to learn and grow as one big family and I couldn’t thank the men and women of the 14th Flying Training Wing enough for their dedication to making this a successful event.”