Real Hero Report |
Georgia National Guard
Celebrates Black History Month
The Georgia National Guard celebrated “History Makers”
during the 2019 Black History Month Observance
ceremony at Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, GA,
on January 20, 2019.
“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
USA relay team won gold. “It’s about having the ability to
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.
The Guinea Fine African Dance Collaboration performed at the Black
History Month Observance at Clay National Guard Center in Marietta,
Georgia on January 20, 2019. The dance group is a collaboration of
Atlanta West African dance artists that are dedicated to preserving the
dance, history, folklore and culture of Africa.
International Junior Miss
Georgia Princess 2019,
Addyson Riley, performed
“Lift Every Voice and Sing”
during the Black History
Month Observance. The
song was written by James
Weldon Johnson and was
originally performed in
honor of Abraham Lincoln’s
birthday.
Olympic gold medalist and track star, Eddie Hart, spoke of the trials and
his dream of being the fastest man on earth during the Black History
Month Observance. Hart was set to compete in the 100m, but was