Black History
The 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Phoenix VA Clinic 2023
The 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Phoenix VA Clinic: A community celebration of African American culture, history & racial equality.
On June 16, 2023, the Phoenix VA Clinic was host to the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration, presented by the Black Employment Special Emphasis Program. Highlighting the significance of Juneteenth and celebrating the contributions of Black people in American history and culture, the event was well planned and successfully conveyed the message.
Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. It is celebrated on June 19, the day on which Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, and declared that all slaves in the state were to be set free, marking the end of slavery in the United States.
The Phoenix VA Clinic celebration included a range of activities and events, aimed at educating attendees about the importance of Juneteenth and celebrating the contributions of Black people to American history and culture.
The celebration included a beautiful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” sung by Barbara Williams. Keynote speakers shared their insights and perspectives on the significance of Juneteenth, and discussed the impact that Black people have had on American society.
The event featured an outstanding lineup of speakers who brought their unique perspectives on Juneteenth and its impact on American society. Among the distinguished guests were Phoenix VA Medical Center Director, Bryan Matthews, ASU professor, Dr. Kenja Hassan, and Shayla Cole, an accomplished ASU Alum. Diana Gregory, an honoree of the event, was recognized for her non-profit organization, “Diana Gregory Fresh Market, and her contributions to “Veggies for Vets, a program that provides veterans access to fresh and healthy produce.
Of course, no Juneteenth celebration would be complete without food, and the Phoenix VA Clinic event was no exception. Attendees were able to enjoy delicious food and drinks, including soul food, and Caribbean cuisine from food trucks that were set up in the parking lot outside the clinic.
Overall, the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Phoenix VA Clinic 2023 was an important and impactful event, celebrating the contributions of Black people to American society and reminding us all of the ongoing struggles for racial justice. We can only hope that next year’s event will be even bigger and better.
For more information on Juneteenth, check out this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth
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