COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – Juneteenth is right around the corner, as the special holiday marks the end of slavery in the United States. Piedmont Columbus Regional-Midtown took the day Friday to recognize this, and saw it fit to celebrate how far inclusion and diversity of culture has brought us. The theme being recognized nationally this year as, “Their Wildest Dreams”, showing honor and respect to African American ancestors and turning their “wildest dreams” into a reality.
“This is our Emancipation Day,” said Tracy Sprowls, Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council at Piedmont. “Of course the Fourth of July is our freedom day as well, but for an African American, Juneteenth is special. As of June 19th, 1865, that’s when the last slaves knew they were free.”
The special event hosted by Piedmont’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council featured various guest speakers, an entertaining musical performance for attendees to enjoy, local food trucks from all across the Valley, and educational conversations centered around Juneteenth and its history. Attendees came out to the Columbus Regional Midtown Conference Center to not only get an early start to the celebration, but to share experiences, insight, and build relationships.
“This is all about celebrating black culture, black people, the impact that we’ve made – you know, giving us our flowers giving us our credit,” said a member of the Mighty Marching Tigers Band in Columbus.
Piedmont Columbus Regional focuses on cultivating a culture where everyone works together towards the promise of making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Juneteenth will be nationally celebrated this week on Wednesday, June 19th.
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