The Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) and the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NBCFAE) – Oklahoma Chapter - partnered in hosting a celebration for Juneteenth and Black Music Month. Sherri Beasley, Equal Employment Specialist (ANM-009), shared some African American Music Heritage and Juneteenth history throughout the program.
Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, observed annually on June 19th. In 1963, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared more than three million slaves living in the Confederate states to be free. However, it was two years later when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, that the news reached African Americans living in Texas. The following year (1966), the first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas. Within a few years, African Americans in other states were celebrating the day as well, making it an annual tradition.
Ms. Opal Lee is a 94-year-old activist from Fort Worth, Texas who is always prepared to help people. She is a retired teacher, counselor and activist in the movement to make Juneteenth a federally-recognized holiday. She recalls June 19, 1939 when her own family’s home was vandalized and burned. That event triggered her desire to spread the word that "Juneteenth is not just a festival."
During this year’s virtual MMAC Black Music Month event, Sherri Beasley discussed the impact that Sam Cooke had on the world through his music. Sam Cooke was known as the King of Soul. He was more than a singer and a song-writer - he was a smart businessman as well. One of Cooke’s last hit songs was "A Change is Gonna Come," which soon became an anthem for social movements in the United States.
JAIA, a musical group that consists of two talented young ladies (Lisa Davis and Lynda Knox), was also highlighted during the celebration. The name JAIA is an acronym for JUST AS I AM. These gifted recording artists are known for their exquisite harmony with sensuous soul-stirring talent and style. JAIA has the style that encompasses several genres, including gospel, soul, hip-hop, R&B, and Pop/Rock. The development of their unique style is the result of a lifetime of musical influence. Both of them grew up with exciting careers, and were always surrounded by different forms of music.
Lynda and Lisa’s musical journey began in Oklahoma City, OK under the watchful eye of a legendary manager, and promoter. They were quickly noted for the unique style they brought to traditional gospel music, and their popularity began to grow. JAIA has been in the music industry for several years. Their songs provide a combination of mellow vocals with a rhythmic undercurrent that bears testament to elements of the different styles of gospel. The pair traveled and performed with other groups across the United States. Life experiences have affected and influenced their song-writing over recent years. Their soul searching, soul saving, and touching lyrics reach a wide audience.
JAIA has recently taken it upon themselves to embrace an entirely different (though spiritually satisfying) fete of dedicating their time to the Whitten-Newman Foundation, and the Oklahoma Brain Tumor Association. Anticipation for this project has been building for quite some time and is now at a fever-pitch. For those who have not heard them, you will be truly blessed with the spectacular range and unique sound of these extremely talented young ladies.
George E. Davis, Supervisory Aeronautical Information Specialist (AJV-A450) and Maurice Williams, Air Traffic Control Specialist (AJI-242) arranged a mix of snippets of music from the 1960’s through the 2000’s to listen to throughout this celebration. Music was becoming bigger and more appreciated in the 1970’s and continued to do so throughout the years. This was a great program, and the Aeronautical Center is already looking forward to next year’s informative and enriching musical experience.
