Black Arts and Culture

Juneteenth In Chesapeake

The Chesapeake Juneteenth Foundation hosted its annual luncheon honoring the legacy of the U.S. Colored Troops, awarding scholarships, and celebrating Black history with inspiring speakers and performers.

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CHESAPEAKE

“Made In America” was the theme for this year’s Juneteenth Luncheon on June 14 hosted by the Chesapeake Juneteenth Foundation at the Greenbriar Country Club. The Foundation welcomed Captain Edward W. Gantt, (Ret-U.S. Navy) as its keynote speaker and Donna Sample Smith, CEO, Eastern Shore Agency on Aging/Community Action Agency, as Mistress of Ceremonies. Entertainment was provided by Gospel Performing Artist Regenna Burden.

Captain Gantt, who served 29 years as a flight officer before retiring from the Navy, is also a Juneteenth historian and performs as a Reenactor of the U.S. Colored Troops. Dressed in USCT uniform, Captain Gantt spoke on how the Black Union troops aided in the freeing of the enslaved population that led to the establishment of Juneteenth.

Scholarships were awarded to five graduating seniors: Arie Carynn Yvette Askew; Kameron Bray; Neveah Howard; Ahmir M. Brown-Grant; and Cameron Brown.

The foundation was founded and is headed by Ernest Lowery.