@ Black Community Festival ( Central District Area)
Seattle, WA, July 1994
**** Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post documents the influence of African American communities' drill teams on Stomp and Shake cheerleading movements.
This post is presented without any comments or editorial notes.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks for all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube. -snip- Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2023/04/five-videos-of-early-1990s-african.html for the related pancocojams post "Five Videos Of Early 1990s African American Children & Youth Parade Drill Teams (Seattle, Washington)".
Also, click the tags below for more pancocojams posts on African American drill teams, African American parades, and Stomp and Shake cheerleading. **** ADDITIONAL SHOWCASE VIDEOS
SHOWCASE VIDEO #1 - Xplosive Pee Wees @ Black Diamond Competition 2010.mp4
DrillTeamMagazine, Nov 15, 2010
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 - Black Diamond (Seniors) @ G Town Competition 2011
DrillTeamMagazine, May 4, 2011
The G-Town Royalettez & Knightz Drill Team & Drum
Squad
16th Annual Drill Team & Drum Competition
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #3 -IRS Drill Team
IRS Drill Team, Jul 10, 2011
Our Performance At The First Beginning CIA Annual
Competition In Cincinnati, Oh. We Scored First Place And Best Captain In
Precision Division.
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #4 - JAZZ STEPPERS DRILL TEAM
Richard Isbell Aug 13, 2012
Jazz Steppers of North Chicago, IL, 1st place winners of the
2012 "SHOW UP &
SHOW OUT" PT.5 drill team/drumline competition, held in
Mich City, IN July 21,2012
This pancocojams post showcases a February 2024YouTube video of Jackson State University's Sonic Boom marching band and the Prancing J-Settes, its auxiliary dance line marching down the street before the HBCU Legacy Bowl Game in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Judging from a number of comments in this video's discussion thread, for me and for a number of other people an accidental focus of this video is a little Black girl dressed in pink who is watching the parade and imitating the movements of the Prancing J-Settes.
This post documents some comments from that discussion thread about the Sonic Boom and the J-Settes as well as some comments about the little girl on the sidelines doing some of the J-Settes' movements.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those featured in this video, and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
**** SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO'S DISCUSSION THREAD
All of these comments were published in 2024. Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.
1.@priscillafrye2951 "Get ready - here they come!"
** 2. @nicoleoates7887 "Love my people ❤️❤️"
** 3. @KINGOFTHESWAC "WE PLEDGE to serve as ambassadors of good will at
Jackson State University! Presenting ourselves as a Showcas of Musical
Excellence, Elegance, Spirit Decorsp,
And Dignity......LOVE THA BOOM!"💥 If You Know You Know....King Of Tha SWAC Crab
🦀
of 95 W.T. Quad Squad!!!💯"💪🏾"
** 4. @Mom2the3Piece "I’m a FAMU girl but I’m here to cheer yall on EVERY STEP of
the way!!!! 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️ GET IN
THERE!!!!! YALL GO HEAD NI!!!!Shiw future marching band kids what it is!!!!!!🎉"
** 5. @KeeBee0810 "Little baby girl in the pink will definitely be looking at
the J-Settes forever now !! She is ready to Sette it off 😭🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾👢💙💙💙
I noticed Alayah hyping her up also so cute. This is why nothing these dance
lines do can be seen as negative or sexual to me. They are truly inspiring
generations to come ! Even some boys I seen them tryna march like the J5 drum
majors 😂🫶🏾"
** Reply 6. @rodneywilson7826 "1000* agree with you @KeeBee0810….thats what it’s all about.
Inspiring the youth to be productive through dance and music! HBCU 4 Life!! Go
Boom
💙🤍💙🤍💙💙"
** Reply 7. @vistulacooper6802 "She soooo sweet!! What an example and hope for this young
,girl!!"
** Reply 8.@VeronicaElizabethSpigner "Yes, LOVE PINK! We want our Black youths to be inspired to
attend an HBCU instead of wanting to attend the Ivy League schools."
** Reply 9. @ariesmade90 "I guarantee you she'll have the moves down by next year"
** Reply 10. @doctormark8418 "My son was one of those boys! 4 years old and trying to do
the j5 moves! He's inspired ❤"
** Reply 14. @josephquinn2328 "Yes that's too cute"
** Reply 15. @MaryKastner-z7b "@KeeBee0810 remarkable Apex of Talent & Energy!! Just
Thrilling!!!!!!!
** Reply 16. @AnnaScott-m4x "@KeeBee0810 bless her heart 🩷
I hope she lives her dreams 🥰"
** 17. @katta47 "It's that beautiful baby in pink for me.
I hope she becomes a Jsette in her future. She is too precious. Keep inspiring
young dancers Ladies."
** 18. @lindachambers6239 "Proud '86 Alumni!
Love that Sonic Boom of the South! Keep on Keeping on!!💙💙"
** 19. @Lovely_1One "I got goosebumps watching this! Can’t wait until my
daughters are ready for college! Will be encouraging them to attend HBCUs all
day! ❤❤"
** Reply 20. @Lovely_1One "My daughter is in majorette now and she’s 13. I can totally
see her at an hbcu in a few more years doing this! ❤️"
** 21. @jomaushackles6214 "HBCU at its best!"
** Reply 22. @gaywalters "You better say that💖💖Nothing like a
HBCU 💖💖💖🌕🙏🙏🎶🎶🎶🎶🎤🎤"
** 23. @kenyb-y7l "baby girl in pink already has the steps so "get ready
cause here she come"
** Reply 24. @LUVyou66 "😂 that part"
** 25. @GinaLeCroix "Lil lady in the pink 💓👚is EVERYTHING 💙💙💙🤍🤍.
Let’s go boom ‼️"
** Reply 26. @josephquinn2328 "I have a feeling she has found her calling."
** 27. @Emily_Paris "JSU!!! You got the
best and the sound. Drum majors are out
of this world entertaining. You guys
rock!!"
** 28. @santeriabanks2930 "The young lady in the pink got the settes in her view. Not
even a moment and there is a future jsette in the crowd."
** 29. @tyedunn4944 "Let’s Go Settes. Baby girl in pink made my heart melt"
** 30. @4DaKulture23 "Let's go Future JSette in the pink!!!"
** Reply 31.@gaywalters "Yesss Honeyyyyy the lil girl is definitely a J Seette, Yes she is Reafy💖💖👑👑JSU start her Scholarshipssss Now 💖God Bless her🙏👑👑Family keep this video for Proof 🙏🙏💖We Live you Baby Girl 🙏🙏🙏💖💖💖"
** 32. @tianawashington8869 "Drum Majors are smooth as butter🎉"
** Reply 33. @slpender5774 "They put the step in “steppin”❤❤❤"
** 34. @carlosh7083 "The lil girl marching beside the setts
is cute and funny lol"
** 35. @seanfranlkin8748 "I'm enjoy the little girl in the pink I'm sure she's going
to join the dance team❤"
** 36. @True201 "The girls on the sideline are so cute. That’s what’s it all
about 💙"
** 37. @ramon317 "Luv Da BOOM Baby!👏🏽👏🏽💥"
** 38. @feliciastewart8544 "Get it Drum majors!💙💙💙💙"
** 39. @WillBrooks-h9d "Love those Drum Majors Routine! The Men were Great! 🙂"
** 40. @sungazing3218 "Can’t nobody touch the J5 ! 💥💥💥💥💥"
** 41. @kenyb-y7l "baby girl in pink will soon be wearing the jsu blue"
** 42. @debbieawilson1257 "I thought the lead drum major was Hispanic. Was these mature
eyes playing tricks on me.or did he transfer or graduate."
** Reply 43. @ladeiiluck "He graduated"
** 44. @Ivy_Star3 "That's my HBCU! THEE I LOVE💙🐅"
** 45. @LesiaGross "Jackson State marching band is great wow love this"
**
46. @NikitaMcCray "Triple international heavy champion since 1978"
** 47. @MaryHartman-ei9pv "2:01...the lil girl in pink!!! SOMEDAY...it's going to be her!!! Jsettes!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏🎉🎉🎉🎉😂❤❤❤❤"
The 53rd Annual African American Parade 2022 - New York City
EntrigueMagazine Sep 19, 2022
#bronx #Brooklyn #ericadams
The 53rd Annual African American Day Parade (Power Through Unity)
**** Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases a small selection of YouTube videos of The African American Day Parade In Harlem, New York City. The nine videos that are showcased in this post are from selected years beginning with 2012 to 2023.
Information about the history and purposes of this parade is given in some of these videos and their accompanying summaries.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the founders and organizers of the African American Day Parade in Harlem, New York. Thanks to all those who are showcased in these videos and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. -snip- Notice the red, black, and green African American heritage flag that is shown in some of these videos.
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #2- Marching Band - Harlem New York - African American Day
Parade
When Steel Talks, Sep 19, 2012
The first African American Day Parade was held in September
1969 in Harlem. The first Grand Marshal was Congressman Adam Clayton Powell,
Jr. The parade route started at 111th Street and Seventh Avenue and terminated
at 142nd Street. Harlem was selected as the site for the parade due to its
large representation of African people and it is the Black capital of America.
The purpose of the parade is to provide an opportunity for
African people to join together on a Special Day to highlight our history and
salute African people throughout America and the world for their outstanding
achievements. The parade promotes unity, dignity and pride. The parade extends
a special arena for organizations, dignitaries, celebrities, community leaders
and bands to showcase positive accomplishments for the motivation of African
people to achieve higher goals.
Some of the past Grand Marshals included Denzel Washington,
Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Mayor David Dinkins, Congresswoman
Shirley Chisholm, Johnnie Cochran, Spike Lee, Queen Mother Moore, Ossie Davis,
Ruby Dee, Paul Winfield, Melba Moore and many others. Many musical celebrities
have also participated in the parade.
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #3 - African American Parade~Harlem~2013~Baltimore
Westsiders~NYCParadelife
nycparadelife, Sep 16, 2013
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #4 - African
American Parade~2014~Harlem~Christian Warriors~NYCParadelife
nycparadelife, Sep 23, 2014
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #5- African American Day Parade 2016 - Harlem, NYC
411xd, Sep 21, 2016
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #6 - African American Parade~Harlem~2017~Temple Guard Drill
Team~NYCParadelife
Nycparadelife, Sep 18, 2017
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #7 -Highlights of Our 50th Anniversary Parade
African American Day Parade, Inc., Sep 27, 2019
Here's a recap our 50th Annual African American Day Parade!
Parade Date: September 15, 2019
Videographer: Moolou Vision
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #8 - BVCTV-African American Day Parade, September 17th. 2000
BVCTV NETWORK, May 2, 2021
BVCTV-African American Day Parade 2000 September 17th. 2000
in NYC
7th. Avenue, between 136th, street and 137th.
street.
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #9 - 2023 African American Day Parade In Harlem, New York City
Harlem's 54th Annual African American Day Parade was an
unforgettable event full of joy, unity, and a profound appreciation for our
rich heritage.
It’s incredibly impressive to see group after group marching
with their signs, identifying all the different organizations that Black New
Yorkers have formed to support each other across every facet of city life.
Journalists, nurses, civil servants, politicians, artists, performers, and
everyone else were out representing Black excellence and civic pride.
The parade took place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. under the theme
"Celebrating African American Culture," and stretched along Adam
Clayton Powell Blvd. from 111th to 137th Streets.
The 2023 grand marshals were Hazel Dukes, President of the
NAACP New York State Conference; radio host Bevy Smith; Ashley Keiko of Keiko
Studios Music Academy; Joy Bivins, the guiding force behind the Schomburg
Center for Research in Black Culture; and Joaquin Dean, founder, and CEO of
Ruff Ryders Entertainment.
The African American Day Parade has become a beloved
tradition every year on the third Sunday of September. Make sure you don’t miss
it in 2024!
zayre85, Nov 5, 2006 -snip- "PSS" = Philly Sophisticated Steppers
**** Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases eight YouTube videos of African American drill teams with drumlines from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These videos
from 2006 to 2015 and are just a small sample of videos of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania drill teams with drumlines that I found on YouTube.
This pancocojams post also includes comments from some of these videos' discussion threads.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are featured in this post and thanks to all people past and present who were/are associated with parade style drill teams in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip- This post is part of an ongoing pancocojams series about African American drill teams.
Also, click the tab below or Google pancocojams: African American church drill teams to find other pancocojams posts on this subject. -snip- Some of these groups and some commenters refer to themselves as "steppers". One YouTube video that isn't included in this post refers to the drill team's movements as "step dance". I believe that's a good referent for most of the drill routines that are shown in these showcase videos.
I'd love to know if these showcased drill teams/drumlines are still active in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and/or if Philadelphia has other active drill teams and drumlines in the city as a whole or in different neighborhoods of that city.
Please share any information that you know about this subject in the comment section below.
**** SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR SHOWCASE VIDEO #1 WARNING- These comments are part of bragging and/or insulting exchanges between members of or supporters of different Philadelphia drill teams. Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.
1. Robert Cole, 2006 "Why are yall playin
our beat knowin yall are not good
L>O>G>A>N" -snip- Two video clips of Logan's drumline are given as Video #2 & Video #3 in this pancocojams post.
** 2. Don Travers 3, 2008 "IF YALL GONNA START WIT DAT BEAT ATLEAST
DO SOMTHIN DECENT 2 IT..
..224 ALL DAY(we may be gone but the stepz r still fire)"
** 3. Art J, 2009 "ctfu,@loganquint, cause actullay this type off stuff, came
from logan, so basically they doin yall style, yall should be happy ppl wanna
be like yall, nd @mya03091, if conestoga aint better than yall, why did they
win 1st plce at the last competition??" -snip- The comments attributed to loganquint and to mya03091 are either no longer found in video's that discussion thread or the commenters changed their names.
** 4. Travis Scott, 2013 "it took me 6 yrs to comment on this. and for six yrs yall
hating asses been hating! so ima sum it up like this. we came, we saw, we conquered!
we was young as hell doing our thing. nothing positive to say outta ya philly
teams mouths. n that's what made pss (PHILLY SOPHISSSSSSSTTICATED STEPPERS!)
different. YOU SAY THEY AINT SH-T* , COME TO AMA, YALL PLAYING OUR BEATS. NOW
LET ME SAY WE DID COME TO AMA N BEAT COMPETITIONS, 1ST,2ND,OR 3RD. CONSTANTLY
WALKED AWAY WITH TROPHIES N AS FOR OUR DRUMMERS -snip- *This word is fully spelled out in this comment.
**** ADDITIONAL SHOWCASE VIDEOS (with comments from some of the discussion threads for these videos) These videos are given in chronological order based on their publishing date. Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.
SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 - logan drummers 3
Scubieglp, Mar 23, 2007
07' 3rd qualifier at sharon hill
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #3 - Youth of East Logan 2008 Championship
Lilbambam1, Apr 27, 2008
Drillin -snip- Here are two comments from this video's discussion thread, with numbers added for referencing purposes only:
1. Don Travers 3, 2008 "Logan Yall Deff Did Shut It Down Real Wrap...I Miss 224."
** 2. Akeela Bolling, 2012 "I miss mrs harriet and mr. jack. but now they are dancing more in the drill
team I like there new change of syle" -snip- Example #5 in this pancocojams post showcases a video of the Post #224 drill team.
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #4 - ICONIK 2011
mothertracey1, May 10, 2011
Iconik @ 224 day May 7 2011
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #5 - Post 224 Drill Team is Back!!!
SDH Fitness, Jul 16, 2012 #224
The Open Squad Of Post #224 ! -snip- Here's a comment from this video's discussion thread that includes the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania slang word "jawn" that is an an all encompassing substitute for any person, place, or
thing:
andrew wallace, 2012 "We chopped that jawn watch out cause there is more to come
!!!!!!" -snip- Here's an excerpt of a page with no date that contains information about the history and the staff of post #224 drill team: https://post224.angelfire.com/staff.html ..."FOUNDER-MARK "SHARK" WILLIAMS Mark a.k.a "Mark Shark"is the founder of Post 224.
Without a great thinking mind like his, none of this would be possible. Mr.Mark
with his military background and love for kids, founded Post 224 Drill team.
His mother would run thinngs while he was away in Iraq on military leave. He
was one of the people the team has needed in the worst of times. Mark Shark is
very dedicated to the team and would do anything to keep the name of Post 224
alive.
DIRECTOR-JACKIE WILLIAMS
Ms.Jackie Williams has carried post 224 on her back for more
then seventeen years. She has done things like fed the team, sheltered, and
defended them when it got rough. She was even a guardian to two members of the
team.
DRUM INSTRUCTOR-DARRYL "D-MONEY" ALEXANDER
Darryl "D-money" Alexander is the one who
organizes the drum line. Darryl was a drummer himself so he knew almost every
aspect of the sport. Darrly was the first person in drill history to start a
young drumline. Everybody looked at him like he was crazy, but when it all came
down to it, he had one of the top drumlines in the A.M.A league, Darryl has
tooken the A.M.A league to another level. He took a bunch of dedicated kids and
made them champions.
DRILL INSTRUCTOR-JENNIE "POOH" SLEDGE ALEXANDER
Jennie "Pooh" Sledge is the one who get the
steppers organized. She is the wife of Darryl Alexander so they both kind of
keep it in the family. Jennie has been with the drill team since the
beginnning. She has been around drill teams her who life, so she knows every
aspect also."...
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #6 -Conestoga Angels Drill Team from West Philly
Bria James, May 26, 2013
Conestoga Angels from West Philly came to 224 post day and
did their thing. They were the talk of the day. 11 minutes worth watching, they
killed it all the way thru
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #7 -The North Philly Footstompers Invade The Skorpion Show BBQ
theskorpionshow, Aug 20, 2013 -snip- Here are some comments from this video's discussion thread, with numbers added for referencing purposes only:
1. Clacci38, 2013 "I LOVE our city drill teams...jus to hear the drums around
my way reminds me that these kids are about something, and dedicated to being
better. Saves them from running the streets, go in Philly!"
** 2. Luv2Game, 2013 "Do they just come out of nowhere and perform on the streets
like this? Looks fun!! :)"
** 3. Kareem Nesbitt, 2013 "Love it! reminds me of my old block parties in Queens, NY
back in the early 90's"
** 4. Mary, 2013 "The drum line in on point!"
** 5. Kelly Nicole,2013 "This takes me back to my childhood I miss stepping"
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #8-- Philadelphia PA LABOR DAY PARADE 2015 DRILL TAEM CHALLENGE
James L. Dennis Jr., Sep 16, 2015
This year I was little late for the Parade, but on time for
the Drill Team Challenge. I'm sure you will enjoy the Video as much as I
enjoyed taping it -snip- Here are all of the comments from this video's discussion thread, with numbers added for referencing purposes only:
1. Lori Smith, 2016 "Man this bring me back lol ima royal eire ave bangers lol
ask about us blue an red lol"
** Reply 2. Sincerely Lema, 2022 "Lol it does! I was on Conestoga Angels!"
** 3. officiallymoe, 2016 "i was i one of the drill teams there royal legacy"
** 4. Melinda McCree,2022 "Where is the real drill team? Youth o East Logan."
Edited by Azizi Powell This pancocojams post showcases some videos of Juneteenth celebrations in Texas, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Addendum to this post showcases a video about the "doodle" that Google shared on its page on June 19, 2020.
The content of this post is presented for historical and socio-cultural purposes. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks to all those who are featured in this video and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
**** SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Video #1: Families in East Austin Celebrate Juneteenth
kxan, June 18, 2016 [East Austin is a city in the state of Texas.]
****
Video #2: Thousands turn up for Juneteenth celebration in
Milwaukee
TMJ4 News, June 19, 2016 [Milwaukee is a city in the midwest
state of Wisconsin.]
Juneteeth, or June 19, marks a historic day for the
African-American community.It's when
the last group of slaves in Galveston, Texas were emancipated in 1965*.
-snip-
Notice the typo for the year that is commemorated by Juneteenth. "1965" should be "1865".
****
Video #3: 'Juneteenth' Parade To March Through Old City
CBS Philly, June 21, 2018
****
Video #4: 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebrations Were Continued Saturday
In Philadelphia
CBS Philly, June 23, 2018
****
Video #5: Juneteenth Celebration 2019 Terrell, Tx
JMusicProductions, Jun 24, 2019 -snip- Ironically, the screen shot for this video shows a package of Aunt Jemima pancakes. Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/06/examples-of-19th-century-song-aunt.html for a pancocojams post about "aunt Jemima" that includes the decision the company that produces Aunt Jemima products made to change the name of those products.
**** Addendum: Behind the Doodle: 155th Anniversary of Juneteenth
GoogleDoodles, June 18, 2020 Today’s video Google Doodle, illustrated by Los Angeles-based guest artist Loveis Wise and narrated by actor and activist LeVar Burton, honors the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth. Short for “June Nineteenth,” Juneteenth marks the true end of chattel slavery across the United States— which didn’t actually occur until 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Specifically, it marks the day when enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas (one of the westernmost points in the Confederate South) finally received news of their liberation.
Learn more: http://www.google.com/doodles/155th-a...
CREDIT: "Lift Every Voice and Sing" poem written by James Weldon Johnson (1900)
This post provides information about the African American celebration of Juneteenth and provides examples of Juneteenth celebrations.
I'm particularly interested in the way that various Juneteenth celebrations throughout the United States include elements of traditional West African culture such as African dancing, drumming and (in one video African singing) and wearing traditional West African outfits made of kente cloth or other fabrics. I've noted examples of these that are found in some of the videos below, and included an editorial comment as an Addendum to this post.
The content of this post is provided for historical, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who contributed to African American freedom. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to all those who are featured in the videos. In addition, thanks to the publishers of these YouTube sound files and videos.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT JUNETEENTH
From http://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm
"Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
Later attempts to explain this two and a half year delay in the receipt of this important news have yielded several versions that have been handed down through the years. Often told is the story of a messenger who was murdered on his way to Texas with the news of freedom. Another, is that the news was deliberately withheld by the enslavers to maintain the labor force on the plantations. And still another, is that federal troops actually waited for the slave owners to reap the benefits of one last cotton harvest before going to Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. All of which, or neither of these version could be true. Certainly, for some, President Lincoln's authority over the rebellious states was in question. For whatever the reasons, conditions in Texas remained status quo well beyond what was statutory.
General Order Number 3
One of General Granger’s first orders of business was to read to the people of Texas, General Order Number 3 which began most significantly with:
"The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer."
The reactions to this profound news ranged from pure shock to immediate jubilation. While many lingered to learn of this new employer to employee relationship, many left before these offers were completely off the lips of their former 'masters' - attesting to the varying conditions on the plantations and the realization of freedom. Even with nowhere to go, many felt that leaving the plantation would be their first grasp of freedom. North was a logical destination and for many it represented true freedom, while the desire to reach family members in neighboring states drove the some into Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Settling into these new areas as free men and women brought on new realities and the challenges of establishing a heretofore non-existent status for black people in America. Recounting the memories of that great day in June of 1865 and its festivities would serve as motivation as well as a release from the growing pressures encountered in their new territory. The celebration of June 19th was coined "Juneteenth" and grew with more participation from descendants. The Juneteenth celebration was a time for reassuring each other, for praying and for gathering remaining family members. Juneteenth continued to be highly revered in Texas decades later, with many former slaves and descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston on this date."...
-snip-
Juneteenth has developed into a day to celebrate African American history and African American heritage, including African heritage - through parades, through formal cultural programs, and through community gatherings that include music, dance, and food.
However, it's important to note that Juneteenth isn't known or traditionally celebrated by a number of African Americans outside of the state of Texas. I believe that's particularly true for African Americans in the Eastern region of the United States who often weren't aware of Juneteenth until relatively recently, or may still not be aware of the historical significance of that day. For example, I was born and raised in New Jersey and have lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania since the late 1960s. It wasn't until the late 1990s or early 2000s that I learned about Juneteenth when a now defunct Black "urban" radio station in Pittsburgh sponsored the first Juneteenth celebration event in that city. As I recall, in keeping with its sponsor, that event mostly showcased local R&B/Hip-Hop music groups. While some Pittsburgh community organizations may still sporadically hold cultural programs honoring Juneteenth on a Saturday or Sunday near that date, I don't believe that those celebrations are that big or that well known. That said, notice that the Eastern city of Buffalo, New York celebrated its 38th annual Juneteenth parade in 2013 as documented in a video found below.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS ABOUT THE MEANING OF JUNETEENTH
Example #1: "The Roots of Juneteenth" - Galveston, TX
visitgalvestonisland, June 1, 2012
Every year visitors to Galveston, Texas "come home where it all began" to celebrate one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country! Did you know Juneteenth-a holiday now celebrated by more than 40 states-began in Galveston, Texas? Galveston holds the distinction of being the place in the United States where the last slaves were freed. Find out more in this short video and don't forget to visit http://www.galveston.com/juneteenth/
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Here's an excerpt from that website:
"Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society. - compliments of Juneteenth.com"
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Example #2: Juneteenth - A Celebration of Freedom (Trailer) [Texas]
FASTCUTFILMS-TEXAS,uploaded on June 4, 2009
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FEATURED VIDEOS OF JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS
These examples are presented in chronological order based on their posting date on YouTube, with the oldest examples given first. The state from which the video comes is given in brackets.
Example #1: Juneteenth Parade 2013, 38th Annual Parade, Buffalo NY [New York]
Wil Images, Published June 19, 2013 [parade held on June 15, 2013
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Notice that among the very wide range of educational, recreational, cultural, health & community services, and religious organizations/institutions that participated in this event, the parade also included steppers from a number of historically Black college & university fraternities & sororities. The inclusion of BGLO (Black Greek Lettered Organizations) documents the increased presence of undergraduate college & university Black Greek organization outside of their campuses as part of mainstream Black American culture. One result of that increased presence is the number of non-college/university Black step teams that have been created in Black American and other American communities since the 1980s. Click the Black fraternity and sorority steppin tag below to find pancocojams post on stepping.
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Example #2: Juneteenth Parade 2013 [Texas]
KUT Austin, Published on June 16, 1013
Big crowds turn out for the annual Juneteenth parade
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A highly anticipated and central facet of this parade is when paraders throw candy or hand candy to those watching the parade, especially children. The act of throwing desired objects to parade onlookers is also a feature of Louisiana Mardi Gras parades. I also recall that firemen threw candy to children during their annual parade when I was a child in Atlantic City, New Jersey in the 1950s.
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Example #3: Boston's Juneteenth Celebration 2013 - Program Highlights [Massachusetts]
Uphams Corner News, June 29, 2013
Boston’s Juneteenth celebration at the Museum of African American Artists (6/19/2013) Keynote Speaker Professor Charles Ogletree, Harvard University, drumming and singing groups including Paige Academy and The Butterfly Project.
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Notice the kente cloth that serves as a backdrop to the speakers’ podium, as well as the kente cloth outfit that is worn by the young girl at 2:5, and various patterns & colors of kente cloth stoles that are shown throughout this video, including the one which is worn by the vocalist who leads the attendees in singing "Lift Every Voice And Sing", which is known as the African American National Anthem [around 10:02]. Also, notice the inclusion of other examples of traditional West African clothing as well as West African dancing & drumming in this celebration.
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Example #4: Neighborhood Block Association's 2013 Richmond California Juneteenth Parade & Celebration [California]
Djijaga, July 2, 2013
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Notice the young people wearing kente cloth stoles as a commemoration of their African heritage [2:16-2:29]
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Example #5: JuneTeenth Celebration with Dance [Ohio]
Socially Good TV, Published June 14, 2014
Watch highlights and learn about the Djapo Cultural Arts Institute (Djapo.com) and the Juneteenth Conference and Concert Weekend Celebration from Talise Cambell, Cleveland Ohio.
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I'm not a dancer, but I've attended a considerably large number of African dance performances in the United States. This highlight trailer & the narration makes me wish that I could see a live performance of this dance group or groups. I wonder if some of the performers or the instructors are African or if the African American instructors/dancers traveled to an African country/countries to learn these dances. Kudus to these dancers for their adherence to traditional West African dance techniques/costumes and the high quality of their performances! And also kudus to the drummers and other musicians!
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ADDENDUM & RELATED LINKS
I believe that the inclusion of African drumming, African dancing, wearing traditional West African or West African inspired outfits and other elements of African culture into Juneteenth celebrations reflects the achievement of a Black cultural nationalist goal from that African American movement that flowered in the late 1960s/early 1970s. That goal was that our African heritage would be accepted by more African Americans as a legitimate and admired part of our past culture and our present day culture.
This pancocojams post showcases five YouTube videos of African American drill teams are presented for their historical, folkloric, and aesthetic value.
This post is not meant to be a comprehensive presentation of every type of African American drill team. Also, these videos are not placed in any ranking order.
Thanks to the video uploaders, and all those groups that are showcased in this post.
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Video #1: I.R.S. at ELKS Competition in Middletown
This video is presented at the top of this post.
I.R.S = Invincible Regulating Striders
"I.R.S. took home 1st place in the Senior and Pee-wee division at a Drill-O-Rama in Middletown at a competition hosted by the ELKS.. Congradulations... Keep up the good work"
F.O.P.'s award winning Elite Performance in 2011 National Baptist Congress in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. To God Be ALL The Glory.
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[FOP = "Fountain of Praise"]
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Video #3: Xplosive Pee Wees @ Black Diamond Competition 2010.mp4 [California]
Uploaded by DrillTeamMagazine on Nov 14, 2010
**** Video #4: North Chicago: Block Party - Jazz Steppers [Illinois]
Uploaded by djmyth1 on Jul 18, 2009
The North Chicago Jazz Steppers Team & Band show you how it's done! :D
**** Video #5: Black Diamond Seniors Drill Team Competition @ LVHS |
08/27/2022
Brian Ceballos, Aug 29, 2022 CHUCK
MINKER SPORTS COMPLEX
Black Diamond Drill Team & Drum Squad competition hosted
by the Las Vegas High Steppers in Viva Las Vegas. Seniors took home 1st place. -snip- This video replaces one that is no longer available.
The South Shore Drill Team - Bud Billiken Parade 2010
Uploaded by 773area773 on Mar 2, 2011
South Shore Drill Team doing it at the Bud in 2010!
**** Edited by Azizi Powell
Latest revision-April 8, 2023
This pancocojams postblog post showcases The South Shore Drill Team, a Chicago, Illinois performing arts group that I've not yet had the pleasure of seeing in person. But I love the videos of this group & I love what I've read about that group's history & purpose.
The South Shore Drill Team reminds me of groups who marched in the "Black" parades that were held in my hometown of Atlantic City, New Jersey. I especially remember the male teenage drill teams that paraded when the [Black] Elks conventions in Atlantic City. I lived about two blocks down the street from Atlantic City's Soldier's Home. As a child I knew that building best as the meeting place for a drum & bugle corp. Watching that corps practice in the Soldiers' Home yard, and experiencing them parading down my street even before their "real parades" nurtured in me a life long love of drum & bugle corps & drill teams. And the South Shore Drill Team certainly appears to me-and to many others- to be one of the best of the best drill teams.
Here's an excerpt from The South Shore Drill Team's website http://www.southshoredrillteam.org/about.html
"In 2010, South Shore Drill Team celebrates 30 years of serving youth. Founded in 1980 with a handful of neighborhood children, the team has grown to serve 350 young people ages 8-21 annually...
Well-known for its amazing precision drilling, the team is a favorite of parade-goers everywhere. In addition to its unique marching style, South Shore Drill Team has a wide repertoire of dance, including classical and contemporarymusic, hip hop, jazz, and modern dance. Team members have traveled extensively throughout the United States and toured Morocco in North Africa in 2005. The group was featured in the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off...
The organization’s purpose extends far beyond entertainment. It was begun by former Chicago Public School teacher Arthur Robertson, and its focus remains on education. All members are required to be students in good standing, and their grades are monitored. The team offers tutoring for those who struggle in school. Despite the fact that the majority of members come from schools where thedrop-out rate is as high as 55%, the team sees 99.5% of its members graduate with their class and most go on to college or technical school, breaking a cycle of poverty.
In addition to Education Support, the team offers programs in Employment Training and Leadership Development. Training and Leadership Development. Members learn about self-discipline, teamwork, and responsibility. An estimated 5,000 young people have beenpart of the group. Team alumni include teachers, police officers, entrepreneurs and business managers, people in the entertainment field, and medical professionals. For more than 30 years, South Shore Drill Team has been helping young people build a future for themselves."
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Here are a few videos of Chicago, Illinois' South Shore Drill Team:
Video # 1: The South Shore Drill Team - Bud Billiken Parade 2010
The Bud Billiken parade is an annual parade in Chicago Illinois oldest and largest African American parade. Since 1929 it has been held the second Saturday in August... The idea for the parade came from Robert S. Abbot, the founder of the [African American] newspaper The Chicago Defender. The focus of the parade is the betterment of Chicago youth.
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South Shore Drill Team 2011 - WGI Indianapolis Regional FINALS-February 20, 2011
Uploaded by 773area773 on Mar 1, 2011
Editor: From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_Guard_International "Spawning from Drum Corps International DCI, Winter Guard International WGI was founded in 1977, as a visual performing arts organization that hosts regional and national competitions for color guards (known as winter guards) and indoor percussion ensembles.
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South Shore Drill Team
Uploaded by Bigballalaw on May 22, 2011
West Virginia Strawberry Festival 2011
