Page 9 - Unity Group News Today

It has been more than 80 years since Larry Ponder's Father and Uncle were wrongfully dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Navy.

Larry Ponder, the son of John Ponder, his sister and a few family members recently visited the Pentagon where they were presented newly issued honorable discharges and an apology.

In 1940, Larry Ponders father and uncle were kicked out of the Navy after signing onto a letter to a Black newspaper detailing racist treatment theyd received while serving on a warship.

Family members attended a June 16 ceremony at the Pentagon, where Navy officials apologized for expelling 15 black sailors who exposed racism aboard the USS Philadelphia in 1940. The Navy issued honorable discharges for the sailors, all of whom have died.

Chattanoogans came together to honor Juneteenth on Monday. The Unity Group held their Juneteenth Parade along Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.

Hundreds of Chattanoogans celebrated Juneteenth on Monday, parading down M.L. King Boulevard before settling at Miller Park for a gala celebrating hip-hop history.

Whats happening in the Chattanooga area this week:

Black Tennessee lawmakers fielded questions about third grade retention, juvenile justice and marijuana from Hamilton County residents at a town hall meeting Thursday.

Juneteenth, celebrated June 19, marks the day in 1865 when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas, 2 1/2 years after President Abraham Lincolns order freeing slaves in the Confederate States.

The Unity Group of Chattanooga is gearing up to celebrate a momentous milestone in the history of hip-hop, as it hosts its Juneteenth 2023 Gala. This year's event will mark the 50th Anniversary of the influential music genre and promises to be a grand affair. The festivities will take place on Monday, June 19th, in the vibrant setting of Miller Park.