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Letters to the EditorDate Posted: 2000-05-19 Mieko Arakaki was married to a service member on March 17 1971 in a Naha courthouse. She, her husband and their son Andy were separated when her husband Glen was sent back to the United States. Mieko decided to stay in Okinawa and Andy and Glen moved tot the United States. After numerous failed attempts to re-establish contact with his mother, Andy, who is now 20 years old and married with a child, would like to enlist the help of anyone on Okinawa who can help him find his mother, Mieko Arakaki. It has been a difficult search since she has a common name, however, if you know the Mieko Arakaki who was married to Glen Miller, can you please help reunite her with her son? This is an urgent and delicate matter for the family and a speedy union would be infinitely beneficial to all parties. She or anyone who can help can make contact with Andy by calling (919) 731 4667 or sending information to Andy Hill, 143 Stoney Hill Road, Goldsboro, North Carolina 27534. If you cannot make direct contact with him, please contact his friends here in Okinawa, Bill or Debbie at 633 0020. JuneTeenth 2000…a Cultural Celebration By Kaleth O. Wright The African American Cultural Association (AACA) is hosting their annual JuneTeenth celebration on 17 June 00 from 1200-1800 at Kinney Park, Kadena Air Base. JuneTeenth is a celebration that highlights the rich history of African American tradition and culture. The oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery, JuneTeenth derives it’s origin from Galveston, Texas in 1865, since then the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. It was on June 19th, 1865 that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that all slaves 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. 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 world, 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 The AACA celebration will be highlighted by various cultural and artistic displays from the Masonic, Greek, and cultural organizations. An all- you- can- eat- free Soul Food Tasting and Greek Step-Show are two of the main attractions as well as lots of Fun and Games for children of all ages. Please contact Kaleth Wright, President of the AACA at 633-0539 or via emailwright2@kda.attmil.ne.jp for more information. This is a family affair and everyone is invited…please join us in celebrating this special event! In your last issue it was stated by your editor, Mr. Stephen Carr, in his article about the Okinawa British Fair, that a clothes designer at the Fair, Ms Vivienne Westwood’s husband Malcolm McLaren “started the worldwide punk music and fashion movement”. Are you sure of your facts here, sir? I am no aficionado (sic) of the so called “punk music movement.” But could one individual in England really have been responsible for all the millions of spiky colored hairdos we’ve seen in recent years and the “music” that went with it? Zane Dillon (Country and Western fan) Editors Note:Yes he could and was. Malcolm McLaren managed a band called the Sex Pistols in London in the mid seventies. He also had an avant-garde clothes shop called Seditionaries, which kicked off the whole punk movement |
   
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