NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Post

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This week, our B.E.S.T. (Black Excellence Strategic Team) employee resource group and Office of Inclusion hosted the Lab’s third annual #Juneteenth celebration. The event opened with remarks from leadership, a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and a poetry reading. A visiting group performed capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian form of martial arts that combines dance, acrobatics, and music, and invited JPLers to join in. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in the U.S. learned they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier. The holiday celebrates Black Americans' contributions to the nation and is an opportunity to reflect on how we can build a world that empowers everyone to reach for the stars. #LifeAtJPL #NASAJPL #DareMightyThings

  • Two people play capoeira. The person on the right ducks as the person on the left kicks their right leg into the air while balancing with their left leg and hand on the ground. A group can be seen playing music behind them.
  • Flight Systems Engineer Joey Jefferson sings “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
  • Chief Inclusion Officer Neela Rajendra delivers opening remarks at a podium.
  • A visiting group from Capoeira Brasil Northeast LA stands in a half circle on the mall. Several people play traditional instruments while others clap along to the music.
  • Another pair plays capoeira. Some JPLers join the half circle.
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Teresa H Simpson

Electronics Technician specializing in Avionics at Collins Aerospace, an RTX company

3mo

I love Capoeira. I suggested it for our Fitness activities when I managed the Broadband Development Lab at Motorola in San Diego. Lo and Behold, they took my suggestion.

Michelle Drabik

Designing value-generating "Aha!" moments for inventors, decision makers, and knowledge workers

3mo

Such an educational and joyful event. Heartfelt thanks to BEST for making it happen and for demonstrating how inclusion lifts everyone in a spirit of true community.

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