May 28, 2019
Pulling up to their new desert home in the dark,
Kajiel Sullivan and her husband were greeted by a coyote. Now
living on base, Kajiel misses the privacy and quiet of the desert
and sadly feels less a part of the 29 Palms community which she'd
grown to enjoy.
In the meantime, she also a busy full-time mom
to her and Reginald's daughters, Rosie (4), Millie (2) and baby
Rain who enjoy time in the park near their new home on base. Kajiel
hopes to take a ride with them through Joshua Tree National
Park sometime soon. 29 Palms is the Sullivan family's first
military move. Previously, Reginald was a member of the Reserves in
Nashville, now he is a member of the Navy. In this
episode, Kajiel talks about making the adjustments
from civilian to military life.
Kajiel was born
and raised in Milwaukee and besides being a huge Green Bay Packer
fan, has fond memories of the Juneteeth celebrations held there.
Upon learning how many folks here were not familiar with
Juneteenth, Kajiel felt strongly that this was not only an
opportunity to create and celebration she was missing, but also an
opportunity to educate more people about the Emancipation
Proclamation reaching Galveston, Texas and why it is not only an
important part of African-American history, but of American history
as well.
Working with a
small committee, doing much of the fundraising and permit paperwork
legwork herself for the first time, Kajiel is looking forward to
having everyone at the first 29 Palms Juneteeth Celebration in
Luckie Park on Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will
be food, music, games and some local high school students will be
participating for prizes in a Juneteenth Essay contest.
If you're
interested in donating to or attending the 2019 Juneteeth
celebration, click on the links below to the Facebook pages for
fundraising and the event. Say hello to Kajiel when you're
there. Though she knows they will leave the desert next year,
Kajiel feels she has found a home and community she loves here and
senses she will return to the desert someday.
Photo: Lady
Guidry Photography
https://www.facebook.com/donate/430893884336975/