Story 1: Canada Prepares 100 Year Commemoration of the Battle of

Vimy Ridge
The First World War resulted in great enthusiasm and patriotism on the part of
many Canadians, with tens of thousands rushing to join the military in the first
months. They war lasted for more than four years, claiming the lives of as many
as ten million combatants. As part of an Allied offensive, a major attack had
been planned for April in Arras, France. The Canadians were tasked with
capturing Vimy Ridge, in this attack.

Vimy Ridge is a long, high hill that dominates the surrounding landscape,
located in northern France. Germany captured Vimy Ridge early in the war and
transformed it into a strong defensive position and many attempts to capture
the ridge were unsuccessful.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge began at 5:30 a.m. on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917 and
the most of the heavily defended ridge was captured by noon. The main height
on the ridge, was taken on the morning of April 10 and two days later, the
Canadians took “the Pimple;” the other significant height on the ridge. Germans
were forced to withdraw and the Battle of Vimy Ridge was over. The Battle of
Vimy Ridge resulted in great lost as well as great gains. Of the 100,000
Canadians who fought, there were 10,600 casualties. Today the Canadian
National Vimy Memorial sits atop Hill 145. The monument is inscribed with the
names of 11,285 Canadian soldiers who were listed as “missing, presumed
dead” in France during the First World War. The monument stands as a tribute to
all who served their country in the conflict to help ensure peace and freedom.

On April 9, 2017, Canada will hold commemorative events at the Canadian

National Vimy Memorial in France and the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
The Government of Canada will lead a delegation to France to participate in
the commemorative ceremony and other events including the opening of a
new Visitor Education Centre. While in Ottawa, an official delegation will
participate in commemorative programming between April 6 and 9, 2017.
Delegations include Veterans, stakeholders, special guests, caregivers and
youth.

Story 2: Do you need to self-diagnose your political viewpoint?

It is 2017 and like many of the social media jokes suggests, America is heavily
divided. However, the division is not simple and clear cut. Many people in
society don’t find themselves fitting into the simple category of Republican or
Democrat. In fact, this division goes way beyond the parties that are
categorized for us during election time. The nation is no longer as black and
white as it seemed over the years and the division that is usually on applied to
younger generations is no longer only applied to our first time voters. Essentially,
the problem that seems to be facing many people in society is:

What do you do when you agree but do not fully agree?

During election time, do you find yourself leaning outside of your party?
Do you find yourself agree with some policies but completely opposing the
other?
Do you find yourself voting for the lesser evil more often?
Do you find yourself not even understanding what most of these policies have to
offer to you as an individual?

If you have answered yes to all or most of these questions, then you are not
alone. There are many others like you. The biggest problem with our nation
when it comes to political standpoints is that only two major parties are
communicated to. Either you are republican or democratic and anyone else will
just have to suck it up. The thing that people on the sidelines of politics need is
for someone to communicate to them. Someone who will not try to sway them
but someone who will acknowledge their reservations. As communications and
organization leaders, it is our job to step up and find a better way to
communicate to the politically diverse nation that we live in without trying to put
them all in the same box

Story 3: 21st Annual Pan African Festival of Georgia

Brown Public Relations partners with new client, Pan African Festival of Georgia.

The Pan African Festival of Georgia, was founded in 1996, by artist and
community leader, Chi Ezekwueche, and began in 1997 as a one-day festival
presented by the Tubman African American Museum. Now in its 21st year, the
annual Pan African Festival of Georgia is now a weekend-long celebration of
African American, African, and Caribbean cultures.

Many people of African descent gather to enjoy their cultures, celebrate unity
among themselves, and promote friendship and understanding by sharing the
celebration with their neighbors of all races. The festival offers live performances,
including jazz, gospel, hip-hop, theater, and African drumming; face painting,
games, safety demonstrations, storytelling, and dance for children; and a wide
variety of African American and Caribbean foods.

The festival celebrates influences of the African diaspora with a goal to promote
understanding between a diverse audience. The weekend community event
celebrates African influences from around the world, is open to all and is formed
around the principles of Love, Peace, Unity and Hope.
This year’s festival will be held on April 28 – 30, 2017, in downtown Macon.
Like the year’s before, the festival will jam-pack with activities such as, music,
dance, food, art, storytelling and food trucks, as well has the return of the
Children’s Village. In addition, the festival will try something new by offering
empowerment sessions for enriching experiences and launch the 1st Annual Pan
African Film Festival of Georgia. For more information on the events of the
festival, visit http://www.tubmanmuseum.com/events_items/pan-african-
festival-2/.