Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D. is the leader of the campaign to make Juneteenth a National Holiday in America. Founder & President of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation and the National Juneteenth Christian Leadership Council, his efforts have resulted in the recognition of Juneteenth as a state holiday or state holiday observance in 37 states.

Founder of the National Day of Reconciliation and Healing From the Legacy of Slavery, observed on the “3rd Friday in June”, which includes the National Juneteenth Black Holocaust “Maafa” Memorial Service, Rev., Dr. Myers works with church leaders to bring healing to the nation from the scars of slavery.

An accomplished jazz musician, Dr. Myers serves as Artistic Director of the Mississippi Jazz and Heritage Festival and created the National Association of Juneteenth Jazz Presenters.

Modern Juneteenth Movement

The National Juneteenth Observance Foundation,  a 501 c3 organization under the leadership of Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr. M.D. is spearheading a national campaign to make Juneteenth Independence Day a national day of observance similar to Flag Day Currently recognized in 37 states, legislation is scheduled to be presented in Congress in the next session for national recognition.

In 1994, the era of the "Modern Juneteenth Movement" began when a group of Juneteenth leaders from across the country gathered in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Several national Juneteenth organizations were ignited from this gathering beginning with the National Association of Juneteenth Lineage (NAJL), followed by the National Juneteenth Celebration Association (NJCA), the National Juneteenth Christian Leadership Council (NJCLC), and the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF). In 1997, through the leadership of Lula Briggs Galloway, president of the NAJL, and Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., chairman of the NAJL, the U.S. Congress officially passed historic legislation recognizing Juneteenth as "Juneteenth Independence Day" in America.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is the oldest national day celebrating the end of enslavement because Americans of African descent have decided to recognize the "19th of June" as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day." However, the "19th of June" was not our first Emancipation Day. It was the April 16, 1862. Emancipation Day refers to the historic date that our ancestors learned of their freedom.

Americans of African descent, were freed or "emancipated" on April 16, 1862, through an executive order by President Abraham Lincoln ending enslavement in the District of Columbia. This was the country's first "Emancipation Day" and it is a District of Columbia holiday. It was not a national celebration.

Abraham Lincoln then signed the Emancipation Proclamation, another executive order, on September 22, 1862, to be enforced on January 1, 1863, to end enslavement in those southern states and areas mentioned in the document, if they remained in rebellion. This was the next "Emancipation Day" for our ancestors who lived in Maryland, Virginia and surrounding areas. Our ancestors stayed up till midnight in churches in DC and Maryland, the first "watch night services," to give God praise, prayer and thanks for their freedom. It was not a national celebration because most of our ancestors had not heard of the news of freedom due in large part to the Civil War.

In Mississippi, Emancipation Day is May 8th.

In Florida, their Emancipation Day is May 23rd.

In Winston-Salem, NC their Emancipation Day is May 21st, etc

We, as the "Modern Juneteenth Movement" in America and throughout the world  believe in the old adage, "None are Free, Until All are Free!"

What started out as a celebration of freedom in Galveston, Texas has now been established as America's 2nd Independence Day.

"DOC"

Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D.

Founder & Chairman

National Juneteenth Holiday Campaign

National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF)

National Juneteenth Christian Leadership Council (NJCLC)

National Association of Juneteenth Jazz Presenters (NAJJP)

http://njof.org/Juneteenth_Movement.html