The National Juneteenth Observance Foundation brings their 6th Annual NJOF Directors and Planners meeting to New Orleans, Oct. 19 – Oct. 22.
Founded by Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr. M.D. (1956-2018), NJOF achieved passage of the National Juneteenth Independence Day legislation in 2021 under the leadership of President Steve Williams.
Williams recently said, “As we celebrate the founding of the NJOF and the first success of our mission in advocating for the federal holiday, this year also marks the 5th anniversary of the passing of the Rev. Ronald V Myers Sr MD. While this is a solemn occasion, it does open up an opportunity for us to get “Doc” Myers recognized through the United States Post Office Heritage Stamp program.”
The “Modern Juneteenth Movement” began in 1994, when Juneteenth leaders from around the country gathered in New Orleans at Christian Unity Baptist Church to work for greater national recognition of Juneteenth.
The historic meeting was convened by Rev. John Mosley, Sr., director of the New Orleans Juneteenth Freedom Celebration. Rev. Mosley and Dereck Alexander will be the hosts for the Juneteenth “GalaBration” ‘homecoming’ to celebrate the 25th Silver Anniversary birth of NJOF in the “Big Easy,” where it all started.
The weekend begins with a Thursday tour to the Baton Rouge African American Museum. The nonprofit museum, formerly known as “The Odell S. Williams Now And Then African-American History Museum,” was founded by the late Sadie Roberts-Joseph on the property of New St. Luke Baptist Church and showcases one-of-a-kind Black artifacts.
Returning to New Orleans, the events, to be held at the Le Meridien Hotel on Friday and Saturday, will include the 6th Annual Meet & Greet, a day of educational breakout seminars and the GalaBration, Saturday night. The weekend concludes with services on Sunday at Christian Unity Baptist Church.
GalaBration tickets are available on EventBrite at: national-juneteenth-25th-anniversary-galabration-tickets