Juneteenth 101: National Juneteenth Observance Foundation Releases Educational Guide

The Education Committee of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF) has researched the history of Juneteenth and created an educational guide entitled Juneteenth 101. The guide highlights the ‘The March to Juneteenth’ covering the history from June 19, 1862, to June 19, 1866.

The NJOF Education Committee includes:

• Dr. Phyllis Tucker-Wicks – Child\Youth Studies curriculum development
• Dr. C. Sade Turnipseed – Mississippi Valley State University
• Calvin Pearson – Founder, Project 1619
• Ron Brown – Pennsylvania Juneteenth
• Deborah “Dee” Evans – NJOF Vice-Chair
• Carl Adams – Author “Trials of Nance”
• Sade Roberts-Joseph – Baton Rouge African American Museum
• Helen Sims – Culture & Heritage Museums Mississippi
• Elijah Haith – Juneteenth Connecticut
• Deborah Kelly – Pennsylvania Juneteenth
• Rosetta Funches – Oklahoma Black Museum and Performing Arts Center
• Steve Williams – NJOF President

Dr. Charles A. Taylor, author of  “Juneteenth, A Celebration of Freedom” served as an advisor for the creation of Juneteenth 101. Dorscine S. Spigner-Littles, Ph.D. a Professor Emeritus at the University of Oklahoma was a contributor.

Download the Juneteenth 101 printable guide: JUNETEENTH 101 Printout

National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, Inc

The National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, Inc (NJOF) is a national foundation, including hundreds of local organizations., that have been instrumental in the passage of Juneteenth Independence Day legislation. In the fight for 27 continuous years, NJOF advances the right to Freedom through its initiatives including education, health, music, art, and technology creating opportunities for a better life for all. By focusing on these key building blocks the NJOF movement creates long-lasting community change. NJOF is recognized by the 400 Year Commission on African American History and the Library of Congress. Phyllis Coley, Spectacular Magazine CEO/Publisher, serves as the North Carolina Juneteenth State Director. 

Modern Juneteenth Movement

In 1994, the era of the “Modern Juneteenth Movement” began when a group of Juneteenth leaders from across the country gathered in New Orleans, LA, at Christian Unity Baptist Church to work for greater national recognition of Juneteenth. The historic meeting was convened by Rev. John Mosley, Director of the New Orleans Juneteenth Freedom Celebration. Several national Juneteenth organizations were ignited from this historic gathering including the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF). Shortly prior to this gathering, Juneteenth America, Inc., (JAI) was founded by John Thompson, who organized the first National Juneteenth Convention & Expo, and the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF) founded by Ben Haith, the creator of the National Juneteenth Flag. In 1997, through the leadership of Lula Briggs Galloway, President of the NAJL, and Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D., Chairman of the NAJL, the U.S. Congress officially passed historic legislation recognizing Juneteenth as “Juneteenth Independence Day” in America.

As of 2019, 46 states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation to officially recognize Juneteenth. The NJOF directly contributed to 43 states’ legislation. The annual Congressional Juneteenth Reception and National Juneteenth Prayer Breakfast are now a Washington D.C. tradition.

On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth National Independence Day a federal holiday. NJOF is reaching out to religious groups of all denominations to post General Order #3 on their doors on Juneteenth/ Father’s Day, June 19, 2022. 

Download printable General Order #3: General Order 3

For more information, visit NJOF.org.