KING BREAKFAST RETURNS WITH JOHN LONGVILLE AS SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER

ONTARIO, CA –The 11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast Tribute returns on Monday, January 16th, 2012, with Share the Dream Honoree & Special Guest Speaker John Longville and Share the Dream Honoree Gary George of Verizon, amongst special musical performances and features. The event will be held from 8:30AM-10:30AM at the Ontario Airport Doubletree Hotel, with doors opening at 8:00AM.

Performances will be presented by Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Ontario and Inland Conservatory of Performing Arts Community Choir. Special guest speaker and Share the Dream Honoree,  John Longville has had a special history with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday as member of the City Council of Rialto. In addition, as a California State Assemblymember, he led the establishment of the Juneteenth National Freedom Day Observance, that will have arrive on its 10^th Anniversary in July 2012. Currently Longville serves as a San Bernardino Community College District Trustee and on the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District Board of Directors. The annual breakfast event has been a tradition in the Inland Empire, for the community to acknowledge diversity and American heritage, between dignitaries, professionals, community leaders and families looking to celebrate the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement.

“Longville has served the local community well through his record of support and acknowledgement of the Dr. King,” says John H. Thompson, Sr. Founder/CEO of Juneteenth America, Inc. “His activism on this holiday, and the Juneteenth National Freedom Day, will be a part of his long-standing legacy, in addition to his numerous other stances on civil rights and diversity in California.”

Sponsors and advertisement opportunities are available for this event. Tickets are currently $25 for General Admission, $30 after January 8^th, 2011. For more information on the event, or to purchase tickets directly, visit www.juneteenthamerica.us, call (909) 621-9707 or e-mail jai@juneteenthamerica.us.

Juneteenth America Incorporated (JAI) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, that has

produced community events and programs since 1995 to educate the public about the significance of “Juneteenth” or “June 19th,1865” and promote the observance of the California Juneteenth National Freedom Day. For more information about Juneteenth America, Inc., please visit www.juneteenthamerica.us.

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JUNETEENTH JAZZ & ARTS FESTIVAL MOVES TO DOWNTOWN POMONA

Pomona, CA – The upcoming 22nd Annual Pomona Valley Family Juneteenth Jazz & Arts Festival in Pomona, moves from its home for over 15 years in Ganesha Park to the Thomas Plaza in Downtown Pomona’s Arts Colony. The annual festival will continue its tradition of live jazz entertainment, cultural marketplace and activities on Saturday, June 18th, 2011 from 10:00AM-6:00PM, with admission Free and Open to the Public. This event celebrates the California Juneteenth National Freedom Day Observance acknowledged every third Saturday in June.

The move also includes the relocation of the California Juneteenth National Freedom Day Observance Monument to the plaza, which will be acknowledged by ceremonies to kick off the event with a special guest speakers and performances. The live entertainment and jazz festival includes performances by Dr. James Benson & the Gow Dow, Kamasi Washington & The Next Step, The Breeze, Inland Conservatory of the Performing Arts Dance Ensemble with Executive Producer Marcus Coleman, and more to be announced. The Juneteenth Cultural Marketplace will have a Community Health Fair feature from 11AM-3PM including participants with free On-Site HIV Testing, Bone Marrow Registration, African-American Infant Mortality & SIDS Education and more.

“We’re looking forward to returning to the original location for the Juneteenth in the budding Downtown Pomona community,” says Founder/CEO of Juneteenth America, Inc. John H. Thompson, Sr. “It will be great seeing Juneteenth expand and evolve with the special event and nightlife opportunities that Downtown Pomona has to offer for those who have joined us at the park and for those who have yet to experience the Pomona Juneteenth.” The 22nd Annual Pomona Valley Family Juneteenth Jazz & Arts Festival is sponsored by the Downtown Pomona Owners Association, Verizon, Ontario Volvo, Ontario Volkswagen, and Southern California Edison.

Juneteenth or June 19th, 1865 is a celebration tradition that acknowledges the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. It is currently recognized as a holiday or observance in over 39 states in the country, leading its way into a National Holiday through efforts sponsored by the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation. Juneteenth America, Inc. is the sponsor for the California State Juneteenth National Freedom Day Observance.

Sponsorship, Vendor and advertisement opportunities are available for this event. For more information, please call (909) 621-9707, e-mail jai@juneteenthamerica.us or visit www.juneteenthamerica.us.

ESSAY COMPETITION ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO “SHARE THE DREAM”

ONTARIO, CA –The 10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast Tribute returns celebrating a decade of years honoring the American Civil Rights Leader on Monday, January 17th, 2011, with a special Share the Dream Student Essay Competition for Middle School and High School Students and Share the Dream nominee honors, amongst musical performances and special guest speakers. The event will be held from 8:30AM-10:30AM at the Ontario Airport Doubletree Hotel.

The annual breakfast has been a tradition in the Inland Empire, for the community to celebrate diversity and American heritage, between dignitaries, professionals, community leaders and families looking to acknowledge the holiday. The Share the Dream Student Essay Competition seeks to incorporate the student community in the celebration, giving an opportunity for students to voice their thoughts on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The competition produced by Juneteenth America, Inc. and a collaboration of educational professionals, requests essays from Middle School and High School students in the Inland Empire to write an essay answering their choice of one out of three questions. The winning student essay writers, in Middle School and High School categories, will present this essay at the breakfast event on Monday, January 17th, 2011 for their Share the Dream Student Award and sponsored prize.

Founder/CEO of Juneteenth America, Inc., John H. Thompson comments, “Our students today, are our leaders tomorrow, and it will be important to listen to their opinions on this holiday. Dr. King is a man we know has led an historical movement in our past, but it is the students who will forecast how he will continue to affect our future.”

Deadline for Essay Submissions is Friday, December 31st, 2010. For more information on the Event and Student Essay Competition, visit www.juneteenthamerica.us, call (909) 450-6310 or e-mail jai@juneteenthamerica.us.

COMMUNITY BREAKFAST CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF DR. KING TRIBUTE

ONTARIO, CA –The 10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast
Tribute returns celebrating a decade of years honoring the American Civil Rights Leader on Monday, January 17th, 2011, with a special Share the Dream Student Essay Competition and Share the Dream nominee honors, amongst musical performances and special guest speakers. The event will be held from 8:30AM-10:30AM at the Ontario Airport Doubletree Hotel, with doors opening at 8:00AM.

The annual breakfast has been a tradition in the Inland Empire, for the community to celebrate diversity and American heritage, between dignitaries, professionals, community leaders and families looking to celebrate the holiday. The participation of local churches such as, Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Ontario and Mt. Sinai C.O.G.I.C. of Pomona, and attending officials over the decade including Congressman Joe Baca, 43rd District, Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod, 32nd District, Assemblymember Norma J. Torres, 61st District, City of Pomona, City of Claremont, City of Fontana, Upland Police Department and Ontario Police Department, recreate the sense of community that was heavily active during Dr. King’s most highlighted events.

“For our tenth anniversary, we are taking a closer look to realize our connections and influences in the community with this monumental holiday,” says Vice President/COO of Juneteenth America, Inc., Leslie N. Fountain. “It’s important that we see the results of the struggle that led to honoring this man is still relevant, and acknowledge that the Civil Rights Movement is an evolving current event and not a moment in history.”

Sponsors and advertisement opportunities are available for this event. Tickets are currently $25 for General Admission, $30 after January 4th, 2011. For more
Information on the event, student essay competition or to purchase tickets directly, visit www.juneteenthamerica.us, call (909) 621-9707 or e-mail jai@juneteenthamerica.us.

POMONA JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION HOSTS ENCORE PERFORMANCE DOWNTOWN

POMONA, CA – The 21st Annual Pomona Valley Juneteenth Family Jazz & Arts Festival is returning to Ganesha Park, Pomona with a special encore concert performance in Downtown Pomona. The event will take place on Saturday, June 19th, 2010 from 10:00AM to 6:00PM, with food, music, vendors and special activities, and will conclude in Downtown Pomona’s Thomas Plaza stage from 6:00PM to 9:00PM with an additional jazz performance and activities. This year’s celebration falls on the 145th anniversary of the Juneteenth tradition, which acknowledges the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, symbolizing America’s second Independence Day.

The developing artist-line up for Ganesha Park includes performances from Kamasi Washington & The Next Step and Harold Land, Jr., with School of Arts & Enterprises Drumline Band. “An Evening of Jazz”, sponsored by Downtown Pomona Owner’s Association in Downtown Pomona will include a performance by Da’Breeze, a car show from the Black Porsche Club, and Southern California Edison will present their Mobile Energy Unit, to present families a hands-on experience on how to save energy and money with their utilities. “The artists performing in this years festivities have incredible careers as professional musicians, and presents a range of influence from their time working with Jazz and R&B legends like Bobby Hutcherson, Bill Henderson, Chaka Khan and Prince, to name a few,” states Vice President/COO of Juneteenth America, Inc., Leslie N. Fountain. “The Downtown addition brings us back to one of our original celebration grounds in Pomona, and expands the opportunity to join the celebration of the holiday.”

Sponsors of this special event include, Ontario Volvo, Ontario Volkswagen, Verizon, Southern California Edison, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, City of Pomona, Organo Gold, and E-Biz Marketing. For more information regarding the Pomona Valley Family Juneteenth Jazz & Arts Festival including sponsorship, advertisement and vendor opportunities, contact (909) 621-9707, e-mail jai@juneteenthamerica.us or visit the organization’s website at www.juneteenthamerica.us.

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Juneteenth America, Inc. (JAI) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with the objective to educate the public about the California Juneteenth National Freedom Day Observance, celebrated every third Saturday in June, and about the significance of “Juneteenth” June 19th, 1865 in American history. For more information about the organization, visit www.juneteenthamerica.us

Mississippi Now the 36th State to Recognize Juneteenth

Mississippi Now the 36th State to
Recognize Juneteenth

Mississippi’s Rev. Dr. Ronald Myers
Glad for State Acknowledgement of Juneteenth

Sen. Willie Simmons Champions
Juneteenth Legislation in Mississippi

Rep. Byron Clark Sen. Willie Simmons Rep. Rufus Straughter Dr. Ronald Myers

(Jackson, MS) – National Juneteenth Holiday Campaign Chairman and Belzoni, Mississippi resident, Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D., was glad to hear the news about the passage of S.C.R. 605 by the Mississippi Legislature to recognize the “19th of June” as Juneteenth Freedom Day. The Magnolia State is now the 36th state to celebrate the end of enslavement in America.

“Mississippi joins Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Delaware, Alaska, Idaho, Iowa, California, Wyoming, Illinois, Missouri, Connecticut, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Colorado, Arkansas, Oregon, Kentucky, Michigan, New Mexico, Virginia, Washington State, Tennessee, Massachusetts, North Carolina, West Virginia, South Carolina, Vermont, Nebraska, Kansas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana and the District of Columbia in recognizing the end of enslavement in America,” states Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D., Founder & Chairman of the National Juneteeenth Observance Foundation (NJOF).

Juneteenth commemorates the day when slaves in the last geographic area in America where slavery existed learned of their freedom. This took place on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, when Union General Gordon Granger read General Order #3, announcing that “all slaves are free” by Proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln. The Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862, and issued on January 1, 1863. It took over two and a half years for the news to travel to southwest Texas.

Throughout recent years, Juneteenth has been celebrated in cities and towns across Mississippi, including Jackson, Greenville, Greenwood, Hattiesburg, Belzoni, Cleveland, Meridian, Vicksburg, Tchula, Columbus, Gulfport, Natchez, Biloxi, Brandon, Louisville, McComb, Holly Springs, D’Iberville, Waynesboro, Tupelo and other communities.

“We especially appreciate Senator Willie Simmons for sponsoring the legislation that has made all of this possible,” states Dr. Myers. “We also want to thank Rep. Rufus Straughter and Rep. Byron Clark for their persistent efforts in supporting Juneteenth at the state capitol.”

Now that Juneteenth is recognized in Mississippi, Juneteenth supporters hope Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) will co-sponsor legislation in the U.S. Senate to make Juneteenth Independence Day a National Day of Observance through legislation that will be introduced by Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL) in April of 2010.

In a recent letter to Rev. Myers, concerning S.R. 19, introduced in the U.S. Senate in 2009, Sen Thad Cochran states, “I appreciate the information regarding the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation. Senator Burris’ resolution seeking recognition and support of a National Juneteenth Observance day unanimously passed in the Senate.” Rev. Myers is hopeful that congress will pass similiar legislation this year to place Juneteenth on all calendars.

“We are not asking for a paid federal holiday, which will be a burden on tax-payers, but a National Day of Observance like Flag Day or Patriot Day,” states Dr. Myers. “As more states like Mississippi pass Juneteenth legislation, with only fourteen states remaining, we hope that President Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress will finally establish a day for the observance and celebration of the end of slavery in America.”

Thousands of petitions have been forwarded to the White House urging President Obama to make Juneteenth a National Day of Observance and to establish a Presidential National Juneteenth Commission to provide advice on how the annual observance of Juneteenth Independence Day can bring all Americans together with the goal of promoting greater understanding and racial healing. A similar petition drive was successful in getting the USPS to
issue a Juneteenth “Flags of Freedom” postage stamp in 2012.

“The official recognition of Juneteenth Independence Day and the end of enslavement by state governments and the U.S. congress are very significant steps in bringing healing to America from the legacy of enslavement,” states Rev. Dr. Myers, also Founder & Chairman of the National Juneteenth Christian Leadership Council (NJCLC), the National Day Reconciliation & Healing From the Legacy of Enslavement and the annual WASHINGTON JUNETEENTH National Holiday Observance.

For information on the National Juneteenth Holiday Campaign, the National Day of Reconciliation & Healing From the Legacy of Enslavement, the WASHINGTON JUNETEENTH National Holiday Observance, and Juneteenth Celebrations in Mississippi, contact Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D. at 662-247-3364 or e-mail: JuneteenthDOC@yahoo.com or web sites: www.NationalJuneteenth.com, www.Juneteenth.us, www.19thofJune.com and www.njclc.com.

Ohio Makes 35 States to Recognize Juneteenth

(Columbus, OH) – The state statutes in Ohio designate the “19th of June” as Juneteenth National Freedom Day, “to acknowledge the freedom, history, and culture that June 19, 1865, the day on which the last slaves in the United States were set free in Texas, has come to symbolize.” This is great news for Juneteenth supporters throughout the country.

“Ohio joins Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Delaware, Alaska, Idaho, Iowa, California, Wyoming, Illinois, Missouri, Connecticut, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Colorado, Arkansas, Oregon, Kentucky, Michigan, New Mexico, Virginia, Washington State, Tennessee, Massachusetts, North Carolina, West Virginia, South Carolina, Vermont, Nebraska, Kansas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana and the District of Columbia in recognizing the end of enslavement in America,” states Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D., Founder & Chairman of the National Juneteeenth Holiday Campaign and the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF).

Juneteenth commemorates the day when slaves in the last geographic area in America where slavery existed learned of their freedom. This took place on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, when Union General Gordon Granger read General Order #3, announcing that “all slaves are free” by Proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln. The Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862, and issued on January 1, 1863. It took over two and a half years for the news to travel to southwest Texas.

Ohio Juneteenth supporters are urging recognition for Juneteenth in congress. 2010 may be the year that Juneteenth will be circled on calendars throughout the country.

“Now that Juneteenth is a state holiday observance in Ohio, I and other Juneteenth supporters in the state will request that Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH) co-sponsor legislation in the U.S. Senate to make Juneteenth a National Day of Observance, that will be introduced by lead sponsor Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL),” states Troy Page, Director of the Ohio Juneteenth Holiday Campaign.

“As more states like Ohio pass Juneteenth legislation, we hope that President Barack Obama will finally establish Juneteenth as a National Holiday Observance by issuing a Presidential Proclamation,” states Rev. Dr. Ronald V. Myers.

Thousands of petitions have been forwarded to the White House urging President Obama to make Juneteenth a National Day of Observance and to establish a Presidential National Juneteenth Commission.

“The official recognition of Juneteenth Independence Day and the end of enslavement by state governments and congress are very significant steps in bringing healing to America from the legacy of enslavement,” states Rev., Dr. Myers, also Chairman of the National Juneteenth Christian Leadership Council (NJCLC) and the Founder and Director of the National Day of Reconciliation & Healing From the Legacy of Enslavement during the annual WASHINGTON JUNETEENTH National Holiday Observance.

For information on the National Juneteenth Holiday Campaign, the National Day of Reconciliation & Healing From the Legacy of Enslavement or the WASHINGTON JUNETEENTH National Holiday Observance, contact Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D. at 662-247-3364 or e-mail: JuneteenthDOC@yahoo.com or web sites: www.njclc.com, www.Juneteenth.us, www.NationalJuneteenth.com, and www.19thofJune.com.

For information on the Ohio Juneteenth Holiday Campaign contact Troy Page at 614-577-1489 or e-mail: tepage@aol.com.

Dr. Myers to be Special Guest Speaker at King Breakfast

ONTARIO, CA –The 9th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast Tribute will carry the tradition of music and inspiration in honor of Dr. King on Monday, January 18th, 2010, with special guest speaker Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D., chairman of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF) and noted medical missionary, musician, and activist. Dr. Myers is featured as well as the Senior Pastors and Choirs of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Ontario and Mt. Sinai C.O.G.I.C. in Pomona, encouraging attendees to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy as we begin a new decade in an era of change. The event will be held from 8:30AM-10:30AM at the Ontario Airport Doubletree Hotel, with doors opening at 8:00AM.

Dr. Myers’ work as a medical missionary has garnered national media coverage, in ABC’s “Good Morning America”, People Magazine and New York Times, and joins the breakfast tribute while on the trail of leading the nation into acknowledging “Juneteenth”, most recently achieving Wisconsin as the 32nd state, this past December, to recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday. The breakfast tribute has been a staple event in the Inland Empire, creating a forum to embrace diversity and American heritage, amongst dignitaries, community leaders, and families looking to celebrate the holiday.

“This event recreates the spirit and collective environment that nurtured Dr. King’s efforts and fostered a movement that changed the country,” says Founder of Juneteenth America, Inc., John H. Thompson, Sr. “And it is in this momentum, that we should continue to recognize efforts and events affecting the makeup of our American heritage.”

Participating sponsors and community partners include Verizon, Ontario Airport Doubletree Hotel, E-Biz Marketing and Inland Empire Community Calendar. Tickets are $30 for General Admission, with Table, Advertisement and Sponsorship opportunities still available. For more information or to purchase tickets directly, visit www.juneteenthamerica.us, call (909) 621-9707 or e-mail jai@juneteenthamerica.us.

National Juneteenth Board Meeting & Conference to be Held In Chicago, IL

(Chicago, Illinois) – Chicago native, Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D., leader of the Campaign to Establish Juneteenth as a National Holiday Observance will return home to host the National Juneteenth Board Meeting & Conference, October 16-18, 2009, at the “All New” Hilton Oak Lawn Hotel, October 16-18, 2009. Dr. Myers is hopeful that congress will enact legislation to commemorate Juneteenth National Freedom Day, officially marking the “19th of June” on all calendars as America’s 2nd Independence Day. Juneteenth leaders are confident that Senator Roland Burris (D-IL), the only African American member of the U.S. Senate, will lead legislative efforts to make 2010 a special year in acknowledgment of American history.

“We are very much appreciative of the tremendous support Congressman Danny Davis has given Juneteenth,” states Dr. Myers, Founder and Chairman of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF) and the National Juneteenth Christian Leadership Council (NJCLC). “As Chairman of the National Juneteenth Congressional Committee, Congressman Davis has been heart and soul of Juneteenth in congress for many years.”
“Juneteenth is a freedom celebration significant for all Americans and the forerunner to the 13th Amendment,” states John Thompson, Founder & CEO of Juneteenth America, Inc. host of the annual National Juneteenth Convention and Expo, in Ontario, California. “Juneteenth brings all Americans together to celebrate the end of slavery and freedom,” continues Thompson. “Juneteenth is America’s 2nd Independence Day.”

Thousands of petitions have been forwarded to the White House urging President Obama to make Juneteenth a national holiday observance and to establish a Presidential National Juneteenth Commission. “The official recognition of Juneteenth Independence Day and the end of enslavement by state governments and congress are very significant steps in bringing healing to America from the legacy of enslavement,” states Rev., Dr. Myers, also the Founder and Director of the National Day of Reconciliation & Healing From the Legacy of Enslavement and the National Juneteenth Black Holocaust “Maafa” Memorial Service during the annual WASHINGTON JUNETEENTH National Holiday Observance.

Juneteenth Jazz will also be featured at the conference. As the National Juneteenth Jazz Artist, minister, physician and jazz musician, Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D., performs across the country promoting “June Is Black Music Month!” – CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH JAZZ – Preserving Our African American Jazz Legacy!” Founder of the National Association of Juneteenth Jazz Presenters (NAJJP), Myers also conducts youth jazz workshops and lectures on African American jazz legacy. The NAJJP is the sponsor of several Juneteenth Jazz Legacy Concerts and African American Art Exhibits during Black Music Month, including the historic African-American jazz legacy cities of Kansas City, MO and Omaha, NB.

For more information on the National Juneteenth Board Meeting & Conference contact Dr. Myers at 662-247-3364, or 662-247-1471; e-mail: JuneteenthDOC@yahoo.com, web sites: www.Juneteenth.us, www.njclc.com, www.19thofJune.com and www.JuneteenthJazz.com, or contact NJOF board member and Director of the Chicago Juneteenth Celebration, Lestine Byars at 773-684-6070; e-mail: lbyarsciess@aol.com.

Welcome to the new website!

Hello visitors and welcome to the new website for Juneteenth America! This site has been updated to keep you informed with new programs and events we’ve got coming in the future.

We’ve just wrapped Summer 2009 with the 20th Annual Pomona Valley Juneteenth Family Jazz Festival at Ganesha Park, Pomona with a great response and support from the local community. We hope to see our supporters faces (and some new ones!) out again next year in 2010, to celebrate California Juneteenth National Freedom Day.

In January 2010, the 9th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast Tribute will be returning with special performances and guests speakers.  More information will be posted soon about the event and it’s participants as they are confirmed.

In the meantime, please take a look around the new site and see what new features we have to offer.