National Junteenth Festival Organizers Meeting

National Juneteenth Festival Campaign (NJFC): A Living Testament to Freedom

The National Juneteenth Festival Campaign (NJFC) is more than a celebration-it is a movement, a continuation of the fight for justice, equity, and the full realization of freedom. Built upon the work, relationships, knowledge, and spirit of those who have long championed Juneteenth, NJFC recognizes individuals and organizations who have tirelessly organized, advocated, and embodied the true essence of liberation-not just as a historical milestone, but as an ongoing struggle that belongs to us all.

Freedom: More Than a Moment, A Movement

Freedom is not merely the absence of oppression; it is the presence of opportunity, dignity, and self-determination.

It is not just something we inherit-it is something we must defend, nurture, and expand. The NJFC embraces the idea that freedom is a living force, requiring active participation from every generation to ensure that the victories of the past are not only remembered but carried forward.

On June 19, 2025, NJFC will honor those who embody this commitment to freedom, selecting individuals and organizations whose efforts have preserved, educated, and advanced the fight for liberation. These awards are not just a recognition of past efforts but a reaffirmation that freedom is collective, participatory, and enduring-not granted, but claimed through continuous work and unwavering resolve.

Freedom Through Community and Collective Action

The NJFC is a nonviolent, peace-driven campaign rooted in unity and collective strength. It recognizes that the fight for true freedom is not won through division but through shared responsibility, education, and civic engagement. The campaign draws upon the wisdom, talents, and leadership of its members, ensuring that the pursuit of justice is driven by the community and for the community.

By honoring the pivotal moment of June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in the U.S. were informed of their emancipation, NJFC reflects on both how far we have come and how far we still must go. The struggle for freedom did not end that day, nor is it complete today. This campaign serves as a reminder that true freedom is measured not just in history books, but in the lived realities of the present and the possibilities of the future.

Juneteenth: A Call to Action

Juneteenth is more than a day of remembrance-it is an ongoing call to action. The NJFC provides a platform for those dedicating their lives to justice, ensuring their voices are heard, their contributions acknowledged, and their work amplified. We extend the rewards of their labor not just to those in attendance but to all who engage in this movement.

True freedom is not just about breaking chains-it is about opening doors. It is access to education, economic opportunity, healthcare, and justice. It is the ability to thrive without fear. It is the assurance that every individual is valued, protected, and empowered to shape their own future.

Through the National Juneteenth Festival Campaign, we affirm that freedom is not just something to be celebrated

-it is something to be lived, strengthened, and defended. And as long as we continue this work, the spirit of Juneteenth will never fade.