Why a National Juneteenth Museum
Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) is a pivotal moment in American history that changed the course of African Americans and had a monumental impact on the economic and social future of our country.
As an epicenter for awareness and preservation of Juneteenth history, the National Juneteenth Museum represents the natural progression of the continuum that was established to ensure the American tapestry includes the significance of that fateful day in 1865.
From the pursuit of physical freedom to today’s discussions of equity, justice, peace and unity for all, the museum will serve as a place to share the historic path of the once enslaved, making it a destination for tourism and collaborative education.
“If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”
— Rep. John Lewis, Civil Rights Leader
Inspiration for the Museum
The National Juneteenth Museum is the extension of the legacy of its forbearers
Many contributed to making Juneteenth a federal holiday, but a few stand out. Activists credit Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D., with leading the modern Juneteenth movement. In 1994, he founded the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation and worked tirelessly to push Juneteenth from commemoration to legislation.
Known as 'Doc,' Dr. Myers traveled across the country, helping organizers engage lawmakers. For 25 years, he lobbied in Washington, D.C., and hosted events like the Howard University flag-raising to promote national recognition.
Key pioneers include Lula Briggs Galloway, founder of the National Association of Juneteenth Lineage, John Thompson, Opal Lee—the "Grandmother of Juneteenth"—and the late Texas State Representative Al Edwards, the "Father of Juneteenth." Edwards and Lee devoted decades to ensuring Juneteenth’s recognition as a holiday in Texas in 1979 and nationally in 2021.
Our founding board member, Ms. Opal Lee, is a trailblazer who gained national attention in 2016, when at 89, she began a 1,400-mile trek from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., to petition for the recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday. With over a million signatures received, Juneteenth became a national holiday. Her amazing journey known as Opal’s Walk for Freedom is symbolic of the steps to freedom that were taken during the Underground Railroad and now the steps to help build a positive future.
