Thursday, June 6th, 2024

Featured Guest Emmy and Peabody Award-Winning Filmmaker, Scholar, Historian and Professor
Henry Louis Gates Jr.

PROGRAM

“Star Spangled Banner” & “Lift Every Voice and Sing”

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Welcome Remarks

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Words from our presenting sponsor Charles Schwab Bank

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Welcome from the City of Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker 

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Performance by Miss Juneteenth DFW, Arianna Beasley 

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Introduction of moderator Tashara Parker 

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Introduction of special guest Henry Louis Gates Jr. 

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Uniting Voices Discussion

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Q&A

Submit questions for Dr. Gates at unitingvoices@thenjm.org

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Closing Remarks from the National Juneteenth Museum

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Event Conclusion

Meet Our Special Guests

Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Henry Louis Gates Jr., PhD is celebrated for his multifaceted contributions to documentary filmmaking, scholarship and education. As an Emmy and Peabody award-winning filmmaker, Gates has masterfully illuminated the pages of history through his numerous groundbreaking documentary series, including "The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross" and "Finding Your Roots." Beyond his achievements in filmmaking, Gates is a distinguished scholar and historian whose scholarship has reshaped our understanding of pivotal historical narratives, shedding light on stories that are often overlooked. Gates is currently the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and Director of the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University. His dedication to education and enlightenment continues to inspire generations, leaving a lasting mark on academia and society as a whole.

Tashara Parker

Award-winning anchor of WFAA’s Daybreak, Tashara Parker captivates DFW viewers with breaking news and inspirational stories. Parker is coined as a ”community-focused storyteller”, a title received for her valiant efforts in highlighting organizations and people who have historically been underrepresented and misrepresented in mainstream media.

Ms. Opal Lee

A retired educator and counselor, Opal Lee has dedicated much of her life to preserving the history of Juneteenth. Fondly known as Ms. Opal, she 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. On June 17, 2021, the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was signed into law.

Special thanks to our Founding Supporters

About the National Juneteenth Museum

More than a museum

As the epicenter for the preservation and education of Juneteenth history, the National Juneteenth Museum will be a collaborative space to foster conversations on the global significance of freedom and the celebration of Juneteenth worldwide.

The 50,000 square-foot museum campus is intentionally designed to build opportunities to advance future generations; including a 250-seat theater, black box flexible space, food hall for local chefs and aspiring restauranteurs and a business incubator. The museum will be located in the Historic Southside neighborhood of Fort Worth, Texas.

Leadership

Jarred Howard, Visionary and CEO

Dr. Lauren Cross, Executive Strategist

Mya Lewis, Executive Assistant

Executive Board

Dr. Angela Mitchell, Chair

Brittney D. Reed, Vice Chair

Maureen Howard, Parliamentarian

Greg Clanton, Treasurer

Dione Sims, Legacy Member

Ms. Opal Lee, Legacy Member

Board

Clemon Ashley

Dr. Whitnee Boyd

Katherine Conaway

Malynda Dickinson

Lauren Howard

Deah Berry Mitchell

Cherrelle Nyankojo

Elias Nyankojo

Kennetha Perera

Lauren Phillips

Dr. Gleniece Robinson, Immediate Past Chair

Kutina Ruhumbika

Charles Williams

Tag Us #UnitingVoices #NJM