About | Juneteenth GVL Mega Fest

Help us honor the contributions and proud legacy of Black Americans throughout the nation

Learn more about the history of Juneteenth

History in the Making

In 2022, Juneteenth GVL Inc., in partnership with Vernon Veteran Services, Inc. launched our inaugural celebration of African American culture and freedom. Our initiatives and events focused on arts, veterans, higher education and brought awareness of important issues in the community. This region-wide event was held at Falls Park in Downtown Greenville, SC, voted 10th best place to live in the United States.

The 3-day celebration had a positive community impact. Some notable highlights were:

Over 10,000 people engaged at the Juneteenth festival.
$5,000 in educational scholarships.
Over $20,000 donated to not-for-profit organizations.
Approximately $150K raised in sponsorship donations.
Over 600 people were in attendance of the Juneteenth Gala 2022

Our Vision

We aim to honor the essence of freedom and serve as a catalyst for positive change within the greater Greenville community.

Our Mission

At Juneteenth GVL, our purpose is to bring together individuals from every corner of America to commemorate our shared value of freedom. We achieve this through acknowledging, educating, and preserving the significance of Juneteenth as a pivotal national celebration.

Our Core Beliefs

Celebrating freedom is a fundamental right and joy.

The principles of liberty and justice are universal rights for everyone.

The economic progress of Black communities is crucial for the overall prosperity of America.

Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion is key to achieving success.

Our Efforts Extend To

Assisting veterans in various capacities.

Providing scholarships to foster educational growth.

Supporting organizations dedicated to the creative arts.

Promoting economic empowerment through job opportunities and educational seminars.

Backing nonprofit organizations that positively impact the youth.

Tackling health inequalities by organizing wellness events and outreach programs.

Our Board

Rueben J. Hays

Board Member | Founder

Owner | Crescent Surgical Supply LLC

Rueben is the visionary and Executive Director behind Juneteenth GVL Fest, and is excited that the history of Juneteenth will be celebrated in such a great way in Upstate, SC. With a passion for healthcare and an appetite for risk that entrepreneurs are intimately familiar with, Rueben has forged his own path of success in the surgical supply industry. He is a Navy-veteran, CEO and founder of Crescent Surgical Supply, LLC, located in Greenville, SC.

Vandavid Vernon

Board Member | Co-Founder

Owner | Vernon Veteran Services Inc

Serving 10 years in the United States Navy as an Operation Specialist, Vandavid returned home to Spartanburg, SC in 2009. Once home, Vandavid realized his passion for helping those who served was overwhelming. He created the the organization “Let’s Talk Face2Face” where he recognized the needs of veterans and their family, which transformed into the Nonprofit 501c3 “Vernon Veteran Services Inc.” Through partnerships with local veteran-owned businesses and organizations, Vernon Veteran Services can serve veterans locally and nationally providing 1:1 counseling and mentoring for veterans battling PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Pastor Tracy Fleming

Board Member | Treasurer

Owner, Business and Such Accounting & Tax Services

Pastor Aventer Gray

Board Member

Relentless Church

Jonathan Pinson

Board Member

Chief Business Development Officer,
SAI Diversified Energy

Renee Floyd

Board Member | Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant
Crescent Surgical Supply

April Evans

Board Member

HR Operations Group Manager II
TD Bank