About Juneteenth GVL
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.
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 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.
Meet the Team
Rueben Hays Jr.
JGVL Founder & Chairman
Rueben is the Founder and Chairman of Juneteenth GVL, leading our organization with vision and dedication. He also serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Crescent Surgical Supply, guiding the company’s strategic direction. Rueben’s passion for community engagement and cultural celebration inspired the creation of Juneteenth GVL. His leadership continues to drive our mission forward, fostering unity and education.
VanDavid Vernon
Board Member & Co-Founder
VanDavid Vernon proudly serves as a Juneteenth GVL Board Member and Co-Founder. After serving 10 years in the U.S. Navy as an Operations Specialist, he returned to Spartanburg, SC, in 2009 and discovered a deep passion for supporting fellow veterans. He founded Let’s Talk Face2Face, which evolved into Vernon Veteran Services Inc., a nonprofit providing mentorship and counseling for veterans facing PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Through powerful partnerships with veteran-owned businesses and organizations, VanDavid continues to impact both the local and national veteran community.
Tracy Fleming
JGVL Treasurer
Tracy serves as the Treasurer for Juneteenth GVL, managing our financial operations with precision and integrity. With a strong background in finance, Tracy ensures that our resources are allocated effectively to support our mission. Her dedication to transparency and accountability helps build trust within our community. Outside of her financial expertise, Tracy is known for her collaborative spirit and commitment to community service.
April Evans
Executive Director
April Evans is our Executive Director and founding contributor to Juneteenth GVL, and we couldn’t be more excited about the future under her guidance. With a deep-rooted connection to the Greenville community and a passion for Juneteenth GVL’s mission, April brings a fresh vision that focuses on growth, community impact, and fostering new partnerships. Her leadership, creativity, and commitment to honoring the essence of freedom will ensure that our organization continues to drive positive change.
Renee Floyd
Gala Director & JGVL Secretary
Renee is the Gala Director and Secretary for Juneteenth GVL. She also serves as the Executive Assistant at Crescent Surgical Supply, where she oversees daily operations and strategic initiatives.Renee is also a certified Event Designer and Florist through IWED, bringing her expertise and creativity to every project she touches. Her commitment to excellence is evident in every project she undertakes.