NJOF Board Member, Lestine Byars, is the Founder and Director of the Coalition For Improved Education In South Shore (CIESS) Chicago Juneteenth Celebration, the fastest growing
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
in the country. Working with State Senator Barack Obama, State Senator Mattie Hunter and State Representative Monique Davis, Lestine spearheaded the introduction and successful passage of
legislation that made Juneteenth a State Holiday Observance in Illinois.
Members of congress are also being urged to suport efforts by the NJOF to have an official Juneteenth Postage Stamp recognized
by the U.S. Postal Service.
Congresswoman Donna Christensen (VI)
Congressman Bobby Scott (NJ)
Congressman Al Green (TX)
Congresswoman Yvette Clark (NY)
Congressman Elijah Cummings (MD)
Congressman Donald M. Payne (NJ)
Congressman Kendrick Meeks (CA)
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA)
Congressman Melvin Watt (NC)
Congressman John Shimkus (IL)
Congressman Leonard Boswell (IA)
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX)
Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (OH)
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX)
Congressman William Clay (MO)
Congressman Mike Pence (IN)
Congressman Tony Hall (OH)
Congressman Dick Armey (TX)
