Pastoral Letter of Support
NATIONAL JUNETEENTH CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D, Founder & Chairman
201 N. George Lee Avenue P.O. Box 269
Belzoni, MS 39038
662-247-3364 662-247-1471 662-247-4767 Fax
e-mail: MyersFound@aol.com web site: www.njclc.com
March 21, 2008
Dear Pastor:
The National Day of Reconciliation and Healing From the Legacy of Slavery, which takes place annually on the "3rd Friday of June", during the week of the observance of Juneteenth in America, will take place on Friday, June 20, 2008. The day was established in recognition of former Congressman Tony Hall's unsuccessful efforts to pass a congressional apology for slavery on the "19th of June", 2000, Juneteenth Independence Day, in Washington, DC.
While working closely with Congressman Hall, I learned first hand that America's slave legacy was still a very contemptuous issue for many Americans, who would rather ignore history then embrace the truth. The recent speech by Senator Barack Obama concerning race in America, in response to the remarks made by his former pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright, has provided the opportunity for Americans to dialogue and work constructively on race issues once again.
The National Juneteenth Black Holocaust "Maafa" Memorial Service always takes place during the National Day of Reconciliation and Healing From the Legacy of Slavery. The theme of this unique worship service is "A Time to Heal, A Time to Pray" and is part of the annual WASHINGTON JUNETEENTH National Holiday Observance. The service is scheduled to begin at 11:30am, on Friday, June 20, 2008, at Lincoln Park United Methodist Church, Rev. Harold D. Lewis, Sr., Pastor, in the nation's capitol, Washington, DC.. President Bush has been invited to participate in the service and lead the nation in a prayer of healing from the legacy of slavery.
The annual observance of Juneteenth provides America with the greatest opportunity to bring about a constructive resolution to the issue of the enslavement of Americans of African descent and the continued racial conflict that affects the nation.
I prayerfully request your support for the National Day of Reconciliation and Healing From the Legacy of Slavery and your participation in the National Juneteenth Black Holocaust "Maafa" Memorial Service, which is part of the WASHINGTON JUNETEENTH National Holiday Observance. If you are unable to travel to Washington, DC and worship with us on the "3rd Friday in June", 2008, please prayerfully consider holding a similar worship service at your church.
Thank you for your support for the annual National Day of Reconciliation and Healing From the Legacy of Slavery. America needs healing and only a move of God in our hearts will bring that healing to fruition.
Look forward to hearing from you and your continued prayers for healing.
In Christ's Love, I Respectfully Remain Your Servant,
"DOC"
Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D.
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