Honoring Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom and Education

Juneteenth, observed annually on 19 June, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom—900 days after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

Throughout the years, Juneteenth has evolved into a nationwide celebration of Black resilience, culture, and progress, and in June 2021, it was officially recognized as a national holiday. Today, communities across the country honor the day with parades, music, barbeques, and red food and drinks (honoring the sacrifices made by enslaved African Americans and representing resilience).

James Worris Moore, Archivist at the National Archives (1956-1998)

Juneteenth celebrations can include lectures, storytelling sessions, and genealogy workshops that help individuals understand their family’s journey through history. This educational aspect of Juneteenth dovetails nicely with the launch of the James Worris Moore Leadership Academy, a new National Genealogical Society program. The Society’s objective is to nurture a new cohort of leaders within the genealogy community.

The James Worris Moore Leadership Academy: Empowering Future Leaders

With education as one of its core missions, NGS is shaping the future of genealogy by developing the next generation of leaders. By implementing this novel Academy program, NGS endeavors to empower individuals with the requisite skills, knowledge, and self-assurance to effectively catalyze organizational transformation within the genealogical community. This initiative is driven by the following

• Develop Future Leaders by equipping participants with the leadership skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to take on leadership roles within the genealogical community, ensuring the continued growth and vitality of the field.
• Enhance Diversity and Inclusion by fostering a more inclusive and representative genealogical community by actively supporting individuals from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, creating pathways for broader participation and leadership.
• Encourage Practical Engagement by providing hands-on opportunities for participants to contribute to NGS and the genealogy field through capstone projects, committee work, and professional presentations, strengthening their impact and visibility.
• Build Professional Networks by connecting emerging leaders with established genealogical experts, NGS committees, and broader professional networks, enhancing collaboration and career development within the field.

Program Highlights

• One-year membership in NGS
• Free registration for the annual Family History Conference
• Exclusive leadership training from NGS committee members
• $250 research stipend
• Hands-on experience with NGS committees
• Networking opportunities with genealogy experts

Who Should Apply?

Eligible participants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Under 45 years of age
• Three to five years of genealogy experience
• Member of a traditionally underrepresented group in NGS (racial, ethnic, disability, or religious background)

The deadline for applicants is 30 June 2025, so time is of the essence for applications.

In Conclusion

As we commemorate Juneteenth—a powerful reminder of freedom, resilience, and the importance of remembering our shared history—we are also called to look forward. Growth can’t happen in our community without new leaders. The establishment of the James Worris Moore Leadership Academy provides a crucial opportunity for emerging leaders to enhance their comprehension of organizational transformation within the genealogy community.

By investing in education, inclusion, and community engagement, NGS hopes to not only strengthen the future of the genealogical field, but also ensure that the stories of all people are recognized, preserved, and shared.