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 Mission

The Juneteenth GVL Mission is to unite all Americans to celebrate a common bond of freedom through recognition, education, and preservation of Juneteenth as a national holiday.

What we believe

Freedom is worth celebrating

Liberty and Justice is for all

Black economic advancement is essential to a healthy America

Diversity Equity and Inclusion is fundamental to success

Our Initiatives include the support of

Veterans

Educational Scholarships

Creative Art organizations

Economic Mobility through jobs/ seminars

Non-Profits that are making changes in the lives of the youth.

Addressing health disparities through wellness events and outreach.

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.

Pete Lee

Board Member | Co-Founder

Owner | The Cigar Experience Lounge

Pete Lee is the CEO and founder of The Cigar Experience. Pete has thrived as an entrepreneur, motivational speaker and influencer whose focus is inspiring others to always pursue their personal goals and dreams. After diligently working to build someone else’s dream in corporate America he found his future passion that fuels all of his endeavors to this day. Pete’s life is a testament to what you can accomplish when you refuse to stay comfortable and constantly dream.