Planning Committees
Juneteenth’s Home is guided by a collaborative vision rooted in the leadership and lived experience of the Galveston community. We are deeply grateful to the Juneteenth’s Home Executive Committee for their dedicated leadership in choosing the initiative’s master‑planning partner and are excited to welcome the initiative’s Community Advisory Committee to the master‑planning phase. Through this collaboration, we have brought together local and regional partners, descendant families, elders, church leaders, neighborhood representatives, cultural practitioners, multidisciplinary scholars, emerging young leaders, and other committed voices to ensure the project reflects deep historical understanding, shared community priorities, and thoughtful, inclusive insight.
For more information on the role committees play or the selection process, visit the Juneteenth's Home FAQ page.
Executive Committee
Stephen Holmes
A respected leader in public service, Stephen spent 25 years in elected office as Galveston County Commissioner and is a former Assistant District Attorney. He also contributes his expertise to countywide criminal justice coordination, mental health governance, and health system advisory work.
Sharon Lewis
Sharon, a retired educator and current Galveston City Councilmember for District 1, serves as President of the Galveston Juneteenth Alliance and is a long‑standing community leader dedicated to advancing Juneteenth history, culture, and civic engagement across the island.
Alice Gatson
Vice President of GHF, Alice is a retired medical technologist and community historian whose decades of service include work with the African American Heritage Committee, advancing Juneteenth preservation, co‑authoring major publications, and supporting cultural institutions and events throughout Galveston.
David O'Neal
David O’Neal is a Galveston School Board trustee, AAHC member, and Old Central Cultural Center treasurer, celebrated as a PVIL Hall of Fame baseball inductee and trailblazing first Black player on the University of Houston baseball team.
Tommie Boudreaux
Tommie is the current chair of GHF’s African American Heritage Committee and a retired Galveston ISD administrator, who has co‑authored multiple Black history books about Galveston and helped develop the Juneteenth exhibit: And Still We Rise...
Community Advisory Committee
Jason Edwards
Jason Edwards is President of Juneteenth USA and continues the legacy of his father, the late Texas State Rep. Albert “Al” Ely Edwards – known as the Father of Juneteenth for making the holiday official in Texas and championing its recognition for more than 40 years. Jason brings decades of stewardship, advocacy, and community leadership to the initiative’s ongoing work.
Rev. Lernette Patterson
As pastor of Galveston’s Historic Reedy Chapel A.M.E. Church – one of the original sites where freedom was first announced in 1865 – Rev. Lernette P. Patterson is a key steward of Juneteenth history on the island. Under her leadership, the church has continued its 161‑year tradition of honoring emancipation through its annual march and historical reenactment.
Dazya Mitchell
An emerging leader who works in community engagement roles for Galveston Housing Plus and Groundswell, Dazya supports residents through outreach and programs that expand access to fresh food, housing resources, and opportunity across the island. A proud Galvestonian, she brings a grounded perspective shaped by direct service and a deep investment in the island’s future.
Dr. LaDora Matthews
A seasoned educator and professional counselor, Dr. LaDora Matthews has spent her career supporting families in the Houston area. She is a descendant of one of Galveston’s early African American families and the niece of former Galveston City Manager Doug Matthews – whose leadership helped pave the way for Juneteenth to become a state holiday.
Mary Patrick
Mary Patrick is a veteran Galveston Independent School District leader whose career spans decades of service. Her deep experience addressing equity and opportunity in childhood education makes her a vital community advocate and voice in shaping inclusive, community‑centered initiatives.
Courtney Thomas
A dedicated advocate for education and cultural preservation, Courtney is an 18‑year Galveston County educator whose work sits at the intersection of history, learning, and community empowerment. She serves on GHF’s African American Heritage Committee and is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
David Mitchell
A longtime advocate for health equity and community empowerment, David is a nonprofit leader who has created vital programs addressing disparities across Galveston and reflects the legacy of his ancestors, early contributors to the island’s Black business community after emancipation. As chair of Galveston’s African American Beach Lifeguard Memorial Project, he brings a deeply rooted perspective to honoring local history and community care.
Kevin Cobbs
A proud Galvestonian with a deep commitment to service, Kevin Cobbs has dedicated his time to mentoring young people, supporting local schools, and strengthening community resources, including developing adult financial‑literacy workshops. An active member of Alpha Kappa Psi, he brings a steady focus on empowerment, practical support, and generational growth in the community.