SGF Juneteenth

06/06/2025

Congratulations are in order!

2025 NAACP Springfield Black Excellence Honoree: Dee Sova

Dee Sova's journey is one of extraordinary resilience, unwavering advocacy, and leadership within the trucking industry. Currently, she serves as a CDL Instructor and Highway Diamonds Coordinator at Prime Inc., empowering women in trucking and fostering professional growth. Through Prime Inc. , Dee had the opportunity to join America's Road Team, an elite group within the American Trucking Associations (ATA) that highlights the vital contributions of truck drivers. This opened the door for her involvement in Women in Motion, an ATA initiative where Dee serves on the board as a trucking advocate, alongside a team of strong women who play pivotal roles in shaping laws and policies impacting the trucking industry.

In October 2024, Dee received the prestigious John Lex Premier Achievement Award through the ATA Trucking Cares Foundation, recognizing her outstanding industry contributions and commitment to advocacy.

Dee's journey into advocacy began in 2003 following the devastating loss of her daughter, Sharmelia Jeffries, in a drunk driving accident. This tragedy became the catalyst for her decade-long work with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), during which she shared her story to educate and inspire others. As a speaker and board member for the Sacramento chapter of MADD, Dee transformed her grief into a powerful mission for change, positively impacting countless lives and building safer communities.

Dee is also recognized for her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a truck driver based in Missouri, she appeared on the *Tamron Hall Show* to shed light on the critical role truck drivers played in maintaining supply chains during a time of immense demand and pressure. Dee highlighted the surge in food delivery needs and shared her experiences, noting the heartwarming and long-overdue recognition for truck drivers' contributions.

Through her personal and professional endeavors, Dee continues to uplift communities and inspire change, demonstrating that resilience and dedication can overcome adversity, ignite progress, and leave a lasting legacy. She remains a beacon of hope and strength in both the trucking industry and the broader community, ensuring her mission will impact lives for generations to come.

Join Us in honoring Dee at our 2025 SGF Juneteenth Community Celebration at Springfield Expo Center on 06/21 at 12pm

Thanks for all that you do, Dee.

06/06/2025

2025 Black Excellence Honoree: Tylar Grant

Serving as a role model to many and known as Coach T - She is a highly accomplished coach, athlete, and entrepreneur with a Master’s in Sports Management from Missouri State and a Marketing degree from the all-female, highly accredited Stephens College. A proud Parkview alum with a deep passion for volleyball, she was honored with a double feature on the cover of Springfield Fit Life Magazine in 2021 and 2023 for her impact on the volleyball and fitness community.

She has served as the General Manager at Club Pilates and Programming Director at Allison Sports Town, showcasing her leadership both on and off the court. As the CEO of Trainings by T LLC, Coach T has spent the last 8 years empowering athletes to reach their full potential on the volleyball court.

With years of coaching experience serving time at Pipkin, Parkview, and Central, she brings a well-rounded perspective to athlete development. Coach T also has a growing online following, where she continues to influence and inspire athletes both within her local community and around the world.

One day, Coach T dreams of opening her own training facility—where she can not only train athletes but also employ them, teaching valuable job skills and empower them to achieve their own career goals and can make a difference in their communities.

Congratulations - you can celebrate with Tylar at our SGF Juneteenth Community Celebration at Springfield Expo Center on June 21st 12 pm -4 pm.

06/06/2025

Congratulations are due to Dr. Marlin Barber!

Dr. Marlin Barber is a Senior History Instructor at Missouri State University and previously served as the Assistant to the President for Inclusive Engagement at the university.

His primary role was coordinating efforts through programming development and collaboration with on-campus faculty partners while supporting students and staff through initiatives designed to promote Missouri State University’s Public Affairs pillars of Ethical Leadership, Cultural Competency, and Community Engagement.

Dr. Barber has served Springfield and Missouri State University as an educator and administrator for 12 years. He teaches courses in Early United States history, Missouri history, Enslavement in the Atlantic World, Southern history, and research and writing. Dr. Barber has published on the importance of Black schools and sociability and alcohol. He is from Cape Girardeau, Missouri and earned a BA in history, an MS in Mass Communication – Public Relations, an MA in history, a Doctorate in history, and is currently working towards a Master of Business Administration.

Congratulations, and thank you for All that you do!

Join Us in celebrating Dr. Barber at SGF Juneteenth on 06/21 from 12pm to 4pm

06/06/2025

Today is the last day to sign up today be a vendor! Scan the QR code to sign up!

05/29/2025

Seeking food vendors for June 21st at the Expo Center from 11am-4pm, featuring live music performances and a large crowd of approximately 2000 people, presenting a valuable opportunity for food sales, as we currently do not have a food vendor secured if you have any questions message me sign up link posted down below 👇

05/29/2025

There are still a few days left to reserve your place for 2025!

05/29/2025

https://youtu.be/kQEgKVic_uY?si=eYEOP4pP-DtJSOiI

Live at The Gillioz Theatre for 1 Night Only Saturday June 21

R&B legend & Icon Keke Wyatt goes down memory lane with an unforgettable performance of her classic hits, "Nothin In this World & Fall In Love" only on Vibes...

05/19/2025

🎉 Juneteenth Community Celebration 🎉
📅 Saturday, June 21
🕚 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Springfield Expo Center – FREE ADMISSION!

Join us at the Springfield Expo Center for a family-friendly day full of culture, joy, and community.
✨ Live music & performances
🛍️ Vendors & Sponsors
🍔 Delicious food
🎨 Kids’ activities
🏆 Award ceremony honoring local leaders.

If you are looking to be an event Vendor:
https://one.bidpal.net/juneteenth/browse/fixedPrice

If you are looking to be an event Sponsor:
https://one.bidpal.net/juneteenth/ticketing(details:ticketing-summary)

Whether you're coming for the entertainment, the food, or the fellowship, there’s something for everyone at this free event.
Let’s celebrate freedom, excellence, and unity — together.

🖤 Bring your whole family and help us make this a Juneteenth to remember!

05/19/2025

Juneteenth is around the corner! We are still looking for vendors! ❤️💚🖤

05/08/2025

✨ VENDORS WANTED! ✨
Are you a local business, food vendor, artisan, or entrepreneur? Don’t miss your chance to showcase your products and services at this year’s SGF Citywide Juneteenth Celebration! 🎉

✅ Spaces are LIMITED and filling up fast!
✅ Deadline to apply: Friday, May 30th

Be part of an unforgettable celebration of freedom, culture, and community. Visit www.sgfjuneteenth.com or scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up today!

Tag a vendor or small business who needs to be here! 🙌🏾

06/15/2024

06/15/2024

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Juneteenth Gospel Choir Celebration has been canceled.

We hope to be able to provide this event in the future.

Please take time to celebrate the special men in your lives this Sunday June 16th as it is also Father's Day.