Bernie graduated from Wilmington High School in 1961. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country as an Airman from 1961 to 1965. In 1966, Bernie attended Delaware State College (now University), where he was a key player on the men's basketball team. In 1970, he had the honor of being listed in the "Who's Who" among students in American Colleges and Universities. He also pledged with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., his pride and joy. After graduating, Bernie became an educator in the Wilmington Public School System for three years. He was employed by Neighborhood House as a Youth Coordinator for 25 years, and Children and Families First, servicing the Department of Corrections' Plummer Center and the Hazel Plant Women's Facility until his retirement.

In 1994, Bernie founded the Delaware Juneteenth Association after a trip to a conference where Juneteenth was celebrated yearly. After returning to Wilmington, he decided that it was time for all Delawareans and people across the globe to know the history of Juneteenth and the celebrations began. With the challenging work and dedication of establishing motivational community involvement, the team and Bernie worked tirelessly to establish the Delaware Juneteenth Association.

A scholarship was created at his alma mater, Delaware State University. Each year, deserving students in Business Administration receive assistance from the Delaware Juneteenth Association in his honor. Most recently, Bernie was nominated for a Community Service Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Zeta Omega Chapter.

Bernie departed this life on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2021. A few months earlier, he lived to see legislation signed recognizing Juneteenth as a legal holiday on July 17, 2021. He lived out his purpose and passion.

Sr. Treasury Analyst with the City of Wilmington, in the City Treasurers Office with 31 years in public service. She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated with over 42 years of membership and community service. She is the immediate past president of Sigma Zeta Omega Chapter of Newark, DE. Presently she is chairman of the ACT (Audio Visual, Communication, and Technology) committee at Simpson UM Church responsible for communication to the congregation, developing training programs for youth of all ages. She sits on the Board of Directors of the Clarence Fraim Senior Center. Styna has been participating with the DE Juneteenth Association for the last 20 plus years working with the Miss Juneteenth Pageant. Her commitment to community awareness and community service will help the board propel forward the message of Juneteenth to the Delaware community.

Sylvia has been a member of the Delaware Juneteenth Board of Directors for over twenty-five years and strives to continue its legacy of cultural and family enrichment while focusing on eliminating racism and racial injustice. Through years of service she received honors as a member of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation Board of Directors, Outstanding Member Service - Delaware HIV Consortium, along with the City of Wilmington Awards Recipient for Heroism 2006.

Professional affiliations include State of Delaware Community Planning Group (Health and Social Services) and Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA).

Sandy's affiliation with the Delaware Juneteenth Association has proven to be one of her most rewarding accomplishments. As part of the Annual Juneteenth Celebration, she has directed the Juneteenth Youth Pageant, which has been celebrated for 25 years. By her years of service to the organization, Sandy has shown her dedication and commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders.

Her most recent recognition came from her colleagues of the Delaware Juneteenth Association, being honored with the "SANDRA M. CLARK SERVICE AWARD". This award is to be presented annually to a deserving youth, ages 8-18, for their Exemplary Community Service.

Brenda Timmon-Gunter, LMSW was born and raised in the first state that started the nation, mother of two, grandmother of 5, friend to many, and a caretaker. She has been with the Delaware Juneteenth Association for 28 years. She was the former president and is now the secretary. In the early days she wrote countless stage plays commemorating the African American experience throughout American History.

She sits on several boards in many capacities. Brenda Timmon-Gunter is no stranger to hard work. She works diligently in her community and helping people is her passion. She believes serving in silence renders its own rewards.

Nancy Taylor-Hall was born in Ft. Worth, Texas and lived all around the world as a dependent of a career Air Force father. She has been with the Delaware Juneteenth Association for 29 years as one of its founding members. Nancy has been dedicated to the cause of bringing Juneteenth to the communities in Delaware.

"I believe that it's important for us to teach people the history of freedom and to instill in them that we need to free ourselves of things that hold us back from obtaining our goals of freedom and justice from all."

Donita J. Moore is the Interim Associate Director of Career & Workforce Education for the Maryland Higher Education Commission. She has over 30 years of experience in postsecondary education, supply chain management, and the financial industry.

Donita is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated®, where service is a core principle. She has served as a human services professional and volunteer for over 30 years with various organizations throughout the state of Delaware. Her gift of grant writing and creativity support DEJA through a variety of platforms to sustain the organization's mission and vision.

Her passion is building bridges, creating strong relationships, and seeing others advance. Her favorite quotes are "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X and "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young." - Henry Ford.

Stella Ponzo is a retired professional dedicating nearly 40 years to PerkinElmer, a global leader focused on improving human and environmental health. While working at PerkinElmer, Stella earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Wilmington University.

Passionate about service after retirement, she has worked as a substitute teacher, actively served in mission-related projects at her local church, and enjoys volunteering at Family Promise and Delaware Juneteenth.

Sophia Hughes is your former Miss Delaware Juneteenth 2021. She currently attends the University of Delaware as a biological sciences major and is set to graduate with the class of 2028.

She advocates for homeless rights and resources while also hosting her annual "All I Want For Christmas Party" for families in need during the holidays. She is a singer and songwriter.

She has held the titles of Miss Wilmington's Teen (MAO) and Miss Delaware's Teen 2023 (MAO). She continues to hold the title of Miss Delaware Collegiate America 2026 (MHSA).

Ryan is a student leader and community advocate who proudly serves as Vendors & Volunteers Coordinator for the Delaware Juneteenth Freedom Festival. Having attended the festival since childhood, Ryan now coordinates vendor and volunteer registration while balancing school and leadership roles across numerous organizations. He was elected to the Board of DEJA in March 2026 and is passionate about continuing to uplift his community through service and leadership.

Ryan has been involved in more than 22 clubs, organizations, and committees throughout his life and has maintained Honor Roll every marking period. He currently serves as State Treasurer for The Delaware BPA and holds leadership positions in several school and community organizations, including student government, choir, cultural organizations, and youth leadership programs. Ryan is dedicated to making a positive impact and is excited to continue taking his leadership to the next level.

Mrs. LaVerne Adderley, born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, has dedicated her life to uplifting others through compassion, leadership, and steadfast devotion to God. With a professional background that includes 20 years of service with The Neighborhood House (Southbridge), 12 years with the State of Delaware (New Castle), and 33 years as an entrepreneur with AD Transportation (Wilmington), LaVerne brings a wealth of experience, discipline, and insight to her position. Her career reflects a consistent dedication to service, responsibility, and community impact.

Her greatest joy is her family. She is the devoted wife of Deacon Abraham Adderley, with whom she has shared over 50 years of marriage. She is a loving mother to Brian Sr. and his wife Rochellda, and DaLynne, and a proud "Mom-Mom" to her four grandsons: Jalin, Evan, Brian Jr., and Ian. She is also a cherished sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, whose kindness and compassion have touched countless lives.

Above all, LaVerne is a Woman of God whose life serves as a living testimony of faith, grace, and perseverance. As a lifelong member of New Calvary Baptist Church, she has faithfully served in many capacities from a young age. In her roles as Missionary and Deaconess, she exemplifies humility, prayerfulness, and a deep commitment to ministry. Whether lifting her voice in the choir or teaching in Sunday School, she demonstrates a spirit of excellence and devotion that inspires all who encounter her.

LaVerne embodies the virtues described in Proverbs 31: strength, dignity, wisdom, and a heart dedicated to serving others. She is known for mentoring and encouraging young women, modeling what it means to live a life rooted in faith, integrity, and purpose. Through her professional experience, servant's heart, spiritual wisdom, and deep commitment to uplifting others, she is honored to support the organization's mission and help guide its continued growth and impact within the community.