What is Juneteenth?
For years, school children were taught that Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves with his Emancipation Proclamation. i remember sitting in my seat imagining that very tall man in the black magician's hat hitting a gavel on a sturdy wooden podium and exclaiming FREE the slaves. I conjured up daydreams of happy people shouting joyfully for days in celebration of free. In reality the word was quite slow in getting out. The "Emancipation Proclamation" was signed in 1863. It took 2 1/2 years for the word to get out. Soldiers were still fighting and killing each other in places and slaves were still very much still slaves. Southern plantation owners profited for two and a half years from the freed slaves NOT having the information that would set them free. June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas with the news that the slaves were free. Two and a half years after the signing of the paper, men and women were still performing free labor, dying and being owned. I don't know about you, but I can imagine that day. FREE! FREE! FREEEEE! FREEDOM!
FOR INFORMATION CALL:
From 10 am - 6 pm they invite you to Juneteenth "Celebrating Freedom, Unity and Black Women in American History and Culture."
The Bergen County Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument Committee is spearheading a movement to build a life size bronze monument of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the
bridge that connects the Fairleigh Dickinson Teaneck and Hackensack Campuses. Professional Artists are working on submissions to compete for the job of creating the monument.
The Juneteenth Celebration presented by the African American Advisory Committee will take place at Bergen County Overpeck Park at Ridgefield Park. Entertainment, Food, Games, Cultural & Historical Displays, Vendors, Family Reunions, Music and Tour of Historical Gethsemane Cemetery.
For Information & to become involved, please call
Theodora Lacey: 201-833-9180
Arnold Brown: 201-745-6975
On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth became an official state holiday through the efforts of Al Edwards, an African American state legislator. The successful passage of this bill marked Juneteenth as the first emancipation celebration granted official state recognition. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Edwards has since actively sought to spread the observance of Juneteenth all across America. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
"Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society."
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| Community members sell fish and chicken dinners with refreshments. 2011 |
From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.
"Juneteenth is a day of reflection, a day of renewal, a pride-filled day. It is a moment in time taken to appreciate the African American experience. It is inclusive of all races, ethnicities and nationalities - as nothing is more comforting than the hand of a friend."
"Juneteenth serves symbolically, and in reality, as a reference point from which to measure and appreciate the progress and contributions made by African Americans to this society."
"Juneteenth is a day on which honor and respect is paid for the sufferings of slavery. It is a day on which we acknowledge the evils of slavery and its aftermath. On Juneteenth we talk about our history and realize because of it, there will forever be a bond between us."
"On Juneteenth we think about that moment in time when the enslaved in Galveston, Texas received word of their freedom. We imagine the depth of their emotions, their jubilant dance and their fear of the unknown."
"Juneteenth is a day that we commit to each other the needed support as family, friends and co-workers. It is a day we build coalitions that enhance African American economics."
"On Juneteenth we come together young and old to listen, to learn and to refresh the drive to achieve. It is a day where we all take one step closer together - to better utilize the energy wasted on racism. Juneteenth is a day that we pray for peace and liberty for all."
Local Celebrations
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The Jabari Society is hosting 3 Events as part of the 3 Day Juneteenth Celebration 2012
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| Juneteenth 2011 |
- Carnival @Depot Square Friday, June 15th - Sunday, June 17th Entertainment & Open Mic Vendors,
- Juneteenth Social Affair: Friday, June15th 9pm - 1:00 am @Club 201, Corner Palisade Ave. & Armory Street, Englewood - Buffet and DJ $20 donation
- Parade - Saturday, June 16th - 10:30 The Parade begins at the monument, proceeds down Palisade Avenue and ends in Depot Square.
FOR INFORMATION CALL:
Joe Hoyle/Parade Coordinator at (201) 615-2983
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The African American Advisory Committee
After the Parade on Saturday, June 16th, many of you might
want to check out the Celebration given jointly by the African
American Advisory Committee and the Board of Chosen
Freeholders of Bergen County.
American Advisory Committee and the Board of Chosen
Freeholders of Bergen County.
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| Statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in the Kelly Ingram Park, Birmingham, Alabama |
The Bergen County Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument Committee is spearheading a movement to build a life size bronze monument of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the
bridge that connects the Fairleigh Dickinson Teaneck and Hackensack Campuses. Professional Artists are working on submissions to compete for the job of creating the monument.
The Juneteenth Celebration presented by the African American Advisory Committee will take place at Bergen County Overpeck Park at Ridgefield Park. Entertainment, Food, Games, Cultural & Historical Displays, Vendors, Family Reunions, Music and Tour of Historical Gethsemane Cemetery.
For Information & to become involved, please call
Theodora Lacey: 201-833-9180
Arnold Brown: 201-745-6975
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The NJ Legislative Bill A145 was sponsored by Assemblyman Jerry Green from District 22 (Middlesex, Somerset, Union) A link to the law: https://acrobat.com/#d=zil40AfQQ2Elg2EHrK-XvA
Every teacher in every district in the State of New Jersey should integrate some information into the curriculum about Juneteenth. The addition of one lesson is a good place to start for all citizens who love FREEDOM and care about the youth of tomorrow.
Every teacher in every district in the State of New Jersey should integrate some information into the curriculum about Juneteenth. The addition of one lesson is a good place to start for all citizens who love FREEDOM and care about the youth of tomorrow.
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