By: Richard L. Smith
The City of East Orange is inviting the community to join in commemorating the 157th anniversary of Juneteenth today from 12 PM to 6 PM at Rowley Park
.
This annual celebration honors African Americans' resilience, strength, and achievements in the face of slavery while celebrating excellence and growth.
The day will feature fun for the entire family, including vendors, music, cultural dance, and more.
All are welcome to attend this meaningful celebration of Black history, culture, and the ongoing pursuit of equality.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when all slaves in the United States were finally freed.
This significant date came about two months after the end of the Civil War, marking the effective end of slavery. The first Juneteenth celebrations began in 1866 among the newly freed people in Texas.
As African Americans from Texas and neighboring states spread throughout the country in the 20th century, so did Juneteenth celebrations. In 1980, Texas became the first state to make it a holiday.
In 2020, amidst protests against police brutality, there was a call to make Juneteenth a national holiday. In 2021, President Biden signed legislation officially making Juneteenth a federal holiday.
"Juneteenth is a day to honor our resilient past while celebrating our glorious freedom in the present," said "Mayor Ted R. Green.
"While our community is still healing from the impact of slavery, it is important to take time to celebrate our strides as a people whose significant contributions to the building of our country cannot be overstated. Despite the chains that bound us, we have emerged triumphantly as brilliant educators, innovators, and agents of transformative change."
Join East Orange in celebrating this historic day and honoring the legacy and contributions of African Americans.