Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Liberation Day, Emancipation Day, takes place on June 19th and marks the day of emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. Local communities celebrate this historic day through educational and cultural events. Read on for a list of Juneteenth events happening in and around Essex County.
Essex County
Juneteenth Event at Fleet Feet
June 14 – 19th
Fleet Feet has joined forces with numerous businesses, organizations, and individuals (Teachers Undoing Racism Now!, Montclair NAACP, Montclair Neighborhood Development Corp., NJ Association of Black Educators, Montclair African American Heritage Foundation, Vanguard Theater Company, Montclair Mom’s Of Color, and more) to bring to life a 5 day Juneteenth Celebration. Learn more here.
Slavery by Another Name Discussion with Montclair State University Associate Dean Leslie Wilson
June 16th
With the day themed “13th Amendment” (marking the amendment to the Constitution that barred slavery), Montclair State University Associate Dean Leslie Wilson will lead a virtual discussion, “Slavery by Another Name.” It’s a free Zoom lecture on the role of the Black soldier’s fight to end slavery.
Self-Reliance Performance at the Vanguard Theater
June 18th | 7PM
Under the theme of “Self-Reliance,” Vanguard Theater, located at 180 Bloomfield Avenue will do a free performance and present the film “A Place to Become” at 7PM. There will be a panel display on Montclair Black history.
Bloomfield Township X The Giveback Hair Show
June 19 | 12PM – 6PM
Bloomfield Township in collaboration with a local nonprofit organization The Giveback Hair Show is putting on an outdoor festival in recognition of Juneteenth. Learn more here.
Community Day: Juneteenth at The Newark Museum of Art
Jun 19 | 1PM – 5PM
Explore the significance of Juneteenth with the Museum through a full day of events starting with art-making activity with children’s author and artist Kween Moore, a moment of remembrance and an update on the George Floyd Foundation initiatives, a soul steps masterclass, and performance, a virtual live walking tour of the city, and a panel discussion with thought leaders and advocates about the true meaning of Juneteenth. Learn more here.
Sweet Shop Juneteenth Pop Up Shop
June 19 | 1PM – 6PM
This outdoor event will feature several vendors, live music, and more. Learn more here.
Juneteenth Celebration Pop Up Shop
June 19 | 4PM – 9PM
This pop-up shop event will take place at 158 Malvern Street. Learn more here.
Hudson County
Happy Juneteenth Craft Distribution at the Jersey City Free Public Library
June 15 | 1PM – 4:30PM
Visit the Marion Branch Library to borrow books, sign up for a library card, access any library services, and receive a Juneteenth Craft to do at home to celebrate and learn about Juneteenth.
Chef Ed’s Mixtape Dinner: The Juneteenth Bad Boy Party
June 18 | 6PM – 10PM
This event will be a night of 90s Hip Hop themed artwork, celebrity special guest DJ, Host, and surprise performances. This immersive experience includes the Staff in 90s attire, live band, and musical performances at the Marcus NoHu Rooftop. Learn more here.
African Cultural Arts Family Festival 2021
June 19 | 1PM – 7PM
The African Cultural Arts Family Festival will have live entertainment, vendors to shop from, and food.
