Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, is a holiday celebrated on June 19th and commemorates the date slaves were officially freed in the United States. On June 3rd, 2021, former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller announced that the township would observe the Friday before Juneteenth (Juneteenth fell on a Saturday in 2021) as a public holiday. Read on to learn more about Juneteenth and the holiday’s history in Montclair, New Jersey.
The History of Juneteenth
Juneteenth, or June 19th, is the date that officially recognizes the day on which slaves were freed. Although President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1st, 1863, it took about two and a half years for the news to reach the southern states where there were still enslaved people. About 250,000 people were still being used as slaves until Union General Gordon Granger informed the people of Texas that all slaves were free.
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While many members of the Black community have recognized and celebrated Juneteenth for decades, it’s only in the last couple of years that we have begun to see legislation to publicly recognize Juneteenth as a holiday.
In September 2020, Governor Murphy signed legislation declaring the third Friday in June a state and public holiday celebrating Juneteenth. Mayor Spiller announced in 2021 that Montclair would also observe the third Friday as a public holiday. Shortly after Mayor Spiller’s announcement, President Biden signed a proclamation making Juneteenth a federal holiday. As a result, all municipal offices were set to be closed, and recycling collection did not take place on this new holiday.
Making it a Public Holiday in Montclair
In an announcement from the township, former Montclair Mayor Spiller said, “Juneteenth is not only a celebration of this momentous period in our history, but also a day that affords us an opportunity to consider how much more needs to be done to ensure true equity and justice for all Americans. The need to recognize the challenges we still face as a nation, to confront the systemic racism rooted in so many of our institutions, and to truly live up to the ideals prescribed in the founding documents of this great nation is a call to action that each of us, as Americans, need to answer.”
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Even though the rest of the country followed suit, Montclair was proudly ahead of the curve by declaring Juneteenth a public holiday.
This Juneteenth, there are many ways to celebrate and recognize this important day in history. We’ve rounded up Juneteenth events in Essex County for everyone to be able to participate in this historic day.
16 Fun Things to Do in West Orange, New Jersey
West Orange is located in Essex County and is a town catering to everyone. Visitors can have fun with indoor + outdoor activities, making it a perfect stop for any season and any weather. Those who are active can a nature walk or a hike in the reservations. Those who prefer a chill day can enjoy leisurely vintage shopping. Those working from home and looking for a change of scenery can enjoy a coffee shop or spend a lunch break at a cafe. Keep reading to learn more about cool sights and spots to explore in West Orange, New Jersey.
Activities + Shopping
Apple Butter Boutique | 558 Valley Road
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Apple Butter Boutique is located near the corner of Valley Road + Hazel Avenue. This Black woman-owned + operated shop is filled with clothes + accessories. There is also a braid bar available. Apple Butter sells products like shirts, pants, jumpsuits, + outerwear. If shopping for something special to wear to the next big event, check out the dress section.
Luna Stage | 555 Valley Road
Luna Stage sits near the intersection of Valley Road + Hazel Avenue. This professional, nonprofit theater produces shows like The Ground on Which We Stand, Richard II, Paradise, + more. The theater also holds summer classes for kids + teens. Shows + classes are held on a Pay-What-You-Choose program.
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Pleasant Valley Productions (at OSPAC) | 4 Boland Drive
Pleasant Valley Productions is an independent, non-profit, community theater company that produces shows to perform at Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center. Some shows produced are Jesus Christ Superstar, Into the Woods, + more. There is also a summer intensive program available for junior performers over the summer.
Valley Vintage | 186 South Valley Road
Valley Vintage sits near the corner of South Valley Road + Meeker Street. The space is 2100+ square feet of variety. There are over 20 shops showcasing their products. Everything from home decor, to antiques, vintage shops, + jewelry finds are available. Valley Vintage also hosts events and sales throughout the year.
Places to Grab a Bite
Chit Chat Diner | 410 Eagle Rock Avenue
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The Chit Chat Diner is located on Eagle Rock Avenue, across the street from the Eagle Rock Reservation. After enjoying a nature walk through the reservation, stop into this diner for lunch or an afternoon cup of coffee and a sweet treat. The diner’s colorful design showcases checkerboard floors, bright and patterns cushioned booths with spotted edges, and striped and checkerboard wall designs. MG recommends ordering the California Breakfast BLT (applewood smoked bacon, fried egg, avocado + fresh mozzarella cheese on pressed challah bread + served with potato chips), or the Fig + Gouda Burger (fresh fig jam, bacon bits + gouda, served with French fries).
Harper’s Cafe | 134 South Valley Road
Harper’s Cafe is located near the corner of South Valley Road + Tremont Avenue. The cozy atmosphere inside the cafe includes warm wooden tables + counter, drop lighting, + a bold, blue wall behind the counter. There is also outdoor seating available. If stopping by for breakfast, try the So Simple Sandwich (two eggs, aged white cheddar on a brioche bun). For lunch, try the Truffle Grilled Cheese (white cheddar, yellow cheddar, pork or turkey Bacon, with truffle oil).
The Highlawn | 1 Crest Drive
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The Highlawn, recently renovated, is located near the Eagle Rock reservation deck, making it a great spot to take in beautiful views. The Highlawn provides a panoramic view of the New York City skyline. The Highlawn is open for dining six days a week (closed on Mondays). There are plenty of options to choose from, including the duck carbonara, black truffle roasted chicken, + pan-seared scallops.
Jimmy Buff’s Italian Hot Dogs | 60 Washington Street
If looking for an authentic New Jersey favorite, stop by Jimmy Buff’s Italian Hot Dogs. This hot dog shop is located near the corner of Washington Street + Columbia Street. Italian hot dogs are traditionally made with one or two hot dogs, peppers + onions, and potatoes in a bun. In addition to these NJ delicacies, Jimmy Buff’s also has sausages, cheesesteaks, hamburgers, + more available.
Light Bulb Coffee Shop | 285 Main Street
Light Bulb Coffee Shop is located on the corner of Washington Street + Main Street. This cozy coffee shop is a great stop for an afternoon pick-me-up. The shop has coffee options like flat whites, cappuccinos, + more for patrons. It also sells pastries + homemade empanadas. These items can be taken to go, or patrons can hang out inside with one of the shop’s books. Some games are also available inside, like Connect Four + Jenga.
McLoone’s Boathouse | 9 Cherry Lane
McLoone’s Boathouse is located in the South Mountain Reservation area, about a three-minute drive from the Turtle Back Zoo. Menus are available for lunch, dinner, and a Sunday brunch buffet. For lunch, try the blackened Mahi Mahi tacos or the short rib French Dip. If stopping by for dinner, start with clams on the half shell from the raw bar menu. Then, move on to the brown sugar spiced salmon or the signature crab cakes. Menu options are available for those who are gluten-free, vegetarian, + vegan as well.
Willow + Olivia | 255 Main Street
If a sweet treat is needed, then look no further than the storefront of Willow + Olivia. Inside this dessert cafe, patrons can find beautifully made cupcakes, cookies, + more. If in need of a decorative cake, call ahead and place an order to have cake decor dreams come to life. Super fans can check out Willow + Olivia’s merch for cozy sweatshirts, relaxed tees, + more.
Outdoor Spots
Eagle Rock Reservation | Eagle Rock Avenue + Prospect Avenue
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Eagle Rock Reservation holds 408 acres of land to explore. The park contains large hiking trails, as well as 18 different parks. Trails are available for hikers of all different skill levels. A map of Eagle Rock Reservation can show nature goers the variety of trails that start with as little as 0.9 miles in length.
Rock Spring Golf Club | 90 Rock Spring Road
If golfing is enticing, discover what Rock Spring Golf Club has on its course. This 6,600-yard course is about 15 miles west of Manhattan, making it easily accessible to soak in the NYC skyline while playing a round or two. The golf course has Dynamic Pricing available; further information about this + plus the club’s dress code, can be found on the website. Rock Spring also has golf events throughout the year.
South Mountain Reservation | Cherry Lane + South Orange Avenue
West Orange has access to two reservations within the town, as South Mountain Reservation is also accessible through Cherry Lane + South Orange Avenue. This reservation has 2100+ acres on its property, bordering towns such as West Orange, Maplewood, Millburn, + South Orange. South Mountain Reservation has access to multiple trails ranging from 0.5 miles up to six miles on its map. The reservation also has access to a dog park + a Wildlife Forest Preserve.
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Thomas Edison National Historical Park | 211 Main Street
Thomas Edison National Historical Park is a great spot for history buffs to visit. Visitors can tour the Thomas Edison family home, also known as The Glenmont, and learn more about the Edison family. There is also a tour available of the laboratory with an audio guide. The home, laboratory, + grounds are open Thursday-Sunday.
Turtle Back Zoo | 560 Northfield Avenue
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The Turtle Back Zoo is home to Essex County’s only zoo. The grounds are fun for the whole family. Attractions include a zoo train traveling through the grounds + South Mountain Reservation, an endangered species carousel ride, face painting, conversations with zookeepers, + more. Turtle Back Zoo is also home to habitats such as the Sea Turtle Recovery.
