Juneteenth 2023: Where They Are Celebrating in South Jersey
Juneteenth Front Runner New Jersey
By Clyde Hughes | AC JosepH Media
ATLANTIC CITY — Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement.
It is also a symbol of a country beginning to take a correction course from what former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice once called “America’s original sin.” In 2021, the United States for the first-time designated Juneteenth as a national holiday.
Last year, New Jersey made it a state holiday for the first time. South Jersey will begin celebrating with events throughout the month.
Come out and celebrate one of the truly American holidays, recognizing the perseverance and determination of African Americans and what it really means to celebrate freedom by attending one or more of these celebrations.
If you have an event you would like to add to the calendar, contact editor Clyde Hughes at chughes@acjosephmedia.com.
Thursday, June 8
VINELAND
South Jersey Small Business Expo VI
Hosted by: AC JosepH Media and Bully Pest Management
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Krumbs Café, 942 South Delsea Drive
Details: The South Jersey Small Business Expo is a networking and marketing event for small business owners and their supporters. This event will also recognize Juneteenth and address the needs of African American businesses and other minority businesses. Free food will be served. For more info, email chughes@acjosephmedia.com.
Friday, June 9
WOODBURY
Juneteenth Edition Outdoor Open Mic Night
Hosted by: BrickNKulture & The Renaissance Review
Time: 7-10 p.m.
Where: The Cultural Collective Cafe & BrickNKulture Event Space, 65 North Broad Street
Details: BrickNKulture & The Renaissance Review is back with a Special Juneteenth Edition for our 2nd Friday of the month Open Mic Night. It will be filled with beautiful people, amazing talent, Vendors, DJ and the energy on an all-time high. Our Coffee shop will be open.
Doors Open Up at 7 p.m. Show will start at 8 p.m. sharp.
Tuesday, July 13
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE
United Young Generation Juneteenth Dinner and Show
Hosted by: United Young Generation
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Middle Township Performing Arts Center, 212 Bayberry Drive
Details: Those that fail to study history are doomed to repeat it. The event is sponsored by the Middle Township Education Association. For more info and to RSVP, contact David Farrow farrowd@middletwp.k12.nj.us. RSVP is needed to for caterers.
Friday, June 16-Sunday, June 18
ATLANTIC CITY
Black Excellence Festival
Hosted by: Brooklyn Media Group
Time: Various times over three days
Where: Showboat Hotel, 801 Boardwalk
Details: This three-day extravaganza has become a true regional Juneteenth holiday event showcasing Atlantic City and the best in African American business, food, art and entertainment at one of the major venues for Black events in the city. See local celebrities share the stage of regional and national stars during a praise fest, film festival, seminars and a business expo all in one. For more information, go to: https://www.thebefestival.com/
Saturday-Sunday, June 17-18
BURLINGTON
Burlington Freedom Day 2023: A Juneteenth Celebration
Hosted by: CHAI Community Development Corp.
Time: 2-7 p.m.
Where: Burlington Riverfront Promenade, Riverfront & High streets
Details: The kickoff event will be held on Saturday with great music, food, vendors, and a Kid’s Zone that includes a free lunch as well as crafts, games, and activities for all of the children. “Praise on the Promenade: A Gospel Music Celebration” will be held on Sunday. Varied performances, special guests, great food, and music will be the focus of the day. Feel free to bring your blankets and chairs so that you can lounge on the lawn and enjoy all that the day has to offer. For more info, contact Trina at tvassallo@chaicdc.org or 609-336-6202.
Thursday, June 15
ATLANTIC CITY
Pre-Juneteenth Celebration of Black Music
Hosted by: Stockton University
Time: 5 p.m.
Where: Fannie Lou Hamer Room, Scarpa Academic Center, 3711 Atlantic Avenue
Details: The event will feature music selections by Donnetrice “DJ Mello-Dee” Allison, chair of the Africana Studies program, games, food and prizes. The celebration – open to students, staff, faculty and community members and is sponsored by the Africana Studies program and School of Arts & Humanities.
Friday, June 16
ATLANTIC CITY
Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony
Hosted by: City of Atlantic City Multicultural Affairs
Time: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Where: City Hall of Atlantic City, 1301 Bacharch Boulevard
Details: Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small will raise Juneteenth flag at the City Hall Courtyard marking the beginning of the weekend Juneteenth celebration in the city.
MOORESTOWN
Moorestown Juneteenth Flag Raising
Hosted by: Better Together Moorestown
Time: 5-6 p.m.
Where: Moorestown Town Hall, 111 West Second Street
Details: Join us for the inaugural Juneteenth Flag raising at Moorestown Town Hall! This event will feature speeches from community leaders and is sponsored by the Better Together Advisory Committee.
BRIDGETON
2nd Annual Pre-Juneteenth Freedom Ride & Walk
Hosted By: Minority Leadership & Recruitment Committee of Cumberland County
Time: 4:30-7 p.m.
Where: Bridgeton Sunset Lake Amphitheater, Sunset Lake Road
Details: Cumberland County educators, their families, students and community will come together for an evening of togetherness biking and walking a 2.5-mile route. Beginning at the Bridgeton High School parking lot traveling in collaboration with law enforcement assistance to celebrate together, socialize, educate, honor and recount the historical day in June 1865 when people of color were made aware (nearly 2.5 years after Emancipation Proclamation) of their freedom. For more information, contact Dr. Tiffanie ThrBak and Nicole Kinsey at tthrbak@njea.org and lindanay5@yahoo.com, respectively. You can also find information at https://CumberlandCountyEA.org
Saturday, June 17
ATLANTIC CITY
Juneteenth March
Hosted by: Ubuntu the Community and City of Atlantic City
Time: 11:30 a.m. line up, March starts 1 p.m.
Where: Pop Lloyd Stadium, 1227 N. Indiana Avevne, ends at City Hall, 1301 Bacharch Boulevard
Details: Come kick off Juneteenth weekend with a community march, walking together in celebrating power, freedom and justice. Personalized posters are encouraged.
BRIDGETON
Tri City H.O.P.E.’s 8th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Hosted by: Tri City H.O.P.E.
Time: Noon to Dusk
Where: Bridgeton Midget Football Field, 4 Burt Street
Details: The day’s activities will kick off with an amateur boxing show with 12 bouts scheduled to take place. Taking place at the same time as the boxing show, will be kids games with $700 in prize money up for grabs. The opening ceremonies will take place with the singing of Lift Every Voice and Sing. Miss Juneteenth, Junior Miss Juneteenth, and Little Miss Juneteenth will be presented to the attendees.
BURLINGTON
Third Annual Juneteenth Family Celebration
Hosted by: Alpha Xi Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Time: 4-10 p.m.
Where: Green Acres Park, 851 Old York Road
Details: For more information, contact Carl Barkley Jr. at 718-541-2988.
CAMDEN
Juneteenth Independence Day Celebration
Hosted by: City of Camden
Time: 1-7 p.m.
Where: Wiggins Riverfront Park, 2 Riverside Drive
Details: Presented in conjunction with the City of Camden. The festival will feature family-friendly activities, local merchants, food vendors, art exhibits, and a lineup of live music performances.
CHERRY HILL
Juneteenth Parade and Celebration
Hosted by: Cherry Hill African American Civic Association, Cherry Hill Township, Cherry Hill Police
Time: Parade starts at 10 a.m.
Where: Croft Farms, 100 Bortons Mill Road
Details: In a short amount of time, the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association has made this event a must-stop event when taking in Juneteenth events. There will be non-stop entertainment, events for the currents, speakers and more than 40 vendors looking to engage visitors.
GLASSBORO
4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Hosted by: The Queen’s Initiative
Time: 1-6 p.m.
Where: Glassboro Sports Complex 230 Wilmer Street
Details: This event has grown into one of South Jersey’s premiere Juneteenth celebrations, drawing vendors and visitors throughout the state. Enjoy a day of community and unity along with live music, poetry, dancing, food, games and prizes. The organizers make an extra effort to support Black-owned businesses and one of the largest Juneteenth marketplaces.
LAWNSIDE
Peter Mott House 5K Fundraiser
Hosted by: Lawnside Historical Society
Time: Noon-3 p.m.
Where: Bryant Community Center
Details: The fundraiser benefits the Peter Mott House. https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Lawnside/Lawnside5K.
MARLTON
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom
Hosted by: Evesham Township
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Savich Field, 510 East Main Street
Details: Evesham Township’s annual Juneteenth event will take to commemorate the end of slavery. Enjoy music, food, vendors and lots more fun. For more information contact (856) 985-4338 or webbs@evesham-nj.gov
MOORESTOWN
Moorestown Juneteenth Celebration
Hosted by: Perkins Center for the Arts
Time: 2-7 p.m.
Where: Perkins Center for the Arts, 395 Kings Highway
Details: Vendors, music and more.
OCEAN CITY
Juneteenth Celebration and Community Reunion
Hosted by: Cape May County NAACP, City of Ocean CityRock Solid Productions/Count On Comedy
Time: 1-5 p.m.
Where: Eighth Street Rec Center, 719 Haven Avenue
Details: Music, Comedy, Food, And Youth activities will headline The 2023 Ocean City, New Jersey Juneteenth Celebration. Enjoy a day of vendors, and live entertainment as O.C.N.J. recognize and celebrates the rich history of its town African Americans while embracing the festivities of the Juneteenth holiday. This FREE event is open for all to attend and vendors are encouraged to register to take part in this spectacular event.
SALEM
Mount Zion Juneteenth Celebration
Hosted By: Mount Zion and Friends
Time: Noon-4 p.m.
Where: 437 Grieves Parkway
Details: This is the first Juneteenth celebration for Mount Zion and Friends. Will feature vendors, food and music. Awood Jones is the pastor.
SICKLERVILLE
Juneteenth Celebration Featuring: Motown Review
Hosted by: TBA
Time: 7-11 p.m.
Where: New Brooklyn Park
Details: Join us on June 17th in celebration of Juneteenth by coming out and listening to live performances from Motown Review.
SWEDESBORO
RockLife Church Men’s Empowerment
Hosted by: RockLife Church
Time: 9-2 p.m.
Where: RockLife Church, 510 Heron Road
Details: There will be a Welcome Breakfast, Transformational Prayer, several powerful info sessions, dynamic speakers and presentations along with a working lunch. Registration is required: https://www.rocklifechurch.org/mens-empowerment-registration
WILLINGBORO
Juneteenth Festival at Mill Creek Park
Hosted by: Willingboro Township
Time: Noon-4 p.m.
Where: Mill Creek Park
Details: Join us for great food, music, fun, and cultural celebration at Millcreek Park. Today, Juneteenth is recognized for more than the ending of slavery. The celebration of Juneteenth highlights African American heritage and culture, freedom, and education. Join us for great food, music, fun, and cultural celebration. For more info: https://www.willingboronj.gov/departments/recreation-parks/juneteenth-festival
WOODBURY
Gloucester County NAACP Juneteenth Celebration
Hosted by: Gloucester County NAACP
Time: Noon-8 p.m.
Where: Stewart Lake Park, 235 East Red Bank Avenue
Details: The Gloucester County NAACP celebration moves from Deptford to Woodbury this year. The annual event is a fun, family-friendly event elevating Juneteenth throughout the state of New Jersey. It will feature unique entertainment, music, food, and dancing. There will be face painting for the kids, a variety of historical and educational exhibits, artistic displays, and recreation.
Black Farmers Artisan Market
Hosted by: The Cultural Collective Cafe & BrickNKulture
Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: 65 North Broad Street
Details: For more info, call 856-202-5764
Sunday, June 18
BURLINGTON
Father’s Day/Juneteenth Celebration
Hosted by: The Turquoise Cup
Time: TBA
Where: The Turquoise Cup 325 High Street
Details: We provide you with all the materials and instructions needed to infuse your own creativity and personal style into your dominoes. During the event, you can sip on your favorite beverage while vibing to chill music and enjoying in a relaxing and creative environment.
After it’s final glaze firing, your finished domino set can then be used to play with your friends and family or display them as a unique piece of art in your home! This class is reserved for adults only. You must be at least 21 years old to participate.
CAPE MAY
Juneteenth Celebration and 2nd Annual Harriet Tubman Benefit Dinner
Hosted By: Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey
Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m./5-8 p.m.
Where: Harriet Tubman Museum, 632 Lafayette Street/The Chalfonte, 301 Howard Street
Details: A free Juneteenth Celebration at the Harriet Tubman Museum Sunday morning and along with tours of the museum will be given before the dinner. The dinner commemorates two years of museum and spreading the history of Harriet Tubman. Music, beverages, and a special Chalfonte buffet are included.
Monday, June 19
ATLANTIC CITY
Annual Juneteenth Celebration Cookout
Hosted By: Ubuntu the Community
Time: 3-7 p.m.
Where: Oscar McClinton Waterfront Park
Details: Afternoon filled with music, performers, face painting, live DJ, vendors and free food.
CINNAMINSON
PRC Juneteenth Celebration
Hosted by: PRC Juneteenth Committee
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Where: Wood Park, 2321 Riverton Road
Details: Each year the PRC Juneteenth committee strives to educate, entertain, and inspire residents about the meaning of Juneteenth and the importance it plays in the history of our country. Some exciting new additions to this year’s program include a drill performance by Amped to Dance, a step performance from AKA Step Team and an African Dance performance by the Carmen Dance Experience. Special guests include State Sen. Troy Singleton, President of the South Burlington County NAACP Tyrus Ballard and the Rev. Dr. Leslie Harrison. For more information, contact Michelle Ray at MICHRAY8@gmail.com or 732-766-4755; Michael Hunt at Mhunt2979@gmail.com or 609-424-7389; or Kim Robinson at krobinson_19131@yahoo.com or 856-630-2996.
VINELAND
Vineland Juneteenth Celebration
Hosted by: City of Vineland
Time: 11 a.m.
Where: Vineland City Hall, 2nd Floor, 640 East Wood Street
Details: Keynote speaker will be Angelia Edwards, president of the Greater Vineland NAACP and nonprofit executive. Elizabeth Arthur, the first African American woman to serve as Vineland City Council president, will also speak in an event that will also include the raising of the Juneteenth flag at Vineland City Hall.
Wednesday, June 21
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP
Juneteenth Paint Night
Hosted By: Inland Family Success Center
Time: 4-5 p.m.
Where: Inland Family Success Center 3050 Spruce Avenue
Details: Juneteenth is an important day in history that represents the emancipation of African American slaves. Join us and recreate inspiring art to honor their freedom. This event is free to participants and open to all families living in Atlantic County. Pre-Registration is required. Please email inlandfsc@gmail.com for more information or call us at 609-569-0376.
Friday, June 23
MILLVILLE
Fourth Friday Family Picnic Celebrating Juneteenth
Hosted by: City of Millville, Bully Pest Management, CompleteCare
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Details: Being billed as Millville first-ever celebration of Juneteenth, the event will feature free food, hip-hop dancers, dee jay, a bouncy house, games for children, etc.
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