Juneteenth: Voorhees Celebrates Freedom Day with Heart, Joy and Calls for Justice
Vendors and attendees take part in the Voorhees Juneteenth celebration on June 21, 2025. Photo by Madison Jolley
BY MADISON JOLLEY | For AC JosepH Media
VOORHEES — The sun poured over Connolly Park on last weekend, on July 21, as a steady flow of families, performers, vendors, and community leaders came together for Voorhees Township’s Juneteenth Freedom Day Festival, a vibrant celebration honoring history, culture, and collective power.
From the smell of smoked BBQ in the air to the rhythms of gospel and soul echoing across the lawn, the event was a powerful blend of remembrance and revelry.
Hosted by the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee, this year’s celebration reminded everyone in attendance that Juneteenth is more than just a date, it’s a call to honor the past while pushing for a more inclusive future.
The program opened with heartfelt remarks, beginning with a special video address from Mayor Michael Mignogna, who welcomed guests and expressed gratitude for the township’s commitment to diversity. His message set the tone: unity, action, and community pride.
Jackie Fetbroyt, Township Committee member and DEI advocate, reminded the crowd that true freedom includes truthful education.
“When history is sanitized, when cultural perspectives are excluded, we fail our students and we fail our community,” Fetbroyt said. “When equity thrives, we all thrive.”
Her remarks were followed by Stephanie Fisher, who paid homage to the late Brother Zachman and other founding visionaries behind the VCDC.
She emphasized the historical importance of Juneteenth, referencing the long delay in enslaved Texans learning they were free.
“Can you imagine — they had no idea they were free,” she said. “Let us never, ever forget.”
Jennifer Branch Stewart, this year’s celebration chair and an active voice in the community, delivered a personal and impassioned message.
“Even acknowledging Black history is now seen as controversial,” Stewart said. “But our history, our freedom, and our perseverance cannot be erased… Show up, show out, and don’t shrink.”
Young leaders from the NAACP Camden County East Youth Council stood proudly at the center of the park, spreading awareness, signing up new members, and proving that the next generation is more than ready to lead.
Ananda Mensah, the council’s education chair, said this was her first Juneteenth event in Voorhees, and she felt inspired by the community turnout.
“It’s very, very important, especially now with education being watered down for us young Black children,” Mensah said. “I want everybody to know the purpose and the root behind Juneteenth.”
Ebele Azikiwe, second vice president of the youth council, reflected on the power of visibility and perseverance.
“If we don’t do the work, nobody else will,” Azikiwe said. “So, people need to lift their heads up and remember that change only comes if we keep pushing.”
The heart of Connolly Park buzzed with creativity, culture, and connection. The food lineup alone was worth celebrating: Frios Gourmet Popsicles, Smokin’ Rev & Lady Q’s BBQ Truck, Ziggle’s Cuisine, Fat Bears, Bear Bites, and Not Your Average Weiner — just to name a few.
Crafts and community tables offered everything from henna art, handmade jewelry, and fashion accessories to health resources from the Camden County Health Department and local counseling services.
Businesses like 4Walls Counseling, The Learning Tree Daycare, and Da Driveby Seasoning Blends turned the event into a community market filled with flavor and purpose.
Brittney Marks-Black, a Weichert real estate agent and salon owner, showed up with her mother as a dynamic duo, encouraging Black families to pursue homeownership.
“Being Black is a superpower,” Marks-Black said. “Learn about buying a house, that’s how we build generational wealth. They’re not giving us our 40 acres and a mule, so we’ve got to go out there and buy it.”
Among the standout vendors was Kendall Gourdine, owner of Muqmin Art & Frame Gallery based in Magnolia. His booth displayed a vibrant array of Black art — bold prints, historical imagery, and custom framing that centered African American narratives.
Gourdine came to the festival not just to sell, but to celebrate.
“It’s my first time at this particular event, and I just love Juneteenth,” he said. “Now that it’s a national holiday, our community should definitely come out and support, even if you don’t buy anything. Just come out and enjoy the day.”
He added that Juneteenth represents more than remembrance; it’s also about exposure and empowerment. His presence highlighted the importance of supporting Black creatives and preserving cultural expression through art.
“Come meet people you’ve never met before,” Gourdine said. “It’s a beautiful day to connect and be proud.”
The entertainment was as dynamic as the crowd. Performers like Praise Dancers, Seoul Food, Zuri Csepes, and Linda Sistrunk brought joy and power to the stage, while DJ Jason Brice kept the vibes going all afternoon.
A flag ceremony by the Girl Scouts, a surprise hula hooper, and performances by groups like Riddem Nation and Starfire added layers of energy to an already electric atmosphere.
Even local government departments got involved, Voorhees Police and Fire Departments, Camden County Police, and the Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club all showed up for outreach and connection.
Juneteenth is a time to honor resilience, amplify Black voices, and educate future generations. In Voorhees, it’s also a time to celebrate, and that’s exactly what happened at Connolly Park. From the stage to the vendors, from student activists to seasoned leaders, the Juneteenth Freedom Day Festival was a powerful reminder that progress is worth celebrating and fighting for.
Follow Us Today On:
Note from AC JosepH Media: If you like this story and others posted on Front Runner New Jersey.com, lend us a hand so we can keep producing articles like these for New Jersey and the world to see. Click on SUPPORT FRNJ and make a contribution that will go directly in making more stories like this available. Thank you for reading.
About Author
