Lawnside Celebrates Juneteenth and Centennial Legacy with New Jersey Black Heritage Trail Marker Unveiling on Friday
Historic June 19th ceremony honors Lawnside’s 100th Anniversary as the first incorporated, self-governing Black municipality in the Northeast
AC JosepH Media
LAWNSIDE — The Borough of Lawnside, in partnership with the New Jersey Historical Commission, will host its Juneteenth celebration at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 19, featuring the dedication and unveiling of an official New Jersey Black Heritage Trail marker commemorating Lawnside’s 100th Anniversary.
The event celebrates Lawnside’s historic legacy as the first incorporated, self-governing Black municipality in the Northeast and continues the Borough’s Centennial theme: “Lawnside: A Century of Legacy. Honoring the Past and Building the Future.”
Following the unveiling ceremony, attendees will participate in a guided community tour led by the Lawnside Historical Society, highlighting the Borough’s rich cultural, civic, and historical significance.
Officially established on March 24, 1926, Lawnside has long stood as a national symbol of Black leadership, resilience, and self-determination. Throughout the twentieth century, the Borough became known for its vibrant jazz scene, welcoming nationally recognized musicians, entertainers, and public figures to its local clubs and gathering spaces.
Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, Lawnside became the first municipality in the nation to recognize Dr. King’s birthday as an official holiday.
Watch “Lawnside: New Jersey’s First Black Incorporated Town” on YouTube
For information about Lawnside Heritage Day, visit Lawnside Heritage Day
As part of the Borough’s Centennial celebration, Lawnside will continue hosting community-centered programs and commemorative events throughout 2026 in collaboration with more than 30 community leaders, organizations, businesses, and regional partners. For more information, visit https://www.lawnsidecentennial.com/
Save the Dates for:
*June 27, 2026: Lawnside Heritage Day
*July 6 – 10, 2026: Lawnside Historical Society Summer Camp
*July 25, 2026: Centennial Gala/ Fundraiser
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