Public Celebrated, Learned at Gloucester County NAACP Juneteenth Celebration
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was produced as part of the South Jersey Emerging Journalists Project (SJEJP), an independent initiative dedicated to supporting content creators and emerging journalists from underserved communities across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, and Atlantic counties.
BY KADAYSHA LITTLE | South Jersey Emerging Journalists Project
WILLIAMSTOWN – As New Jersey and the United States observed the country’s newest holiday, Gloucester County NAACP Vice President Dr. Melvin Pierson told attendees on Saturday, July 20, that they may have come to celebrate it for a variety of reasons.
“Some of you have come to celebrate the history, some of you have come to embrace the culture, and some of you have come simply because you heard we have good food and music,” Pierson, said in opening the celebration with remarks.
”Nevertheless, we’re going to celebrate and we’re going to do it well.”
The Gloucester County National Association of the Advancement of Colored People alongside the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office and Monroe Township hosted the annual free community event. Juneteenth was celebrated in New Jersey and around the country, which recognizes the emancipation and liberation of Black Americans.
The celebration was held at Owens Park in Williamstown, with a variety of vendors, presentations, games, performances and crafts. Several food trucks, play areas and live horses were available, encouraging a full day of entertainment for all ages.
“It really is a wonderful event, Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew Johns told Front Runner New Jersey.com. “This is the first one I have had the opportunity to attend. It really is amazing to see the celebration of history and freedom here in Gloucester County.”
The Juneteenth was filled with featured performances including the Black National Anthem performed by Leatrice Lambert, poetry by Tiana Jones and DJ mixes with DJ Mike Smoov.
A special performance from the Trumpet Chics, a Camden-based music group gathered a crowd in the stage area. The group featured six girls dancing, singing and playing horns such as saxophone, trumpet and trombone. The Trumpet Chics where one example of how organizers prioritized the local youth.
The Trumpet Chics showcase popular music with singing, dancing and instrumental performances.
“The youth from the high school and from the community are present. They are here to support and learn not only about what we’re doing, but about Juneteenth, and how to actually assimilate themselves into the community,” Gina Burton, executive member of Gloucester County NAACP.
The organizers included students throughout the program. Many of them and local businesses set out to reach the youth as well. From therapy services to afterschool programs, the community was open to engage with a range of resources directed towards children.
One of those includes Kumon Math and Reading Center of Williamstown. Milan Landers, represented the academy at the celebration and spoke about the impact of education on Black youth.
“I think it’s important that we give our kids an academic advantage, and make sure we are competitive in the learning field so that they can do whatever they want in life,” she said. “I think it is important, coming from working in an inner city where many students were lacking in their foundational skills, and we’re not reading at grade level.”
The organizers made sure that its Juneteenth celebration was not only a party but a full day of education that connected the community.
Passionate about storytelling and public engagement, Kadaysha Little has been in several roles involving communications since graduating from Thomas Jefferson University. She flourishes in the opportunity to combine voice, values, and vision to make an impact. She can be reached at kadaysha.sjejp@gmail.com
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