Cherry Hill Drums Up Juneteenth Vibes in Camden County
Photo by Daniel Winner
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
CHERRY HILL — Under mostly clear skies where temperatures soared to near-record numbers, nothing was about to stop the visitors attending the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association’s Juneteenth Celebration Saturday at Croft Farms.
It was the fifth annual event, crowded with vendors and entertainers — along with plenty of umbrellas and tents to provide moments of comfort from the heat. The celebration has become a staple among the numerous annual Juneteenth celebrations in South Jersey.
The Cherry Hill event was born before the State of New Jersey declared it a state holiday and the Biden administration proclaimed it a national holiday. Cathy Jenkins, a longtime member of the CHAACA, said the event continues to grow every year.
Front Runner New Jersey was able to meet a handful of the many vendors engaging visitors at the Juneteenth celebration.
Tracey J. Stanton, a local mixologist, advertised her business Mixed with Love, Tracey, her mobile bartending company. She also made popcorn at her booth for attendees. The Sandra Saunders Insurance Agency, which also attended the Juneteenth Jewbilee Celebration in Voorhees earlier in the week, talked to other vendors and visitors about her services.
The Selfie Suite NJ, from Mount Laurel, provided different backdrops for visitors to take selfies. Nicole Wilmore, who owns the business with Terrance Wilmore, offers more than 40 photo opportunities, a 360-degree photo booth, a party room, and hosts private events.
John Langford, of Johnny Boyz Fish, said he has been involved with the Cherry Hill Juneteenth Celebration since the beginning. Langford’s booth did brisk business early during the celebration. He said he is open to orders every weekend.
The owner of Uncle Harry’s Special Cajun/Creole Blend Seasoning touted his New Orleans and Louisiana roots at his booth. He said his seasoning provides a “special kick” to everything you eat and that people living in New Jersey will definitely get a Creole feeling.
The leader of the Quarantine Racism Black Learners Matter Too Initiative was also on hand talking to attendees about his gear the importance of engaging African Americans after the pandemic.
Uneque Designs, which made special, handcrafted gifts and products, told Front Runner New Jersey that every item tells a story while Muqmin Art/Frame Gallery run by Kendall Gourdine offered beautiful custom art and framing.
One of the highlights of the celebration was a spirited performance by the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble out of Camden.
Berkshire Hathaway Real Agent Kriss Giles presented her offering while Sew Authentic Studio sold t-shirts and sweats along with advertising their summer camps for children.
Cherry Hill Schools Superintendent Dr. Kwame Morton gave a proclamation while Dioana Gayle led the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Cherry Hill Township Mayor David Fleisher and Camden County Commissioner Jonathan Young gave greetings.
LaVon Fisher-Wilson and the Vonettes performed with LOT the Wordgican.
The Haddon Township Equity Initiative was the Celebration’s Platinum sponsor while Cooper University Health was a Gold sponsor. Silver sponsors included Bancroft, the Camden County Council of Education Associations, Firstrust Bank, Haddonfield Education Association, Karr Barth Associates and Penn Medicine.
The Cherry Hill African American Civic Association, formerly the Cherry Hill Minority Civic Association, was organized in 1978 by a concerned group of African American residents. CHAACA has been recognized by Cherry Hill Township, Cherry Hill Board of Education and the New Jersey General Assembly.
CHAACA is built upon three pillars; Unity, Service, Purpose, all of which hold up the mission of the organization to:
- Provide a vehicle for the participation of African American residents in Cherry Hill in community life.
- Provide a collective voice for residents to exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
- Ensure the welfare of African American youth in the home, school, and community.
- Serve as a platform to encourage the appointment and election of African Americans in positions of leadership.
- Provide the African American community with information on important political issues while remaining nonpartisan.
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