NJ Does Juneteenth Differently: Here's Why, And How To Celebrate

NEW JERSEY - The Garden State was a year ahead, and now a day later when it comes to celebrating Juneteenth as a holiday. Here is why NJ is out of sync with the national holiday and what there is to do to celebrate. in 2025

Known as America's Second Independence Day, June 19 was designated as a federal holiday in 2021 as an opportunity to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States.

In 1865, two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, with 2,000 Union troops. There, on June 19, they proclaimed that more than 250,000 people who were still enslaved in the state were to be freed.

In 2020, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation recognizing Juneteenth, commonly referred to also as "Freedom Day," as a state holiday that would give government employees a paid day off.

"While more work lies ahead to undo the oppression that remains, Juneteenth...reminds us of our mission to create a society that enables our Black communities to achieve the full equality which they deserve,” said Murphy.

In a joint-statement at the time, Assemblymembers Jamel Holley, Benjie Wimberly, and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson all applauded the recognition, proclaiming that, “We’re at another set of crossroads in this country’s history—just as we were in 1863— where we can decide to move humanity forward by once again acknowledging the wrongs committed against African Americans and taking bold action to correct them."

The state chose the third Friday in June to celebrate, becoming the 46th state to recognize the day, a year before President Joe Biden signed the federal recognition in 2021.

A Guide To Closings In NJ For Juneteenth

WAYS TO CELEBRATE AROUND NJ:

1. Supporters Get Behind Montclair Howe House Juneteenth Events
2. Juneteenth In West Orange: Art Exhibit Explores ‘Freedom In Full Color’
3. Juneteenth In Montclair: Flag Raising, Other Holiday Events For 2025
4. Juneteenth In Livingston: 2025 Flag Raising, Closures, Garbage/Recycling
5. Bloomfield To Host Juneteenth Celebration: 2025 Event Info
6. Juneteenth To Be Added As Hillsborough Township Holiday
7. Juneteenth Festival To Bring Live Music To Jersey City
8. Juneteenth In Newark: Public Event, Closures, Service Changes
9. Celebrate Juneteenth In Morristown With 3 Days Of Art, Music, And Culture
10. Junteenth 'Unity Picnic' Planned For Hoboken Pier Thursday
11. Carnival For Kids With Special Needs Planned In Bergen County