Fair Lawn Juneteenth Celebration Set For 2023

FAIR LAWN, NJ - Looking for ways to recognize Juneteenth in Fair Lawn? Look no further.

Fair Lawn will be hosting “Juneteenth: A Community Celebration of Freedom,” set to take place on Monday, June 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fair Lawn Community Center Gym.

Expect performances from the Fair Lawn High School step team, the Garden State Choral Chapter, Step 4 Step Line Dancers and activities ranging from music, dancing and vendors to food, drinks and a Juneteenth museum and art showcase.

Guest speakers are set to include Mayor Kurt Peluso, Deputy Mayor Kris Krause and Deputy Mayor Of Community Affairs Cristina Cutrone, as well as Poet Nia Goodwin, Saxophonist Malakhi Noble and Poet Laureate Talena Lachelle Queen. Other speakers include Garrett Thomas and keynote speaker Dr. Steffany Baptiste-Bosco.

Juneteenth, which is short for June 19th, is a 156-year-old holiday that celebrates the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the United States.

"Juneteenth today celebrates African-American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures," according to Juneteenth.com in an explanation of the holiday.

On June 19, 1865, Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans that the Civil War was over and slavery had been abolished.

Granger publicly read General Order No. 3, which said: "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free."

Granger's announcement implemented the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas, more than 2-1/2 years after President Abraham Lincoln first issued it in 1863 .

Initially, the presidential order caused little change in Texas due to the lack of Union troops to enforce it.

Read More: What Is Juneteenth? 5 Things To Know About The Holiday