Juneteenth Celebration Comes to Newark Sunday

The Junetenth Commitee of New Jersey is hosting  its second annual Juneteenth Celebration Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in Newark.

The celebration will be held in an area of several blocks, on Avon Avenue between Treacy Avenue and 14th Street, and on S. 10 Street between Avon and Clinton avenues.

Juneteenth marks the anniversary of the end of slavery in Texas June 19, 1865, about 18 months after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Although the proclamation is widely believed to have officially liberated all slaves in the United States, the practice actually continued in Texas and elsewhere until the Union army was able to exert control over the entire South.

The celebration became less popular in the early 20th century but has enjoyed a resurgence since the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s March on Washington .

Sunday’s event will feature local and nationally known hip hop vocal artists, African and Praise dancers, a traditional African Egungun Procession, a performance by two Brazilian capoeira troupes, rides, and face painting, as well as informational, food, arts and crafts vendors.  

There will also be presentations by Amiri and Amina Baraka and Dr. Akil Kokayi Khalfani as well as surprise celebrity guest appearances.

For more information call Aughkay Green at 973-954-0909 or by email here.