Juneteenth Events, Marking End Of Slavery, Coming Up In Red Bank

RED BANK, NJ — You can take part in Juneteenth commemorations with several events in Red Bank this month.

Juneteenth, declared a federal holiday in 2021, is observed annually on June 19 and marks the end of slavery in the United States. It has become a day for Black Americans to celebrate not only their freedom, but their history, culture and achievements.

The Count Basie Center for the Arts will hold a community Juneteenth celebration on Wednesday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m. at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth St. The entry is free with a $10 suggested donation. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

The event will feature a performance by the Count Basie Center Gospel Choir, led by director Gwen Moten. A theatrical presentation of Moten’s life story, "From Birmingham to Botswana," will open the evening’s festivities.

Also performing at the event on June 14:

• Calpulli Mexican Dance Company’s Red Bank community.
• Italy Lee, 2022 state champion of the national Poetry Foundation’s Poetry Out Loud recitation competition.
• Vocalist and Jersey Shore musical luminary Layonne Holmes.
• Percussionist and educator Ty Laws.
• Pastor Terrence Porter of Red Bank’s Pilgrim Baptist Church.
• Hosts Jaz Graham and Delisha Grant.

Look for another event June 18:

• On Sunday, June 18, Red Bank Borough’s official Juneteenth commemoration will feature live jazz performances, guest speakers, food trucks, giveaways and more. The free event takes place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Johnny Jazz Park, at the corner of Drs. James Parker Blvd. and Shrewsbury Avenue.

As History.com notes, Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

For more information on these and other community Juneteenth celebrations, visit the Culture and Community Calendar page at www.theBASIE.org/community.