“FREEDOM FORWARD: Building the Next Chapter Together”

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War ended and that the enslaved were free — two-and-a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This year we celebrate the 160th anniversary of the first Juneteenth Celebration. This year’s theme is “FREEDOM FORWARD - Building the Next Chapter Together”

This year’s theme draws on 2026 being the 250th anniversary of the founding of the USA and the unfulfilled promise as it relates specifically to Black Americans that was written in the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal… that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” We consider the questions, “What will our country look like in another 250 years? How can we move forward together to create a more “perfect union” where the tenets expressed in the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago are finally realized?”

As we move forward with planning this year’s celebration, we want to drive home the idea that although the ancestors of today’s Black Americans were not recognized as human beings or as Americans during the times in which they lived, they WERE and WILL BE recognized as AMERICANS today. They are the embodiment of what it means to be American because of their resilience, revolutionary ideals, perseverance, and loyalty to the land upon which they worked and dwelled.

SJM 9th annual Juneteenth celebration

Social Justice Matters (SJM), will celebrate our 9th annual Juneteenth celebration on June 13th. (Rain date: June 20th ) This celebration is set to be a day filled with family activities, entertainment, and good food. We anticipate 500 people will attend this year’s celebration.

“Once again, we will provide a day of education, community togetherness and fun for all attending as we mark this important and meaningful date in U.S. history,” said SJM President Tashira Wheeler.

The venue, Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, has a rich history and heritage and has been added to the NJ Black Heritage Trail. Shady Rest Golf and Country Club is the former home to John Shippen - the first International American golfer - first African-American professional golfer -and host to some of the era's most prominent musicians such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Billie Holiday! You can find out more about the legacy of Shady Rest at the preserveshadyrest.org website.

Learn more about Shady Rest

Program

Our Opening Ceremony will start at noon. There will be an ASL interpreter during the opening ceremony with a special seating area for the deaf. Juneteenth flag raising and Freedom Award presentations.

Our DJ JayWavez will provide music through the day. Performers include Stephen Fuller, who will be singing with the jazz band Amani; the Nubian Messengers, featuring African percussion infused with contemporary instrumentation; an interactive drumming workshop led by Kojo Ayinde Johnson, who will teach about the history and techniques of the djembe and other African drums; and a West African dance performance by Kcydiima Zahir and her dancers.

Over 35 information booths, local nonprofits, service organizations, local Black authors, Black-owned businesses and vendors.

Fun and games: putting contest and instruction given by Derrick Garret, free mini golf on the Shady Rest course, skee-ball, corn hole toss, bubbles, face painting, balloon art, chalk drawing., readings and book signings of local Black authors. Featuring balloon artist Dan Evans of Total Zanny.

Food provided by Savory Selections, Gramps Kitchen, Carmen’s Hotdogs, Grandma Emma’s, and Bite Me Bakery.

There will be no admission charge. The event venue is accessible to people with disabilities.

Tours of the Shady Rest Golf and Country Club Museum and Educational Displays of John M. Shippen Jr.provided by the Preserve Shady Rest committee.

In addition there will be a special presentation of the history Kramer Manor. The Kramer Manor neighborhood envisioned as an “ideal colored development” by builders Harry and Hyman Kramer, Kramer Manor offered buyers a rare chance to attain a toehold towards the American Dream.

Learn more about Kramer Manor

Schedule of Events

Please note: Schedule may change

12:00 noon: Opening and Libation Ceremonies and U.S. and Juneteenth flag raising, assisted by BIPOC Girl Scout Troop 42038 of Plainfield, as well as Freedom Award presentations honoring Ethel Washington and Milton “Milt” Campbell.
1:00 pm: Live music from jazz band AMANI featuring Stephen Fuller.
1:30 pm: The Kramer Manor Story and Shady Rest history presentation as well as golf tutorials and putting contests.
2:00 pm: Children’s Story Time featuring Candace Waller, author of “Frankie and the Peanut Butter and Jelly Fiasco,” and Nicole Neil and Leila Rogers, authors of “Seize the Day: Leila's Big Adventure.”
2:30 pm: Karate demonstration by FACE Corp & Goshu Kwan Martial Arts Academy.
3:00 pm: West African dance performance by Sister Kcydiima Zahir and Company.
3:30 pm: The Rhythm Spark Sankofa drum program led by Kojo Ayinde Johnson - An interactive West African drum workshop where participants will learn about the history, construction, and techniques of the djembe and other African drums.
4:30 pm: Live music from Nubian Messengers (Ancient-Future Ensemble)
Ongoing activities:
- Mini golf
- Totaly Zany Balloon artist
- Face painting
- Shady Rest tours (inside of museum)/Kramer Manor presentation/Shady Rest presentation on video in ballroom