Juneteenth Celebration in Elizabeth

Bystanders watch as a Juneteenth Celebration parade goes by in Elizabeth on Sunday, June 18, 2023.Julian Leshay | For NJ Advance Media

For 20 years, Elizabeth has hosted its annual Juneteenth Celebration to honor Black history and ancestry. This year is no different.

The event, which drew 3,000 participants last year, will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at Elizabeth City Hall, 50 Winfield Scott Plaza.

“It’s not just a celebration, but a meaningful reminder of our struggle and progress,” said Monica Perkins, president of Siloam Hope Cares Community Development Center, an Elizabeth-based nonprofit that helps plan the event.

This year’s theme, “And Still…We Thrive,” commemorates the resilience and culture of Black heritage with live music, local artists, dancing, food and resources while honoring the ongoing fight for unity and equality, Perkins said.

The Rev. George Britt of Mount Teman AME Church on Madison Avenue will kick start the event with a speech about the importance of Juneteenth. Then, Andrill Terry, a local DJ, will host a line dancing session. A performance of The Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and a demonstration by the Black Cowboys will follow.

“When it comes down to events like this, this is where you actually stand there, and you give back to the community that hired you, and you inspire the community,” Terry said.

During the event, attendees will be able to participate in family-friendly activities like painting, sack races and coloring in Juneteenth-themed coloring books. Information tables with representatives from various nonprofit organizations will offer educational materials and other resources to support the community.

Complimentary food and refreshments, including hot dogs, hamburgers and salad, will be provided during the event.

“We never want people to forget the history that brought us together, that allowed us to be free in America,” said Elizabeth Councilwoman-at-Large Patricia Perkins-Auguste.

Andrea Barbaran may be reached at abarbaran@njadvancemedia.com.

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