Juneteenth is still a recognized federal and state holiday in New Jersey and some states across the country.
Even though the Trump administration has pushed to end diversity, equity and inclusion, at numerous federal agencies, the holiday has not been cancelled.
This year Juneteenth will mark its 159 year of celebrations.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The history of the holiday dates back to June 19, 1865 — two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation became official in 1863.
Major General Gordon Granger of the Union army traveled to Galveston Texas after the Civil War was won with General Order Number 3, which informed enslaved African Americans that they were finally free.
Juneteenth became an official state holiday in Texas on January 1, 1980, led by African American state legislator Al Edwards.
When is Juneteenth 2025 in New Jersey?
The Garden State observes Juneteenth as a state holiday on the third Friday in June. This year, that is June 20. Gov. Phil Murphy signed this day into law on 2020 as a this state holiday.
However, the federal holiday is observed on June 19.
Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?
Yes it is. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act establishing Juneteenth as the 11th holiday recognized by the federal government.
Why is it called Juneteenth?
The celebration of June 19th was coined “Juneteenth” by combining “June” and “nineteenth” and grew with more participation from descendants. The Juneteenth celebration was a time for reassuring each other, for praying and for reuniting remaining family members. In its early years, the tradition was highly revered in Texas, with many former slaves and descendants gathering together to celebrate in Galveston.
How to celebrate Juneteenth at the Shore
Here are a few towns with Juneteenth celebrations.
The 2025 Juneteenth Family Arts & Cultural Festival will be held on Saturday, June 21, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Springwood Avenue Park in Asbury Park.
This free community event will feature live music, bounce houses, food, local vendors, a kids station, giveaways, and more.
The Township of Neptune will celebrate Juneteenth community event on Saturday, June 21 with a flag raising ceremony, and parade.
Long Branch
The City of Long Brach will have the fourth-annual Juneteenth Celebration, presented by the Long Branch Free Public Library and the City of Long Branch on Wednesday, June 18, from 5-8 p.m. at the Bucky James Center.
Festivities include a live DJ, delicious fare from food vendors, local business vendors, and bouncy houses for the kids and free food and more!
The Red Bank Juneteenth Community Celebration will be held on Sunday June 22 at Johnny Jazz Park from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Festivities include a community starting at the Pilgrim Baptist Church with activities, free food, music, and speeches to follow.
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