Six Events To Celebrate Juneteenth Around Princeton

On June 19, 1865, enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told they were free. A century and a half later, people in cities and towns across the U.S. continue to celebrate the occasion. Here’s how you can honor the holiday right here around Princeton.

Juneteenth Celebration 

The African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County

This 3-day celebration kicks off Friday with an invite-only event that will recognize members of the community with cultural performances, apperances from elected officials and more. Saturday will include a variety of events including a youth art activity, adult and youth poetry/storytelling events, a scavenger hunt, cooking demos, fitness activities (like yoga and Zumba), West African Dance & Drumming and cultural performances, to name a few . The weekend will wrap up on Sunday with a Gospel Concert at Mill Hill Park. You can find more info at https://www.taacf.com.

Freedom Stories

NJ State Museum 

10AM-11PM | Online 

Gifted storyteller TAHIRA will share tales of freedom fighters in a dramatic performance. 

The program will be held via Zoom. There are activity bags available for curbside pickup from the museum on Friday, June 18 from 3:30PM-5:30PM that will include a community art quilt project, a red drink with a NJ twist & soft frisbee for outdoor family fun. Bags aren’t needed to watch the program. Find more information and register here. 

Juneteenth at the Mercer County Stables

431 Federal City Road, Pennington 

11AM-1:30PM

The Park Commission is pleased to join the African American Cultural Collaborative. Join Mercer County Stables Saturday to see and learn about Black Equestrians and the fascinating history of Black Cowboys. 

Princeton Juneteenth Block Party 

Princeton Family YMCA Field 

4PM

Hear Black artists, speakers and activists while learning how to take action locally in your own communities. There will be resources available to educate and friends on the history and current work of the BLM movement and Juneteenth. They are asking attendees to wear a mask.

Virtual Juneteeth Programs from The National Museum of African American History & Culture

Online | nmaahc.si.edu

Register for free programs including “Porch Stories,” tales of slavery & beyond, “community soundstage,” “Black Smoke,” about African Americans and United States of Barbecue. While the programs are pre-recorded, the museum encourages you to watch with the virtual watch party. Find more info at the link above.

Jersey Shore Juneteenth Celebration

11AM-5PM

10PRL | 515 Bath Avenue, Long Branch

This event features an Afro-centric fashion show, natural hair demonstrations, live cooking presentations & more. The event starts at 10PRL in Long Branch and tickets cost $10.

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Any time of year, check out our Black History and Culture Guide here on Princeton Online.  

Did you know that New Jersey was the LAST state to abolish slavery in the Northeast? Or that slaves, farmers, business owners, and veterans of every war – American Revolution, Civil War, WWI, WWII, the Korean War and Viet Nam – are buried in the Stoutsburg Cemetery, and some of their progeny still reside in the Sourland region? You can find more in POL’S guide celebrating Black History in the Princeton area. Black culture is rich in history in our area and a crucial part of our future.

How do you learn about black history and culture in our area and beyond?