A Look at Local History - Juneteenth

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Metuchen observed Juneteenth with celebration on June 18

BY JENNIFER AMATO

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865. However, New Jersey didn’t fully recognize the celebration of African American culture until 2021. Previously, on Sept. 10, 2020, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation that designates the third Friday in June as a state and public holiday, known as Juneteenth (short for June Nineteenth) Day. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston to inform enslaved people of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and please see JUNETEENTH, page 17 08840

their freedom. The Borough of Metuchen wasted no time planning a celebration after the state designation. Last year’s theme was focused on Black American Life with a photo exhibition at Papillon & Co. gallery with Kamoinge Photography Studio. This year, on June 18, a festival celebrating Black culture lit up the Metuchen Town Plaza. “This is an important holiday in both our state and nation’s history to celebrate the emancipation of the last freed slaves in America. It is a day of joy and celebration and a lesser known state and federal holiday that we hope this event brings an awareness to,” said Dr. Joel Branch, who is a borough councilman.

There were step dancers, a drumline - including a drumline workshop - and majorette dancers including SoulPhamm United, Positive Movement Entertainment and Steppaz with Attitude.

Viewing of “Black is King,” a Beyonceproduced film with a lens on Afro-Futurism., was canceled due to the windy weather.

“Overall, the borough strives to provide opportunities for people to learn about and celebrate many cultures, which helps build a strong and welcoming community,” Branch said.

Currently, about 6% of the population of Metuchen is Black, according to the U.S. Census.

“Metuchen strives to create an atmosphere of inclusivity via town-wide celebrations like Juneteenth, Black History Month, etc.,” Branch said. “Hopefully people will come away with an understanding of Juneteenth, talk about this important holiday with their families and learn about parts of Juneteenth celebration they may not otherwise be exposed to, to understand the joy, the history and the people of this day through art, dance, music and more. Additionally, we hope people will learn the significance of Afro-Futurism, which as a response to enslavement and discrimination, imagines an empowered Black culture as a centerpiece to a technologically advanced future. This artistic medium motivates an ownership of one’s future in the world.”

Branch, who is an organizer of the Juneteenth celebration and also the council liaison to the Metuchen Human Relations Commission, said that Metuchen strives to be a place of diversity, inclusivity and representation.

“As a borough, we have worked on key initiatives with the formation of the Mayor’s Equity Commission, through programming with the Metuchen Human Relations Commission and its programming, through cultural programs and awareness events at the Metuchen Public Library, and more. We

JUNETEENTH continued from page 16 The Borough of Metuchen are a borough proud of our residents and the rich diversity and backgrounds they bring to our community. We’re proud of who we are and our future,” Branch said. ■

PHOTOS BY RICHARD ALFONZO PHOTOGRAPHY Metuchen celebrated Juneteenth on June 18 focusing on Black culture, and specifi cally Afro-Futurism. Pictured are photos from last year’s event.

RIGHT PHOTO BY KATHY CHANG