This past weekend, we honored the 160th anniversary of the day that freedom was finally announced to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas—18 months after the Emancipation Proclamation and five months after the 13th Amendment abolished slavery nationwide during our annual Juneteenth celebration, co-hosted with Durand Hedden House & Garden. Set on their beautiful grounds, the day was filled with live musical performances, spoken word, West African drumming and line dance led by Yahaya Kamate and Kamate Traders African Drummers, historical reenactments, local Black art, arts and crafts for kids, family-friendly activities, and meaningful community connection. Plus, the powerful exhibit on the history of enslaved people in New Jersey provided context for why we need to share our true history. 

We offer a heartfelt thank you to all who attended and braved the rain! We are so grateful to all the volunteers from Durand-Hedden, the Community Coalition on Race, and Columbia High School students who worked to make this event a success.

Let this Juneteenth be a reminder to keep learning, showing up, and building a more just, inclusive and equitable future.

Revisit the celebration with these amazing photos taken by Claire Sinclair: