Juneteenth 2024
Juneteenth Flag
Black National Anthem
The 2024 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration will be held at Riverton Memorial Park in Riverton on June 19th from 4-8 pm.
Look forward to:
NAACP
Southern Burlington
County Branch, NJ.
Vendors
How much is this event?
There is no admission fee. Pay as you go for vendors and food.
What can I bring with me?
Picnic Blanket
Lawn Chairs
Umbrellas (small, collapsible umbrellas)
Water
Where can I park?
Parking is available at the CVS Parking lot on Broad Street.
The is also street parking available in the area of the park.
Special parking for differently abled people, vendors, volunteers and dignitaries is at Memorial Park. Access parking at Cedar Street near the basketball courts.
How do I become a Vendor?
Who is sponsoring this event?
You Can! Check out how:
Register by May 31st 2024
About Us
The Palmyra, Riverton, Cinnaminson Juneteenth Celebration Committee, a registered New Jerseyn nonprofit organization, is led ​by People of Color with supportive from allies and co-conspirators. The main focus is to celebrate Juneteenth by promoting ​community unity through various engaging activities and events in Palmyra, Riverton, and Cinnaminson. The primary objective is ​to commemorate the historical significance of Juneteenth by organizing an annual celebration that highlights freedom, unity, and ​inclusivity, creating a sense of belonging for all community members. Driven by core values, the organization is committed to ​advocating education, community engagement, diversity, individual empowerment, and solidarity. The annual celebrations aim to ​educate, entertain, and inspire residents about the importance of Juneteenth in acknowledging our history and recognizing the ​valuable contributions of Black Americans to society. With a diverse team, the committee is dedicated to hosting impactful events ​that honor Juneteenth and showcase its profound historical legacy. Through a focus on education, community engagement, and ​the promotion of diversity and inclusivity, the vision is to cultivate a future where unity thrives.
President Michael Hunt
Mission
Our mission is to honor the legacy of Juneteenth by organizing inclusive events that commemorate freedom, promote unity, and celebrate diversity within our community.
vision
Through community engagement, collaborations with local partners, and a commitment to fostering an environment of understanding, we strive to raise awareness of Juneteenth's historical significance and to champion diversity and inclusion for a more united future.
values
1. Education and Awareness.
2. Community Engagement.
3. Diversity and Inclusion.
4. Empowerment.
5. Unity and Solidarity.
Our core values that guide mission and activities shape our approach to organizing the annual monumental event, engaging with the community, reflecting commitment to honoring the past while building a brighter
future for all.
The Juneteenth Flag
The Representation & Color meaning
The Flag is a symbol that gives all Americans the opportunity to recognize American freedom & ​African American History.
It represents a star of Texas bursting with new freedom throughout the land, over a new horizon.
It was created using the red, white, and blue colors of the American flag.
The Symbolism of the Flag
The star, reminiscent of the star on the United States flag, symbolizes the freedom of Black people ​in all 50 states. It is a tribute to the Emancipation Proclamation, which was first proclaimed and ​recognized in Galveston, Texas. This connection to Texas, also known as the Lone Star State, led to ​the inclusion of the star on the flag. However, the star represents freedom not only in Texas but ​throughout the entire nation. In addition to the star, the outlined burst and arc on the flag represent ​the promise of a new horizon and the countless opportunities that lie ahead for Black individuals.
History of the Flag
The Juneteenth Flag was created by activist Ben Haith in ​1997. (Haith is recognized as the founder of the National ​Juneteenth Celebration Foundation.) The flag underwent a ​revision in the year 2000, resulting in its present modern-day ​design. In 2007, the date "June 19, 1865" was added to the flag ​to commemorate the historic date that the last enslaved ​people were emancipated in Galveston, Texas.
"Our ancestors were a part of ​this country even though many ​of them were in captivity, a lot ​of people have come to ​understand that, particularly ​young people."
Ben Haith
Black National Anthem
Lyrics
Lift every voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty
Let our rejoicing rise, High as the listening skies
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has ​taught us
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has ​brought us
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun
Let us march on till victory is won
Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chastening rod
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died
Yet with a steady beat. Have not our weary feet
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been ​watered
We have come, treading our path through the ​blood of the slaughtered
Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at ​last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears
Thou who has brought us thus far on the way
Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light
Keep us forever in the path, we pray
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, ​where we met Thee
Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, ​we forget Thee
Shadowed beneath Thy hand
May we forever stand
True to our God
True to our native land
Our native land
History
1. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth. Share this knowledge with friends, family, and your community to raise awareness.
2. Attend Juneteenth Events: Participate in Juneteenth events such as parades, festivals, concerts, or community gatherings. These events often feature music, dance, food, and discussions about
freedom & equality.
3. Support Black-Owned Businesses:
Show support for Black entrepreneurs by shopping at Black-owned businesses. Whether it's buying products or utilizing services, your patronage helps contribute to economic empowerment within the community.
4. Host a Juneteenth Celebration: Organize your own Juneteenth celebration or gathering. Invite friends and family to commemorate the day with food, music, storytelling, and discussions about African American history and culture.
6. Volunteer and Give Back:
Get involved in community service projects or volunteer opportunities that support African American communities. This could include mentoring programs, educational initiatives, or social justice advocacy efforts.
How to Celebrate
Here's a guide on how African Americans can honor and celebrate Juneteenth annually:
5. Reflect and Remember:
Take time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. Honor the ancestors who fought for freedom & justice, and acknowledge the ongoing work needed to achieve racial equality.
7. Celebrate Black Excellence:
Highlight & celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans in various fields, including art, literature, science, politics, and more. Use Juneteenth as a time to recognize and uplift Black excellence.
8. Engage in Activism:
Join or support activism and advocacy efforts aimed at addressing racial injustice and inequality.
Use your voice and platform to advocate for meaningful change & systemic reform.
9. Connect with Heritage:
Explore your own family history and heritage. Learn about your ancestors' experiences & stories of resilience. Consider participating in cultural traditions or rituals that honor your African heritage.
10. Commit to Continued Learning and Action: Juneteenth is not just a day of celebration; it's also a reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. Commit to lifelong learning and action in the fight against racism and oppression.
By following these steps, our community can honor and celebrate Juneteenth in meaningful ways that honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire hope for the future.
How To Be An Ally
Here is how Non BIPOC community can support Black-led organizations and businesses.
- Educate yourself about the challenges faced by Black-owned businesses and organizations.
- Actively seek out and support Black-owned businesses and organizations in your community.
- Amplify the voices and perspectives of Black entrepreneurs and leaders by sharing their stories and achievements.
- Volunteer your time, skills, or resources to support Black-led initiatives and community projects. But remember- do not take over!
- Advocate for equitable policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion in business and organizational settings.
- Be an ally by listening to and amplifying the concerns and priorities of Black leaders and communities.
- Use your privilege and influence to create opportunities for collaboration and partnership with Black-led businesses and organizations.
- Don't tokenize or exploit Black businesses or organizations for your own gain or image.
- Don't assume that all Black-owned businesses or organizations are the same—take the time to understand their unique needs and challenges.
- Don't impose your own ideas or solutions without first consulting and collaborating with Black leaders and stakeholders.
- Don't ignore or dismiss the experiences of racism and discrimination faced by Black entrepreneurs and leaders.
- Don't center yourself or your experiences when supporting Black-led businesses or organizations—listen and learn from their perspectives.
- Don't hesitate to apologize and learn from mistakes if you inadvertently contribute to harm or injustice in your efforts to support Black-led initiatives.
- Don't stop at surface-level support—commit to ongoing engagement and advocacy for racial equity and justice.
Most Importantly, just because you are awake, aware and activated as a progressive Non BIPOC person, its imperative to continue self education. Don’t forget to listen and speak up when appropriate to understand the experience of Black & Brown Folks. You may still cause harm unknowingly.
We are tired, we a traumatized and we cannot tolerate any further trauma.
Land, Ancestral Labor & Diversity
Acknowledgment New Jersey
Land and Labor Acknowledgements are statements that recognizes that much of the ​economic progress and development in a geographic area or industry resulted from the ​unpaid labor and forced servitude of People of Color, specifically enslaved African labor.
PRC Juneteenth Celebration Committee acknowledge that the land we now know as New Jersey has a deep and complex history that began long before the arrival of European settlers.
We honor and recognize the Lenape people, as the original stewards of these lands that we live and work on. Their enduring connection to this region continues to this day, and we express our gratitude for their past, present, and future contributions.
We also acknowledge the labor and sacrifices of the diverse communities who have contributed to the building and development of New Jersey.
We pay our respect to the African Americans who were forcibly brought here and endured centuries of enslavement, as well as their descendants who have fought tirelessly for freedom, equity, and justice.
We recognize that there are still many Inequities & Injustice that the Indigenous, Black & LatinX Communities face today.
We honor the contributions of immigrant communities from around the world who have come to
New Jersey, seeking opportunity and a better life, and who have enriched our state with their cultures, traditions, and hard work.
In recognizing these histories, we commit ourselves to ongoing efforts towards reconciliation, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that the legacy of those who came before us informs our actions today and into the future.