The African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County (AACCofMC) in partnership with the NJ Legislative District 15 (Senator Shirley Turner, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds Jackson and Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli) and Outdoor Equity Alliance kicked-off its inaugural 3-day, city-wide Juneteenth Celebration yesterday, June 18th, at Trenton War Memorial. The Presenting Sponsors are Wells Fargo and St. Francis Medical Center.
The kick-off ceremony recognized members of the community, cultural performances, elected officials, dignitaries and various representatives of local community organizations highlighting the history of Juneteenth and the contributions of African Americans in the United States. To view yesterday’s activities, visit: https://www.facebook.com/jwslivevents/videos/913887166127530/
Today, Saturday, June 19, 2021, activities in multiple locations throughout the city will include:
- Youth Art Activities: Painting, Collage Making, Mobile Garden Demonstration by Isles and Center for Child and Family Achievement Literacy Village
- Adult and Youth Poetry/Storytelling Event: Actionbound Scavenger Hunt (history of Juneteenth, local history, landmarks)
- Health and Wellness Pavilion Activities: Cooking demonstrations, Capital City YMCA physical fitness activities (Yoga, Zumba), mental health resources, Gardening (Take home grow kits), and more.
- Community Stage (Legacy Stage): Presentations by local youth organizations Tha Block LLC, Association for the Study of African American History and Life, inc., Culture in Education Excellence and more.
- Cultural Performances (two stages): West African Dance and Drumming, presentations by local dance companies and headline performances.
- Bike Ride Registration: Dual event for 30 and 50 mile Bike Ride by Exit 7A Riders. Bike tour will start at Mill Hill Park and end at Mill Hill Park.
Tomorrow, Sunday, June 20, 2021 will include a Gospel Concert at Mill Hill Park.
For a full schedule of activities, visit https://www.taacf.com.
Although the weekend will center on contributions of African American people in the region, all communities and groups are invited to join. The planning committee has been extremely busy mobilizing partners over the past six months. Commitments from Greater Trenton, Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum and the Center for Child and Family Achievement have evolved into a plethora of family centered activities that will be held simultaneously in Downtown Trenton. As a result of collaboration with the Let’s Ride Foundation and the Samuel McCoy Scholarship Fund, a Juneteenth Freedom Day Bike Ride will also start at Mill Hill Park on Saturday and travel throughout Mercer County, with options for novice to advance riders to explore neighboring towns including Ewing, Lawrence, Hamilton and Hopewell.
Special thanks to The African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County Juneteenth Celebration sponsors – Wells Fargo, St. Francis Medical Center, NJM Insurance Group, Thomas Edison State University (TESU), Wegmans, Berkshire Bank, Robert Wood Johnson, Capital Health, Henry J. Austin, African American Chamber of Commerce, Mercer County Education Association, Greater Trenton, Bank of America and Princeton Area Community Foundation (PACF).
