(Scotch Plains, NJ) — Social Justice Matters of Scotch Plains and Fanwood held its 7th annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 22nd at the Shady Rest Golf and Country Club. This year’s theme was “SANKOFA: Looking Back at our Past to Move Forward with Purpose for a Brighter Future.”
The day began with the noon opening ceremony hosted by Marklyn Johnson and included remarks by Tashira Wheeler, president of Social Justice Matters, as well as Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, Scotch Plains Mayor Josh Losardo and Scotch Plains-Fanwood Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joan Mast.
The day-long celebration featured Mini golf bubbles, face painting, balloon art, a “Make Your Own Juneteenth” button, and chalk drawing. Also featured were local black authors, black-owned businesses and vendors featuring over 40 information booths including health and nutrition tables. The Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club, Plainfield Area League of Women Voters, which offered voter registration information, and the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA, which offered kid-friendly activities, also took part at Juneteenth.
DJ Jason Summers provided music throughout the day. In addition, live music featured jazz by Amani and Gospel Choir performances by the Fountain Baptist Church Choir of Summit and St. Paul’s AME Voices of Zion Choir of Kenilworth. Local black children authors shared readings from their books. Also featured was a West African Storytelling and Drum presentation and martial arts demonstrations. Rain forced the event to be moved inside during the afternoon, but the music and fun continued.
Tours were offered of the Shady Rest Golf and Country Club Museum and Educational Displays of John M. Shippen Jr., the first African-American professional golfer.
In addition, a display of the history Kramer Manor was featured as the neighborhood celebrates its centennial.
