Juneteenth Celebration 2023

The third annual Juneteenth event attracted families from across the Fanwood-Scotch Plains area to celebrate diversity, local Black History and the end of slavery in the shadow of the first Black country club, the Shady Rest on Jerusalem Road in Scotch Plains.

MC Marklyn “MisterDirect” Johnson

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 but was widely celebrated locally for decades. The event at Shady Rest has grown in size and popularity since it began that same year with more clubs, vendors and community groups being represented.

The opening ceremonies featured special presentations to several icons of Fanwood and Scotch Plains’ Black history. Those honored were Deacon Elwood Green, a founder of the Emmanuel Baptist Church and one of the original residents of Kramer Manor, the historically black enclave where McGinn School now sits. The late Deacon was represented by his family including his widow, Corinne, and grandson Tim Green, Junior, a Fanwood police officer. Robert W. Lee, Scotch Plains’ first black police officer, was present and acknowledged by the Juneteenth Committee. Mr. Lee was accompanied by several family members. And William Lee, formerly of Fanwood and another original resident of Kramer Manor, was honored for the many lives he touched as an athletic coach and driving instructor. His son William, Junior, was presented with a quilt made by local school students honoring the elder Mr. Lee.

The Green family receiving honors on behalf of the late Deacon Elwood Green

A check for $5,750 was presented to the Shady Rest Clubhouse Restoration Committee, money raised by the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Central Jersey, a group of nine black Greek letter organizations. That presentation was made by Council President Roger Wingate and fundraising chair Liz Nolley Tillman.

Live music was presented by Amani featuring Stephan Fuller who also sang Lift Every Voice and Sing known as the Black national anthem. There were martial arts and steps demonstrations, live comedy, a putting contest and free mini golf. Many folks brought folding chairs and set up in the Shady Rest parking lot to enjoy the festivities.