With June officially upon us, we take the time to celebrate and recognize Pride Month, the start of summer, Father’s Day, and Juneteenth, which is now a federal holiday. Since the 1800s, Juneteenth has been celebrated mostly by Black communities with events like parades, festivals, beauty pageants, educational events, and more. As the holiday gains national attention, various events and celebrations are happening throughout the country — and New Jersey is no exception. We’ve rounded up ways to celebrate Juneteenth throughout Hudson County to commemorate the freedom fought for and won so many years ago. Read on for ways to honor Juneteenth in Hudson County, New Jersey.
This is a growing list. If you have an event to add, send us an email at hello@hobokengirl.com.
We’ve also rounded up Juneteenth events in Essex County on our sister site, The Montclair Girl.
Juneteenth History
On June 19th, the United States will officially celebrate Juneteenth. While Juneteenth has been celebrated throughout the country by many since the initial celebration in 1865, the day was officially recognized as a US Federal Holiday under President Biden in 2021. Known by many names including Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, or Juneteenth Independence Day, the holiday recognizes the time when enslaved Black people in Texas were notified of their freedom more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863.
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Events
Pre-Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom at Southwest Park | 58 Jackson Street, Hoboken
Sunday, June 12th | 12PM – 5PM
This event includes raffles, giveaways, vendors, kids games, and more. It will be held at 58 Jackson Street in Hoboken.
Bayonne N.A.A.C.P. Branch-Inaugural Juneteenth Event | 375-409 Avenue A, Bayonne
June 18th | 12PM – 5PM
Join the Bayonne N.A.A.C.P. Branch for its Inaugural Juneteenth Event on Saturday, June 18th from 12PM-5PM on Avenue A in Bayonne. The event will include live entertainment, food trucks, raffles, and more and will be hosted at G. Thomas DiDomenico Park. The Juneteenth Basketball Classic will start at 3PM for those wanting to participate. The event will continue with an after-party hosted at Mr. Cee’s on East 21st Street from 6PM – 10PM. The event is free, but does require registration, which can be done here.
Juneteenth Gallery Party | 140 Sip Avenue, Jersey City
June 18th | 6PM – 10PM
URE Media is celebrating Juneteenth with a night of the arts. The Juneteenth Gallery Party will feature work from Black artists and photographers alongside vendors with items to purchase. Guests are asked to wear red, black and green in honor of the holiday. Tickets for admission are $5 and can be purchased here. The event is on Saturday, June 18th at 6PM. BYOB is encouraged. All attendees must be over 21 years old. It’s also suggested that you bring a mask in case the event gets too crowded.
African Cultural Arts Celebration | 1000 Garfield Avenue, Jersey City
June 18th | 1PM – 7PM
Celebrate the diversity of the African Diaspora at the African Cultural Arts Celebration. The event will be held at Berry Lane Park on Garfield Avenue in Jersey City. The celebration will start at 1PM and will run through 7PM. Admission is free and includes access to African vendors, live entertainment, activities for children, and a food court. The rain date for this event is June 25th. To learn more, click here.
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Juneteenth Scholarship Award Celebration | 1081 Broadway, Bayonne
June 19th | 4PM – 8PM
Join the Twin Sisters Foundation to celebrate Juneteenth and Father’s Day with a Scholarship Award Celebration. The event will take place on Sunday, June 19th at 4PM and will be held at the Chandelier Restaurant at 1081 Broadway. Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased here.
Juneteenth Grab + Go Crafts | 14 Zabriskie Street, Jersey City
June 21st | 1PM – 4PM
Head to the Jersey City Public Library for Grab + Go Crafts. Crafts will be available while supplies last on June 21st from 1PM-4PM. Participants are invited to celebrate the joy of the holiday through crafts. For more information, click here.
