Middlesex County Celebrates Juneteenth with Civil Rights Icon Dr. Opal Lee

Dr. Lee Highlighted Middlesex County’s Rich Black History and Longstanding Tradition of Celebrating Juneteenth

*For photos & B-roll, click here*

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Middlesex County welcomed Dr. Opal Lee, 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” this weekend to kick off a month of events celebrating freedom and educating residents on the County’s rich Black history and the significance of Juneteenth. Dr. Lee propelled the movement to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, enacted in 2021. New Jersey being one of the earliest states to declare it a paid holiday is one of the many reasons Dr. Lee visited Middlesex County.

Dr. Lee’s visit was filled with Juneteenth programming throughout the County, beginning with a trip to East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway on June 7^th, where she was immersed in the rich history of Middlesex County. She met with County Historian Mark Nonestied and African American historical interpreters, as an audience of 100 guests listened to Dr. Lee’s journey and the truth behind Juneteenth. That evening, Dr. Lee was the keynote speaker at the annual Juneteenth Freedom Fund Gala hosted by the NAACP Metuchen, Edison, Piscataway branch.

On Saturday, June 8, Dr. Lee served as the grand marshal for the annual Freedom Day Celebration in Edison. And on Sunday, June 9, and Monday, June 10, she hosted discussions with local youth at the Piscataway Public Library, the McKinley Community School in New Brunswick, and the Arbor Intermediate School in Piscataway. She discussed with students the importance of fighting for freedom and emphasized that the Juneteenth holiday is a reminder of those who fought to preserve freedom for all. She also read from her book, Juneteenth: A Children’s Story.

“I want people to realize that Juneteenth means freedom, and it’s freedom for everybody,” said civil rights activist and Grandmother of Juneteenth Dr. Opal Lee. “I’m hoping that they will understand that what we do symbolizes freedom. None of us are free until we are all free, and we’re not free yet.”

“Middlesex County is one of the most diverse counties in the nation,” said Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “There is no greater honor than to have a living legend, Dr. Opal Lee, choose Middlesex County for her first-ever visit to New Jersey. This visit was historic. Dr. Lee’s visit inspires us and validates that our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the County is making a difference.”

“We enjoy freedom today because of the sacrifice and dedication of civil rights leaders before us,” said County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum. “Dr. Opal Lee fought for the Juneteenth federal holiday, so this sacrifice will never be forgotten. I was humbled to welcome her to our diverse and colorful County and excited that the community had an opportunity to experience the real meaning of Juneteenth.”

“The Metuchen-Edison-Piscataway Branch of the NAACP was deeply honored to welcome Dr. Opal Lee, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and living civil rights legend, as the keynote speaker for our June 7th Gala and the grand marshal for our June 8th Festival,” said President of the Metuchen Edison Piscataway Branch of the NAACP Reginald Johnson. “As we celebrate, we must reflect on the pivotal 13th Amendment that abolished slavery and remain vigilant against any threats to our freedoms. I encourage everyone to celebrate the rich and resilient African American culture and history.”

Juneteenth programming will continue throughout June, with more celebrations and educational events free for all residents:

• Saturday, June 15
  • 1:30-4 pm: Lost Souls Public Memorial Project at East Brunswick Community Center | 721 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 | Free and open to the public
• Wednesday, June 19
  • 4 pm: Board of County Commissioners Juneteenth Flag Raising and celebration with NAACP MAEB branch | Monument Square Park at 2 Livingston Ave. in New Brunswick for festivities | Free and open to the public
• Saturday, June 29
  • 2-6 pm: FolkLIVE: Gospel Music Festival hosted by the Arts Institute of Middlesex County |Headliners Hezekiah Walker and Jekalyn Carr plus many leading gospel singers | Monument Square Park in New Brunswick | Free and open to the public, for more information click here

For more information about Middlesex County’s Juneteenth events, please visit middlesexcountyculture.com and middlesexcountynj.gov.

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MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ 

Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County’s award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for best schools, offering secondary and postsecondary education and workforce development programs that create a unique ecosystem where opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/