Presented by Wells Fargo and Capital Health,  2022 Juneteenth Celebration Returns to Downtown Trenton

(TRENTON, NJ) – 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) excitedly anticipate the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration.  Wells Fargo and Capital Health will serve as Presenting Sponsors of the event scheduled for Saturday, June 18, 2022 in the Capital City of Trenton in Mill Hill Park.

On September 10, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (S19) which designated the third Friday of June a State and public holiday, known as Juneteenth Day. “Juneteenth was a defining moment in American History, claiming the beginning of African American independence in the country”, said Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds Jackson, who sponsored the legislation that became a law.  “It was time for the commemoration of a pivotal moment in history to become an official state holiday, underscoring its importance to our communities and giving time for reflection on how far we have come and have to go to achieve equality and justice for all.”

Latarsha Burke, Executive Director of AACCofMC, said, “the vision of the Collaborative is to build communities through collaborations across cultures and this 2nd Juneteenth event in the Capital City is evidence of our mission being fulfilled.”  The purpose of this carefully planned and socially distanced event is to highlight a few very poignant and current issues through displays of culture, collaboration, commerce, unity and education. The City of Trenton, Mercer County Parks Commission and many other partners have been working diligently to ensure public safety.

Although the 2-day event will be centered on contributions of African American people in our region, all communities and groups are invited to join. This year’s theme, “Ladies First” is catered to “Showcasing/Honoring Strong Women Who Lead, Serve, Love, Educate and Entertain”.  The planning committee has been extremely busy mobilizing partners over the past few months. A plethora of activities are scheduled to occur simultaneously in and nearby Downtown Trenton with the Collaborative’s goal at forefront, “to Educate, Empower and Unite Africans in the diaspora through cultural arts, health and wellness, entertainment and sports.”

An invite only Kick-Off will start the festivities on Friday with expected greetings from Sponsors and several public officials.  A special performance by violinist Brooke Alford is planned along with a well-deserved posthumous recognition and tribute to Trenton’s Own Legendary Singer/Actress, the late Sara Dash.  Scholarship presentations will occur to acknowledge 2021 Juneteenth Sponsor funded awards to 2022 graduating Mercer County high school seniors.

On Saturday Mill Hill Park will be host to a fabulous line up of award-winning female artists featured on the Main Stage. The headliner will be American R&B Singer Alison Williams.  A dedication to the late Cuban-American Singer Celia Cruz will be performed by salsa artist Anissa Gathers.

In alignment with the Collaborative’s mission to “…Empower and Educate…”, the Juneteenth Celebration Committee is ecstatic to partner with the Trenton Literacy Movement for its official launch at the entrance of Mill Hill Park on Saturday.  This initiative, led by Former Mayor of Trenton Douglas H. Palmer, will run from June-December. It is the catalyst for the distribution of 1,000 books to the Trenton Community along with parental engagement, resource access and increased visibility of reading material in local businesses, religious institutions, parks, etc. Also on Saturday, from 10 am – 3 pm, commitments from Mercer County Park Commission’s Capital City Farm will offer kid-friendly, hands-on activities, African-diasporic food, music and materials on African-Americans whose transformational work in sciences and food advocacy have benefited all people. This will occur at their location next to T.A.S.K, located at 301 North Clinton Avenue.

The Juneteenth Celebration Committee excitedly welcomes the return of sponsorships from Wegmans, NJM Insurance Group and St. Francis Medical Center. The continued collaboration with the City of Trenton, Mercer County Parks Commission and Trenton Downtown Association make these events possible in a safe and welcoming environment.  Complimentary parking will be available in nearby parking lots in partnership with Trenton Parking Authority.  Vendors will be on site.   Covid-19 protocols will be observed.

Burke says, “We believe that the inclusion of people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds promotes unity and we are grateful for our sponsors and partners who continue to believe in our mission through contributions and collaboration”.

For more information, sponsorship or vendor details, please call 609-474-4073 or visit www.taacf.com