Message From The President:

This year, Juneteenth will take place on Friday, June 19^th. Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, has been celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s. The day is also sometimes called “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day.”

The New York Times stated that “in recent years, and particularly following nationwide protests over police brutality and the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and other African Americans this year, there is a renewed interest in the day that celebrates freedom.” We are in the midst of not just a moment but a movement. 

Juneteenth is an opportunity to reflect on the work that’s been championed by the Black community and the work we as a country have left to do. Join us in celebrating Juneteenth by learning about this important history, valuing and lifting up the voices and experiences of Black people and the Black community. Learn more about its history here. View Juneteenth events happening throughout the state here.

Upcoming Events

Let Freedom Ring! Virtual Juneteenth Celebration!

Please join the New Jersey Young Democrats Black Caucus and the New Jersey Young Democrats for a virtual event celebrating Juneteenth! The event will take place on Thursday, June 18th at 6pm. We will be joined by Special Guest Speaker Stephanie James Harris who will provide an insightful historic background of Juneteenth and what it represents. Register here. 

About the speaker: Stephanie James Harris, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of the New Jersey Amistad Commission, a division of the Department of Education. Dr. Harris has worked in various institutions for more than twenty -five years cross pollinating public education and the infusion of African American historical content and culture via the modality of schools, museums, historical societies, cultural institutions, and the government.

NJYD Virtual Summit: