County to Host Juneteenth Celebration at New Overpeck Park

The following information was submitted by the Juneteenth and Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument Committee:

The public is invited to a  New Overpeck County Park in Ridgefield Park June 16, hosted by County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan, the Board of Chosen Freeholders and the African American Advisory Committee. 

This year’s celebration is entitled, “Freedom, Unity and Black Women in American History and Culture.” 

This event will be held rain or shine at the New Overpeck County Park from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. There will be entertainment for visitors of all ages, including carnival and pony rides for kids, historic lectures and cultural vendors for adults, and food and music for the entire family, according to a press release. 

"All are encouraged to come out to meet new, like-minded people or enjoy a family reunion. One of the highlights of the day will be a musical concert which includes performances by the following artists & groups: Christ Temple Male Chorus, Drums from the Congo, Devry Pazant, Trombonist Gary Hollander Curvey, Jazz Saxophonist Tony Smith and Community Baptist Church Gospel Choir," the release said. 

Juneteenth originated in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger informed the people of that region that they were "free." This news came two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. The enslaved people were so joyful of this news that this historical celebration commenced and later became a national day of remembrance and celebration.

Juneteenth is co-sponsored by The Bergen County Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument Committee, which is currently judging statue proposals from sculptors across the county. The art specifications define the monument as, life size in the perfect image of Dr. King while capturing the essence of his life and legacy in bronze.  Dr. King’s monument will be erected on the Hackensack River Pathway on the Fairleigh Dickinson University Campus in Hackensack, New Jersey within the next 18 months.

For additional information regarding the Juneteenth Celebration or to make a donation towards the monument fund, contact Arnold Brown at 201-745-6975, Theodora Lacey at 201-833-9180 or Isaiah Jefferson at 201-873-1881 or visit the organization’s website at:  www.mlkbergencountymonument.com.