Camden, NJ

Juneteenth 2025

Celebrate Freedom: The Importance of Juneteenth

Juneteenth is more than a holiday—it’s a powerful reminder of resilience, freedom, and the ongoing fight for equality. Recognized as the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Why Juneteenth Matters

Juneteenth is a time to reflect on our past, celebrate Black culture and excellence, and commit to a future of progress and unity. Through music, art, food, and education, we honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and continue working toward justice and equality for all.

Join Us in Camden, NJ for the 23rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration!

On June 22, 2025, we invite you to experience an unforgettable day filled with live performances, historical reflections, local vendors, and community engagement. Come celebrate Black history, heritage, and hope with us!

Want to stay updated or get involved? Contact us at the Camden African American Commission, Inc. or sign up below to join our mailing list and receive event updates, vendor opportunities, and volunteer information.

Performers

  • Marching Band (Jamal Dickerson)

  • Opening Libation (Demetrius/Mongo/Ojii Baba)

  • Jade Rebecca

  • Ms. Cuca

  • Lest We Forget Slave Museum Exhibit & Presentation

  • African Dance & Drum (UCC)

  • Marsha T (Teena Marie)

  • Bossman (James Brown)

  • Sound EVR, Spearman

  • Mary Cross (Phylis Hyman)

  • Adia Niccole & Friends

  • De’Von Williams Jiles (Michael Jackson)

  • The Ultimate Tribute Experience

  • Al Reid, Jr. (Saxophonist)

  • Ain’t Nothing But a Party (David Wagner)

Address: Farnham Park,

Park Boulevard, Camden, NJ 08103

 

Before Juneteenth, join us for a Celebration on Petty Island.

Sat June 14

Petty’s Island JUNETEENTH Celebration

Saturday, June 14 | Petty’s Island, Camden, NJ
Check-in: 9:30 AM | Ceremony Begins: 10:00 AM

Join the Camden City African American Commission Inc. for a powerful Juneteenth experience on Petty’s Island—a place with deep historical significance.

Once home to the Lenni-Lenape people, Petty’s Island later became a hub in the transatlantic slave trade, serving as a depot in the 1600s for enslaved Africans bound for the Philadelphia marketplace. As part of Camden’s Juneteenth celebration, we honor this sacred land and the lives impacted by its history.

Event Schedule:

  • 9:30 AM – Arrival & Check-in

  • 10:00 AM – Welcome & Opening Remarks

  • 10:15 AM – Walk to Ceremonial Grounds

  • 10:30 AM – Ligation and Liberation Ritual

  • Following the Ritual:

    • Guided Historical Tour

    • Artistic Reflections & Community Connection

This is more than a celebration—it’s a moment of remembrance, recognition, and reflection.

Space is limited. Early arrival is encouraged.