Message from Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Stamler | June 17, 2021
This Saturday marks another meaningful day for Scotch Plains as we come together for the first time to celebrate Juneteenth – now an official municipal holiday in our township.
Juneteenth (short for June 19th) “commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States” (history.com). On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were free, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Last year, Gov. Phil Murphy designated June 19 as an annual day to commemorate the final abolition of slavery. We are proud to have our inaugural celebration in Scotch Plains – free and open to the public. It is imperative that all of our residents realize the significance of this date in American history.
We must also give special recognition to Social Justice Matters, which is coordinating the Juneteenth celebration. SJM is an important local non-profit organization, celebrating 12 years of service to our community. This group of volunteers is fully committed to active inquiry into matters of race and creation of equitable communities. This day would not take place without their effort.
I encourage you to visit www.spfjuneteenth.com for the full schedule of events beginning at 1 p.m. to celebrate art and the tradition of storytelling of the Black experience.
There will be golf (of course), as well as stories, demonstrations, poetry, theater and an evening movie, “Harriet.” Some events require registration.
Joining with our friends in Fanwood, and through a sponsorship with SJM, the day of fun and reflection will take place at the Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road, now known as Scotch Hills.
Juneteenth is another reminder that Scotch Plains is proud to be an inclusive community.
It is important to share the history of Scotch Hills Golf Course, home to the first African American professional golfer John Shippen; it is only fitting that our celebration takes place at this significant location. At 4:30 p.m., there will also be a dedication ceremony with comments from Mayor Josh Losardo and Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr. I look forward to learning and celebrating together on June 19 as we honor this significant holiday.
