Juneteenth, an African American holiday marking the end of slavery, will be celebrated on
Sunday, June 9 th , 2019 at the Durand-Hedden House, 523 Ridgewood Road in Maplewood, in
collaboration with the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race.
The event, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, will include reenactors from the Civil War 6 th Regiment Colored
Troops, African Drummers and Dancers, the Columbia High School Special Dance Company, a
demonstration by Nubian Quilters, storytellers, and many activities for adults and children, including face-painting, read-alouds, and making paper quilt squares. The winners of the student essay contest will read
their essays (info at www.durandhedden.org).
Vendors of African-themed books, clothing and jewelry will add to the excitement. Delicious individual
pies and cookies will be available for sale.
Also available will be voter registration forms, free blood pressure screenings, and health information
about sickle cell disease and bone marrow donation. Inside the house, an exhibit about the origins of
Juneteenth and the history of slavery in New Jersey will provide historical context to the day.