Mercer Farmers Market Fires Manager Over Black History Month Comment

MERCER COUNTY, NJ - The manager of the Trenton Farmers Market has been fired following backlash over a comment he made on social media during Black History Month.

The market's board of directors announced Thursday it had removed Bill Kearney, who had served as manager since early 2023, citing concerns raised by the community.

Kearney drew criticism after writing "Happy BH month" beneath a social media post referencing a news report on the arrest of three Black men in Montgomery Township. The post included mug shots of each of the suspects. The comment has since been deleted.

"The Board of Directors of the Trenton Farmers Market has made the decision to remove our most recent manager after careful consideration of concerns raised by our community," the board said in a statement.

“We are committed to moving forward with positive changes that support our farmers, vendors, and customers. This transition will be a productive step for the future of the market, and we appreciate your patience as these improvements take shape.”

The market had previously issued a public apology, saying the comments made by Kearney "do not reflect the values or standards of The Trenton Farmers Market" and that "racism and discrimination of any kind have no place in our workplace or our community."

At the time, the board said it was addressing the matter internally but did not specify what action would be taken.

The Trenton Farmers Market, located in Lawrenceville, has operated at its current location since 1948 and draws vendors and shoppers from across NJ.

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