Mercer Farmers Market Manager Draws Backlash For Comment During Black History Month

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - The manager of a popular Mercer County farmers market is facing criticism after posting a comment on social media in response to a news report about the arrest of three Black men during Black History Month.

Bill Kearney, who was hired in early 2023 as the market's seventh manager since 1939, wrote "Happy BH month" beneath a social media post referencing a Dec. 16 news report on a home burglary in Montgomery Township, in which three Black men were charged. The post included mug shots of each of the suspects. The comment has since been deleted.

Trenton Farmers Market, located in Lawrenceville, has issued a public apology. "We are aware of comments that were made by our manager on a different platform that do not reflect the values or standards of The Trenton Farmers Market," the statement read. "We want to sincerely apologize to anyone who was hurt or offended by these remarks. Racism and discrimination of any kind have no place in our workplace or our community."

The board said it is addressing the matter internally.

"We take this matter very seriously," the statement continued. "We recognize that there is an issue, and we are addressing it internally to ensure this does not happen again. Our business is committed to fostering an environment of respect, inclusion, and accountability."

The board thanked community members who brought the comment to the board's attention but did not detail what steps would be taken.

The Trenton Farmers Market has deep roots in the region. In the early 1900s, farmers arrived by horse and carriage near the Trenton Makes Bridge to sell fresh produce along the thoroughfare connecting New York and Philadelphia.

In 1939, the Trenton Market Growers Cooperative Association was formed and purchased property on Spruce Street after the city of Trenton required the original land for what would become Route 29.

The market officially reopened at its current location in 1948.

The facility underwent a significant expansion in 1968 when the center building was cut in half and attached to the eastern building, creating the market's current cross-shaped layout.

The seven farms operating within the marketplace are members of the Farmer Cooperative, several of whose members also serve on the board.

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