Juneteenth Will Be ‘Day Of Remembrance’ For Newark

NEWARK, NJ — Juneteenth is now an official “day of remembrance and education” in Newark.

On Friday, after an executive order from Mayor Ras Baraka, the holiday – which commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. – will become an annual opportunity for city workers to reflect on racism and the fight for social justice.

Juneteenth, which is short for June 19th, is a 155-year-old commemoration that celebrates the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the United States.

• See related article: What Is Juneteenth? (5 Things To Know About The Holiday)

As per Baraka’s order, Friday will be a “day on, not off” for city employees, who will attend a virtual teach-in that covers the holiday itself, racism, issues of inequality in America and “the fight for justice and equality.”

Speakers will include Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, city historian Junius Williams and Dr. Melissa Cooper, preceded by discussions with department directors and their staff.

“Juneteenth is one of the most important days in American history and it has never been made more significant than by the recent racism evidenced across the country,” Baraka said. “In Newark, we will use this Day On (not off) to learn, observe, honor and respect the day that defined freedom for millions and ended chattel slavery in the United States.”

The executive order takes effect immediately. It states the city will:

• Annually recognize June 19 as Juneteenth
• Annually commemorate Juneteenth as a day of learning to educate people on African American History
• Every Juneteenth, all City Departments are required to hold training sessions, signifying the importance of Juneteenth, on issues important to the African American community
• The Juneteenth training and education shall be a day to focus on the history of inequality in the United States, African Americans’ fight for equality, and strategies to eliminate racism

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