Princeton Juneteenth Block Party Celebrates Black Lives

PRINCETON, NJ — The Princeton YWCA celebrated Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery, with a block party on Thursday at the Princeton Family YMCA.

The holiday is normally celebrated on Friday but it was moved due to weather issues.

"A day of celebration, remembrance, and activism! Help us celebrate the cultural achievements of Black Americans and commend the efforts of activists for the Black Lives Matter movement. Join us in solidarity, celebrate, and action," according to the event description.

The block party included Black artists, speakers, and activists. Information about how to take action locally in your own communities, both geographical and social will also be shared.

There were resources available to educate those on the history and current work of the Black Lives Matter movement.

• Read More: What Is Juneteenth? 5 Things To Know About The Holiday

Participants were asked to practice social distancing rules and wear a mask.

Sponsors of the event include: Princeton Family YMCA, Princeton Lewis Center of the Arts, Princeton University Art Museum, Code Equal, YWCA Princeton, Princeton University African American Studies Department, Not In Our Town Princeton, Princeton Community Democratic Organization, Princeton Civil Rights Commission, Carl A. Fields Center, McCarter Theater, Arts Council of Princeton, PHS MSAN, PHS PULSE, the Princeton Public Library, The Red Umbrella Princeton, The ACE Program, and Latinos en Progreso.

A fundraiser has also been set up for supplies such as masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and snacks. The remaining funds will be donated to three organizations of choosing. To donate click here.

For more information about the event visit ywcaprinceton.org or linktr.ee/princetonjuneteenth or the Facebook event page.

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