Scotch Plains, Fanwood Marking Juneteenth in Novel Way

The nonprofit Social Justice Matters (SJM) of Scotch Plains will celebrate Juneteenth, the African American celebration of freedom, in a unique fashion.

SJM created a video of Scotch Plains and Fanwood officials, community leaders and students delving into the significance of the holiday. Covid-19 restrictions on gatherings led to the video concept.

View it on Friday, June 19.

Juneteenth, for “June Nineteenth,” marks the date in 1865 when Texas became the last state to announce the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued two-and-a-half years earlier.

This year's celebration is coordinated by SJM Juneteenth Committee Co-Chairs Tashira B. Wheeler and Jill Jackson-Jones, and SJM President Joan Peters.

The video will be shown on June 19 at 11 am and 7:30 pm on Scotch Plains TV (Fios Channel 22 and Comcast Channel 34) and at 1 and 6 pm on Fanwood TV (Fios Channel 24 and Comcast Channel 35). It also will be available on Raider News on YouTube and at noon on Friday on socialjusticematters.org.

SJM, launched in 2009, is committed to creating equitable communities. It facilitates meaningful discussions and action about race. For additional information, please go to SJMForum on Facebook and socialjusticematters.org