Phillipsburg Celebrates Juneteenth with Inclusive Community Events

PHILLIPSBURG, NJ – For the second time since the federal law was passed, the Town of Phillipsburg and its residents will gather in organized activities to commemorate the Juneteenth holiday. President Joe Biden signed a bill in 2021 to designate Juneteenth, or June 19th, as a federal holiday, celebrating the end of slavery in all states of the United States.

A group of residents has planned several events surrounding the actual Juneteenth date this Wednesday. These include a community “give back” event hosted by resident Leslie Caul and the local non-profit Branching Out Foundation, LLC led by Vickie Mendes-Branch. Mendes-Branch’s Foundation sponsors the event, with proceeds going towards summer-long sensory events in town.

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Since she was nine years old, Leslie Caul, a Phillipsburg resident, created a Facebook event and has been planning since April. She spoke to TAPinto and said she has secured permits, arranged for Walters Park to be used as the venue, and sought donations, sponsors, and vendors. Spending over $2,000 of her own money, Caul has arranged for a DJ, photographer, face painter, dunk tank, and numerous games and activities for the event.

Caul noted, “Our town was suffering from inclusivity issues, and a change needed to be made. Over the years, the African American community has suffered in various ways. There are no events celebrating black history, so we decided to take a stand and put something together.”

“I’m just a local town mom,” said Caul, who is not part of a group or non-profit. She wanted to organize an inclusive event with her “mom group” that incorporates sensory-friendly activities for those who find public parks too loud for their kids. Citing the lack of things to do and the abundance of liquor stores over public parks, Caul is also planning events throughout July, including art, baking, karate, paint, and therapy classes.

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Wednesday, June 19, 2024 Events

The flag-raising ceremony will happen at 10 a.m. at Shappell Park. Town hall offices will be closed for the holiday. Vendors will participate in the ceremony, which is expected to last throughout the day, weather permitting. There will be live music, food vendors, and resource tables. The food vendors are expected to wrap up by 5:00 PM. Festivities may continue based on attendance and the expected heat index.

Sunday, June 23, 2024 Events

12:00 – 5:00 PM at Walters Park Caul and Mendes-Branch are kicking off a public event at Walters Park for what they call a “community giveback event.” The event will feature live music by DJ Focus Podcast, T-shirts by Michael Richardson, CRITC Inc., and food from the Southern Affair food truck. There will be a dunk tank, kickball game, water balloon toss, and giant connect games for both adults and kids.

Participating businesses include Robin’s Dessert Bar, Izzie Walker, Rasheedah Monet Thompson, Tilla Middleton, The Branching Out Foundation, PAGE ONE Resource Center, TransCare4Us, and Malia Borges.

Donations have been provided by various local businesses and organizations for the event.

Free hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided by Shoprite, with other snacks like snow cones, popcorn, and cookies for sale. The Town of Phillipsburg has also worked with event organizers for reduced-price admission to Walters Park Pool for event attendees.

Other planned activities include volleyball, face painting, giant Jenga, basketball, art, Juneteenth handprint memorabilia for kids, game tables, a sensory area, and more. Prizes will include free children’s haircuts, manicures, and gift baskets. Children who complete school packets will be entered to win movie tickets.

Event Schedule Lineup:

• 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Informational Hour – The Center for Family Services will provide sensory information at 12:30 pm.
• 1:00 PM: Event Kickoff – Councilman Lee M. Clark will be volunteering in the dunk tank.
• 2:00 PM: Art with Drizzy
• 3:00 PM: Food – Happy Birthday Bussey Twins – JLB Snap Photography will cover the event.
• 4:00 – 4:30 PM: Giveaways. The town trolley will shuttle people home.

Budget Shortfall

With a budget of $2,000, Caul set up a GoFundMe to help cover the balance of expenses such as free t-shirts, design work, and vendor costs. The news tip came to TAPinto from GoFundMe after the campaign launched.

History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed slaves in the States. However, the word had not reached all enslaved people. Juneteenth is a day of reflection and recognition of African American freedom and achievements. President Joe Biden signed a bill in 2021 making Juneteenth a federal holiday, acknowledging its significance in American history.

Conclusion of Events – June 23, 2024

The Juneteenth events will conclude at 6:00 PM with a flag-lowering ceremony and closing remarks by the event organizers at Shappell Park. Join Phillipsburg in celebrating this federal holiday with a series of engaging and inclusive community events throughout town.

About the Branching Out Foundation

The Branching Out Foundation Inc , a 501(c)3 certified not-for-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families. Founded in 2015 by Phillipsburg resident Vickie Mendes-Branch, our organization is driven by a passion for creating a supportive and inclusive community for families facing the challenges of special needs. The Branching Out Foundation Inc is committed to providing advocacy, support groups, and socializing events that empower children with special needs and their families. Our goal is to foster a sense of community, understanding, and acceptance in Phillipsburg, NJ, and the surrounding areas. The Branching Out Foundation has operated the Page One Resource Center in Phillipsburg since 2021.  Page One Resource Center, LLC, was opened to ensure compassionate and quality services are accessible to families in Warren County, New Jersey, and beyond. They firmly believe that support should be available to every family, regardless of their location.

Read more about events happening this weekend

Ole Towne Festival – June 22

Phillipsburg Farmers Market – June 23

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