SOMA Living June 2025

COALITION ON RACE

JUNETEENTH: A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM

The Durand-Hedden House & Garden Association and the South Orange Maplewood Community Coalition on Race invite community members to celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 14, from noon to 5 p.m. at the beautiful grounds surrounding Durand-Hedden House (523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood). Juneteenth commemorates the announcement on June 19, 1865, of the abolition of slavery in Texas—18 months after the Emancipation Proclamation and five months after the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which ended slavery in the United States. In 2021, the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

This event highlights themes of freedom, resistance, and remembering the past while looking towards the future. It welcomes all ages. Attendees observe the history of enslaved people in New Jersey through a powerful museum exhibit that illustrates the state’s long road to emancipation, and through Gail Safian’s “Slavery in New Jersey: A Troubled History,” a book tracing the evolution of slavery through the end of the Civil War. Enjoy fun and engaging outdoor events, including historical reenactors, musical performances, face painting, crafts, and storytelling. The Coalition’s final

Integrated Art Circle also features in the festivities. Yahaya Kamate, who performed with the National Ballet of Côte d’Ivoire, leads a West African traditional dance class.

Nancy Gagnier, Executive Director of the South Orange/ Maplewood Community Coalition on Race, develops pro-integrative strategies to support racial equity and inclusion.

Learn more and RSVP at durandhedden.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Music by ALAN MENKEN Lyrics by HOWARD ASHMAN & GLENN SLATER Book by DOUG WRIGHT Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements Directed & Choreographed by JOANN M. HUNTER

MAY 29–JUN 29 TICKETS START AT $35 973.376.4343 PAPERMILL.ORG

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