Union County Review

Kean University celebrated African American history and culture with a Juneteenth Jamboree at the Union campus on Wednesday, June 19.

Hosted by the Center for Africana Studies, the inaugural event began with a Freedom Walk and included speeches, prayer, a performance of "Lift Every Voice," and a crowd commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

“This is a day we celebrate history and the fact that Black history is American history,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., who led the Freedom Walk. “Knowing one’s history allows us to have self-respect, build self-confidence and gain a sense of pride. It was an incredible celebration.”

Kean Senior Vice President for Entrepreneurial Education Initiatives and Acting Dean of the College of Education Sancha Gray, Ed.D., addressed over 150 attendees dressed in Juneteenth T-shirts or traditional African attire.

“This is American history; it’s our collective history,” Gray said. “This is a joyous occasion. It’s not a somber occasion; this is liberation.”

The Center for Africana Studies was established this year as a resource for scholarly research, community engagement, and educational programming, particularly supporting New Jersey’s K-12 Amistad curriculum. The Juneteenth Jamboree marked its first celebration of the holiday.

David Jefferson Jr., Ed.D., acting director of the Center, gave a welcoming address and provided a brief history of Juneteenth. The holiday marks June 19, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was read to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas.

“This is a day we call a liberation celebration,” Jefferson said. “It not only reflects but acknowledges the journey.”

At least 150 people filled Kean Hall during the event. Attendees applauded speakers and gave standing ovations to Repollet and others.

New Jersey Assemblyman and Deputy Majority Leader Reginald W. Atkins shared a proclamation calling the Jamboree a “monumental event that promises to be both enriching and inspiring to all participants.”

“Kean University, through this inaugural Juneteenth celebration, reaffirms its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that honors the legacy of African American history and promotes cultural understanding and unity,” read Atkins' proclamation.

The Rev. Dr. David Jefferson Sr., Esq., pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark, praised Repollet and other Kean leadership.

“You have helped put Kean on the map,” he said. “The best thing that can free you to be all you can be is an education. I still believe my learning is my passport.”

Following the formal program, attendees enjoyed food and music. Artists provided face-painting for children, while representatives from Urban League in Elizabeth shared information about their assistance programs.

Among those present was Gwendolyn Hodde from Newark with her granddaughter Charmain Hodde visiting from Florida.

“I think this event is awesome,” Gwendolyn Hodde said. “I love everything about it – the speeches, the atmosphere.”

Simeria Dewalt from Elizabeth also expressed her enjoyment starting with the Freedom Walk.

“It feels good. It feels free,” Dewalt said. “I’m just all for it today.”