From Africa
Skilled farmers, healers, craftspeople, and scholars -- the knowledge and culture brought from Africa became foundational to American life.
WEST ORANGE JUNETEENTH PARADE & FESTIVAL
America speaks with
African echoes.
The West Orange Juneteenth Parade & Festival celebrates freedom and the enduring influence of Americans of African heritage and descent on everyday life in our country. From skills carried across the Atlantic, through Emancipation in 1865 and the Civil Rights Act in 1964, to the innovation, leadership, and culture being built today, our contributions continue to shape the American experience in ways that are often present but not often acknowledged.
Our Mission
Celebrating Freedom. Honoring Legacy.
For generations, Juneteenth has been a day of remembrance for American descendants of formerly enslaved Africans. We gathered not only to mark the end of slavery on June 19, 1865, but to celebrate the contributions of our ancestors that are woven into the fabric and culture of America.
The West Orange Juneteenth Parade & Festival celebrates 400+ years of our contributions that have shaped the United States. From science, food, language, medicine and agriculture to spirituality, music, fashion, art and beyond, we have helped build, teach, feed, heal, and move this nation forward. This celebration recognizes our excellence as a living legacy that strengthens and unites our nation.
Through education and the arts, the West Orange Juneteenth Parade & festival honors that living legacy. We hope it helps empower coming generations to recognize their value, preserve history and cultural knowledge, and continue building a future rooted in pride, creativity, education and community leadership in an effort to strengthen and unite the communities of West Orange and beyond.
Read the full story"BLACK HISTORY" IS NOT A CHAPTER -- IT IS THE SPINE OF THE AMERICAN STORY.
400+ years of American History.
Emancipation
On June 19, 1865, the last of the enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom -- two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Civil Rights
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination and secured legal equality -- the culmination of decades of courageous organizing and sacrifice.
Legacy
Generations of leadership, culture, science, art, innovation and community building continue to shape and define the American story.
A DAY BUILT ON COMMUNITY
Every story matters.
The parade is built by volunteers — students, teachers, artists, business owners, faith leaders, families and elders. Whether you march, organize, or simply show up to cheer, you are part of the story.
Volunteer with usMark Your Calendar
June 2027
"Celebrating the African Diaspora in all of Us!" is the theme for the first annual West Orange Juneteenth Parade & Heritage Festival. Join us!
Sunday, June 6th (or 13th), 2027 Main Street, West Orange, NJ
