Morris History: Celebrate Juneteenth with Tourism Bureau's Freedom Walk on June 8

Published on May 28, 2019

Freedom Walk begins at Historic Speedwell -- It is Free.

Join the Morris County Tourism Bureau's "Freedom Walk,'' part of the Juneteenth celebration in Morristown, on Saturday June 8.

The Freedom Walk celebrates the strength and dignity of the slaves who moved forward after the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the Emancipation Proclamation. The 1.3-mile walk begins at Historic Speedwell and ends at the Morristown Green, where Juneteenth activities will take place during the rest of the afternoon and evening.

The walk, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., is a free event is sponsored by Morris County Tourism. Parking is available at the Alfred Vail School (125 Speedwell Avenue) with a courtesy shuttle between the school and Historic Speedwell. Call 973-631-5151 for more information and register online for this event and all of the Tourism Bureau's summer walks and historical programs..

For more information about all of the Juneteenth activities, visit https://www.sankofamorris.org/

Juneteenth Schedule of Events

At Historic Speedwell:

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Costumed reenactors from the Second New Jersey Brigade will bring the American Civil War to life, demonstrating the daily lives of soldiers, including bayonet drills, cannon firings and skirmishes.

11:30 a.m.: Initial reading of the Emancipation Proclamation followed by a 1.3 mile walk to the Morristown Green.

At Morristown Green

Noon: Gathering on the Green: Music, Readings & Song

inspired by the African-American experience. Join Jimmy Dumas and Ingrid Crew along with spoken word performers will take the audience on an uplifting musical journey. Meet your neighbors and support local businesses. Vendors welcome! Spaces are $75. Click here to vend.

12:30 p.m. Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation on the Green. Hear the words of the Executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 that freed Southern slaves.

1 p.m.: Jubilee Freedom Songs & Narrative Readings from Morris County residents and students

3:30 p.m.: Gentrification, Race & Freedom Discussion with moderator: Leslye Folmar-Harris, Ed.M, Educator & Educational Consultant

Join Larry Hamm of the People's Organization for Progress, and Dr. Betty Livingston Adams, Author of Black Women's Christian Activism at the Presbyterian Church of Morristown for a spirited discussion. This panel will highlight ways to re-shape efforts by forces that displace people of color and poorer people in various communities. Morristown and places across the country are rapidly changing and people can no longer afford to live there. Why is this happening and how are communities fighting back? Be a part of this lively discussion.

4 p.m.: Wakanda Edition Bar Crawl: Join a spirited group on a walk to to 3 restaurant locations. Learn the facts about the remarkable history of African-Americans in historic Morris County.

7 p.m.: Free Celebration at the Hyatt: Everyone is invited to come together and celebrate and recognize those who came before us while uniting with those in our presence to move forward.

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