“Juneteenth is a time to remember, a time to celebrate, and a time to move forward together.”
Scotch Plains, NJ — Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate freedom and culture at the annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 12 PM to 7 PM at the Shady Rest Golf & Country Club, located at 820 Jerusalem Road, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076. This free public event promises a vibrant day full of music, food, family fun, and historical significance. (Rain date is scheduled for Saturday, June 21.)
The celebration, hosted by Social Justice Matters, Inc., brings together the local community to honor the history and impact of Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
A day of family fun and culture the festive event includes lots of activities including:
- Live entertainment and a DJ
- Kids and family activities
- A vendor marketplace
- Food trucks
It’s a day meant to bring together families and neighbors of all backgrounds to recognize African American heritage, achievements, and resilience through community connection and celebration. Sponsored by Community Leaders this year’s celebration is made possible by generous support from:
- Social Justice Matters, Inc.
- Union County Board of County Commissioners
- Township of Scotch Plains
- Borough of Fanwood
- Union County HEART Grant (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands)
These organizations continue to play a vital role in supporting cultural events that promote inclusion, education, and awareness in Union County.
Why Shady Rest Matters
The event will be held at a location steeped in history: the Shady Rest Golf & Country Club. Established in 1921, Shady Rest was the first African American-owned and operated golf and country club in the United States. It was also the home course of John Shippen, America’s first Black professional golfer, and it remains a landmark of Black achievement in sports and recreation.
Designated as a historic site, Shady Rest is not just a venue—it’s a monument to Black excellence and perseverance. Holding the Juneteenth event here adds profound historical and cultural resonance to the day’s festivities.
The public is encouraged to attend, bring your lawn chairs, your appetite, and your dancing shoes to what promises to be a joyful, educational, and unifying community event. All are welcome to celebrate the legacy of Juneteenth and the ongoing journey toward justice and equality.
For more information, visit www.socialjusticematters.org or email sjmjuneteenth@gmail.com.
