Juneteenth Celebration in Camden, NJ: Honoring Robert H. Dickerson

On a sunny Sunday in Camden, the community came together to celebrate Juneteenth with a special event called “Juneteenth Independence Day Celebration and Tribute to the Legend Robert H. Dickerson.” This was the 22nd anniversary of the event, organized by the Camden African American Commission, INC, led by R. Mangaliso Davis, with support from various Camden sponsors. The festivities began at Front and Cooper Street with a touching ceremonial tribute to a past of Slavery.

After the tribute, the Camden High School Marching Band kicked off the procession, leading the crowd to Farnham Park in the Parkside Section of Camden. The band’s music carried everyone excitedly as they marched along,to the sounds of drums, trumpets, and more. It was a beautiful sight to see everyone coming together to celebrate this important day.

At Farnham Park, the celebration continued with a variety of performances and speeches. Dr. Aaron Smith, Daud El-Bakara, and John “The Bossman” Hall were among the speakers who shared inspiring words with the crowd. There was also some silky smooth vocals by the “Tribute to the Legends,” group that was reminiscent of years ago.

The entertainment didn’t stop there! Frank Greene’s “A Family Affair” had everyone dancing and singing along, while the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble wowed the audience with their energetic performance. The UCC Praise Dance group brought a soulful touch to the event, and The Ebonys serenaded the crowd with their smooth tunes. One of the highlights of the day was “The Women of Jazz,” led by Dr. E. Diane Lyle-Smith on the flugelhorn, whose music filled the park with joy and celebration.

The Juneteenth event in Camden was a fantastic day of unity, remembrance, and fun. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to learn about and celebrate the history of Juneteenth, honoring the legacy of those who fought for freedom and equality. As the day came to an end, the community left Farnham Park with smiles on their faces and a sense of pride in their hearts, looking forward to next year’s celebration.