Mercer County gears up for the sixth annual Juneteenth Celebration

The African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County (AACCMC), in partnership with New Jersey Legislative District 15 and Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, recently announced the sixth Annual Juneteenth Celebration, taking place this Saturday, June 20, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mercer County Park Festival Grounds, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, New Jersey. 

Admission and parking are free. 

Now entering its sixth year, this signature community event has grown into one of the region’s largest  Juneteenth celebrations, welcoming thousands of attendees from across New Jersey and neighboring states. The event commemorates Juneteenth, the day enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued—and celebrates the enduring contributions of African Americans to our nation’s history, culture, and progress. 

This year’s theme, “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Inspiring the Future,” reflects the  Collaborative’s commitment to preserving history, uplifting culture, and creating opportunities for future generations. The event’s guiding message, “Where Legacy Lives and Culture Leads,” embodies the spirit of community, education, and empowerment that has defined the celebration since its inception. 

“Juneteenth represents resilience, perseverance, freedom, and hope,” said Latarsha Burke, Founder and  Executive Director of the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County. “Through our longstanding partnership with Legislative District 15 and Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, we have built a celebration that honors our ancestors, celebrates our present achievements, and inspires future generations. This event is about unity, education, wellness, culture, and community. We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate freedom and the power of coming together.”

The 2026 Juneteenth Celebration will feature an exciting lineup of entertainment, education, health resources, youth engagement activities, and cultural experiences. This year’s featured headliner is nationally acclaimed R&B duo Kindred The Family Soul, beloved for their soulful sound, uplifting messages, and timeless songs centered on love, family, resilience, and community.

Returning by popular demand is ADH, whose dynamic performance at last year’s Juneteenth Celebration energized the crowd and left audiences wanting more. Their return highlights the Collaborative’s commitment to bringing exceptional talent back to the Mercer County community. 

The celebration will begin with a Black National Anthem and Flag Raising Ceremony featuring representatives from Legislative District 15, Mercer County Executive Dan Benson’s Office, and the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County, followed by a traditional Queen Mother Libation led by Queen Mother Samut to honor the ancestors whose sacrifices paved the way for future generations. 

The Juneteenth Celebration continues to serve as a platform where residents, artists, educators, businesses, faith organizations, community leaders, and families can gather in a positive and welcoming environment to learn, connect, celebrate, and build stronger communities together.