SandSJ Announces Trenton Area “Week of Liberation” 2025
During the week of October 12-18, 2025, Salvation and Social Justice (SandSJ) will host a “Week of Liberation” (WOL)—a weeklong event series designed to foster an environment of community engagement, empowerment, and peace. This event series will be driven by the Trenton Restorative Street Team (TRST) to promote powerful messages and opportunities geared toward uplifting the beloved community they serve. Furthermore, by partnering with businesses, community groups, elected leaders, and residents, these events are designed not only to beautify the city but also to weave a narrative of hope and liberation for us all.
Sunday, October 12: Peace Walk and Gospel Concert
Kicking off this week with a holy assembly to establish a tone of unity and harmony for WOL. At 12 pm, a city-wide peace walk will kick off at Greater Mount Zion AME Church, located at 42 Pennington Ave in Trenton, with the procession leading to Cadwalader Park in Trenton. Then at 2 pm, enjoy a free Gospel Concert in Cadawalder Park featuring various singers from the area and headlined by world-renowned Gospel artist, Jekayln Carr.
Peace Walk Kickoff
Time: Noon
Location: Greater Mount Zion, AME, 42 Pennington Ave, Trenton
Gospel Concert
Time: 2 pm
Location: Cadawalder Park, 36 Parkside Ave, Trenton
Tuesday, October 14: Resource Fair
Liberation includes the ability to provide for self, our families, communities, and more. In this same spirit, a Workforce Development and Job Fair for area residents will be hosted. Taking place at the Father Center located at 1 West State St, 5th floor. This event aims to connect residents with essential services such as job placement, healthcare access, and financial assistance.
Time: 11 am-4 pm
Location: 1 West State St, 5th floor, Trenton
Wednesday, October 15: Community Impact Day
Aiming not only to serve this community but also to provide the impact needed to empower them further to serve one another, SandSJ will host a Community Impact Day focused on nourishment, safety, and solidarity. In partnership with Capital Health, Greater Mt. Zion AME Church and the Trenton Rescue Mission, and potentially other organizations, this event will bring essential resources directly to the people.
Time: 10 am-2 pm
Location: Greater Mount Zion AME, 42 Pennington Ave, Trenton
Thursday, October 18: Advocacy Day
With a focus on building collective unity and power, SandSJ will host an Advocacy Day to address the urgent need to increase federal, state, and county funding and support for community-led violence interruption/crisis response teams. Featuring remarks from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.
Friday, October 17: Arts and Culture Celebration
The Arts and Culture Celebration is a cornerstone event of the Week of Liberation, designed to showcase the richness and diversity of artistic expression within the community. Local artists and performers will inspire attendees, adding a vibrant layer of creativity to these gatherings. The murals will stand as a testament to their collective vision—an emblem of beauty, resilience, and reconciliation.
Time: 4 pm-6 pm
Location: The corner of MLK Blvd and Wayne Ave, Trenton
Saturday, October 18: Basketball Tournament
Co-sponsored by the City of Trenton, the WOL will conclude with a 3-on-3 basketball tournament with teams of young Trenton residents aged 15 to 21. Hosted by entertainer Gillie da King, this event will cultivate a sense of togetherness, community resilience, and reemphasize the commitment to gun violence prevention. There will be additional contests, including free throw, half-court shot, three-point, speed dribble/layup, and prizes.
Basketball Tournament
Time: 11 am-3 pm
Location: Cadawalder Park, 36 Parkside Ave, Trenton
