Piscataway Honors Dr. Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
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Recording Published:
06/19/2024
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Duration:
28 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Piscataway
- Meeting Overview:
In an event for Piscataway Township, community members and officials gathered at the Piscataway Public Library to honor Dr. Opal Lee, heralded as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth. ” Dr. Lee, known for her role in making Juneteenth a federal holiday, shared her experiences and insights on activism and the future of Juneteenth celebrations in a conversation with local youth scholar Anadia Haynes. Mayor Brian C. Wahler and Council President Gabrielle Cahill were among the attendees, alongside other council members and local NAACP representatives.
During the event, Dr. Lee recounted the challenges she faced in her journey to bring national recognition to Juneteenth and offered advice to the next generation of activists. She emphasized the importance of education, determination, and the need to work for social justice.
The event was not only a commemoration of Juneteenth but also a platform for intergenerational dialogue, with Dr. Lee engaging in an inspiring exchange with 18-year-old Anadia Haynes.
Dr. Lee shared personal anecdotes from her childhood and the moments that shaped her activism. She also celebrated the accomplishments of her family. The audience was left with a sense of inspiration and a call to action to continue working towards a society where everyone is recognized as simply American, moving beyond racial and ethnic divisions.
Brian C. Wahler
City Council Officials:
Gabrielle Cahill, Dennis Espinosa, Linwood D. Rouse, Kapil K. Shah, Frank Uhrin, Sharon Carmichael, Michele Lombardi
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
-
Recording Published:
06/19/2024
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Duration:
28 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Noteworthy
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Piscataway
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