Newburgh is eagerly preparing for a meaningful and joyous celebration of Juneteenth, a day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This year, the city will honor the past and celebrate the present through two remarkable events: “A Brief Service of Remembrance” and the “Juneteenth Jambilee NBNY.”
“A Brief Service of Remembrance,” organized in collaboration with Union Presbyterian Church and the Anti-Racism Task Force of Albany Presbytery, will take place on Monday, June 19, at 11 am. The historic Calvary Presbyterian Church, located at 120 South Street, will host the event. Attendees are encouraged to enter on Grand Street, near the corner of South Grand.
This service of remembrance will pay tribute to Robert Mulliner, an African American itinerant laborer who tragically lost his life in Newburgh in 1863. Mulliner’s death was a result of a horrific incident that unfolded on June 21st, 1863. He was violently dragged out of a courthouse jail and mercilessly beaten by a mob of approximately 50. The attackers then hung Mulliner from a tree. The incident was allegedly sparked by accusations of rape against an Irishwoman named Ellen Clark.
The service aims to shed light on this dark chapter of Newburgh’s history, fostering understanding and promoting dialogue on racial reconciliation. By remembering Robert Mulliner, attendees will collectively acknowledge the need to confront past injustices and work towards a more inclusive future.
In stark contrast to the somber remembrance service, the city will also host the “Juneteenth Jambilee NBNY,” a vibrant celebration of freedom, culture and community. The event, scheduled for Sunday, June 18, will take place at Downing Park from 2 pm to 6 pm.
The Juneteenth Jambilee NBNY promises an array of exciting activities and performances for all ages. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy live music from renowned artists, including Grand Puba, Horäce Brown, Du King James, Tommy Didit, Curt Kre Z, and The Legendary Basecamp. The event will also feature a live art installation, poetry readings, bounce houses, face painting and a variety of musical genres, including jazz, funk, soul, Afro beats, dancehall, house and R&B vibes.
This celebration once again is being led by Newburgh native Daniel Gayle, owner of Cream Puffs on 138 South Street.
In addition to Cream Puffs, Gayle has received additional support from MARCS Friends, Orange County Legislator Genesis Ramos and Councilman Omari Shakur. The City of Newburgh, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh and Shapiro’s Furniture have also provided support and now serve as sponsors of the overall event.New amenities added to the celebration include more water slide setups with kickball, potato sack races along with the returns of double dutch and local artists who had performed during the course of the day. Face painting, food vendors, a guest lecturer on the history of Juneteenth, magicians and other entertainers along with additional volunteers will be part of the celebration on Sunday.
“Our Juneteenth is a connection,” says Gayle. “It’s a place to dance. It’s a place to celebrate, rejoice.”