The Honorable Garnet R. Thornton Hall announced as 2026 Juneteenth keynote speaker
- Laura Farrell
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Hosted by Durand-Hedden and the SOMA Community Coalition on Race
MAPLEWOOD, NJ – June 2026 – Durand-Hedden House & Garden and the SOMA Community Coalition on Race are excited to announce that this year’s keynote speaker for our Juneteenth celebration on Friday, June 19, will be Garnet R. Hall. Ms. Hall served in the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 28th legislative district in Essex County. She currently serves as Essex County Deputy Clerk, as Maplewood Democratic Committee District Leader, and as an Executive Board Member for Forever Harlem.
Ms. Hall’s commitment to civil rights, mentorship, and community advocacy began decades ago while a student at Montclair High School. Her lifelong journey in public service has been guided by faith, leadership, and a passion for empowering others.
Ms. Hall will speak at approximately 1:00 p.m., kicking off an afternoon of historical reenactments, musical performances, an art exhibit, quilters, dance, poetry, face painting, crafts for children, and more. Delicious food will be available for purchase.
Visitors will also have a unique opportunity to view the exhibit Slavery in New Jersey: A Troubled History, which provides historical context for Juneteenth and the history of enslaved people in New Jersey.
This event is supported by a generous grant from The Maplewood Foundation.
All are welcome to celebrate this wonderful free community event at Grasmere Park, the beautiful grounds surrounding Durand-Hedden House, 523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood. Donations are appreciated and accepted.
Free pre-registration is available at DurandHedden.org. Parking is available on local streets. See an event flyer, schedule of activities, and an event map here.
About Durand-Hedden House and Garden
The Durand-Hedden House and Garden Association is Maplewood’s historic house museum, dedicated to creating engaging and informative educational programs and materials about the local history of Maplewood and surrounding communities, natural history, and other related topics. The House, at 523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, is open once a month between September and June. For more information, visit our website at durandhedden.org. To arrange group tours, write to info@durandhedden.org. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.
About the SOMA Community Coalition on Race
The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race is a nationally recognized non-profit organization that envisions a community that is a model for the nation in which people of different races, ethnic groups, and backgrounds can interact, form friendships, and participate fully in the community’s economic, political, civic, educational, and cultural life. The Coalition creates strategies to support stably integrated residential neighborhoods, advocates for racial equity and excellence for all students in the schools, and brings the community together to learn, to build relationships across racial and cultural barriers, and to celebrate differences. The Coalition’s website is www.communitycoalitiononrace.org.
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