PHILLIPSBURG, NJ – For the second time since the federal law was passed, the Town of Phillipsburg and its residents will gather in organized activities to commemorate the Juneteenth holiday. President Joe Biden signed a bill in 2021 to designate Juneteenth, or June 19th, as a federal holiday, celebrating the end of slavery in all states of the United States.
A group of residents has planned several events surrounding the actual Juneteenth date this Wednesday. These include a community “give back” event hosted by resident Leslie Caul and the local non-profit Branching Out Foundation, LLC led by Vickie Mendes-Branch. Mendes-Branch’s Foundation sponsors the event, with proceeds going towards summer-long sensory events in town.
Since she was nine years old, Leslie Caul, a Phillipsburg resident, created a Facebook event and has been planning since April. She spoke to TAPinto and said she has secured permits, arranged for Walters Park to be used as the venue, and sought donations, sponsors, and vendors. Spending over $2,000 of her own money, Caul has arranged for a DJ, photographer, face painter, dunk tank, and numerous games and activities for the event…