JERSEY CITY, NJ. June 17, 2025 — Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners Anthony L. Romano, Hudson County Director of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development Gina Hulings, and Trustee for the Frederick Douglass Juneteenth Celebration Inc., Cheryl DB Murphy, celebrated 160 years of Juneteenth with an annual flag raising at the Historic Brennan Court House with Frederick Douglass Juneteenth Celebration Inc.
Juneteenth is observed on June 19th throughout the United States as the day enslaved Americans in the South were finally given word of their freedom, signifying the full emancipation of every African American in the U.S.
“Happy and Proud Juneteenth! Today is a day of immense celebration – even more so as we joyously celebrate 160 years of Juneteenth! Juneteenth serves as a reminder to every American that we are all free and equal in this country regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or gender,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “Hudson County continues to highlight the excellence of the African American community throughout Hudson County, and with today’s flag raising we honor the contributions they have brought and continue to bring to our society and culture.”
“Today in Hudson County, we celebrate a joyous Juneteenth as a community, recognizing that 4th of July freed the land and June 19th, Juneteenth, freed the people. Without the Buffalo Soldiers, African American troops, there would be no Juneteenth and as such we must honor our Veterans today as well,” said Cheryl DB Murphy, Ambassador for the Frederick Douglass Juneteenth Celebration Inc. “I am grateful to County Executive Guy and Hudson County for raising the Juneteenth flag, and for their continuous love and support over the years.”
Citations were given to the following honorees from the Frederick Douglass Juneteenth Celebration Inc.: Mofalc Olei Meinga, President; Cheryl DB Murphy, Ambassador, Trustee and Public Relations; Darryl Spence, Secretary; Charles Blue, Treasurer; Kevin G. Hurt, Trustee and United States Air Force E4 Senior Airman; and Erika Y. Bermudez, Trustee. The following veterans were also honored: Woodrow (Woody) Robinson, Army SP-4; Nigel Lewis, Marine Master Sergeant E-8; Catherine Matthews, Army Sergeant E-5; Charles McKinney, Army Specialist E-4; and Teddy Mirjah, Navy E-8 Senior Chief Petty Officer.
