Experience Black History in Elizabeth, NJ

Honor Black culture, history, and resilience during Black History Month and throughout the year in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Historic Sites
Annual Events
Black-Owned Businesses

During the colonial and early American eras, New Jersey participated in the institution of slavery. Enslaved Africans worked in homes, on farms, and in local businesses, shaping the economic and cultural landscape of the state even as their identities were denied and their stories overlooked. Throughout the years, their descendants continued to build community, safeguard traditions, and push for justice, forging a legacy that still echoes through Elizabeth today.

Across the city, community leaders, historians, and residents are working to recover these voices, honoring individuals whose names were lost, elevating untold histories, and celebrating the impact of Black communities across generations.

Historic Sites

The 313+ Ancestors Speak Project

Project 313 honors over 313 enslaved and free Africans buried in unmarked graves at Siloam-Hope First Presbyterian Church. Founded by Rev. Dr. Wanda Lundy in 2019, this community-driven initiative centers truth-telling and remembrance by uncovering the identities and histories of those laid to rest on the church grounds.

Visit: Pay your respects to the 313+ ancestors buried on the church grounds at Siloam-Hope First Presbyterian Church, 42 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ.

Credit Pablo A Gonzalez (@pag_ph_)

The 1741 Project

Community activists involved in the 1741 Project for Truth and Justice researched the 1741 New York Slave Conspiracy and advocated for a memorial to three enslaved African Americans who were burned at the stake near the present-day Union County Courthouse. The Union County Board of Commissioners erected a historical marker on the courthouse grounds to honor their memory and acknowledge this dark chapter of history.

Visit: The memorial marker is located on the grounds of the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad St, Elizabeth, NJ.

Liberty Hall Museum

At Liberty Hall Museum, a comprehensive digital exhibition documents the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked on the property, offering visitors crucial context for understanding slavery's impact on Liberty Hall and Elizabeth, NJ.

Visit: Liberty Hall Museum is located at 1003 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ.

For more ways to experience history in Elizabeth, New Jersey, take a self-guided history tour and visit these historic sites.

Annual Events

Juneteenth Celebration

Elizabeth’s Juneteenth celebration honors African-American heritage, freedom, and community. Expect lively music, dancing, local vendors, delicious food, and family-friendly activities as the city comes together to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.

When: Juneteenth is observed nationally each year on June 19. Elizabeth’s celebration date may vary, check the annual event page for the latest details.

people ride colorful floats along a tree lined street during the Juneteenth Parade in Elizabeth NJ

Black-Owned Businesses

First Republic Lounge & Restaurant

Owned by Stanley Neron—newly appointed Union County Commissioner, head of the Elizabeth Recreation Department, and former Board of Education President—First Republic Lounge & Restaurant draws inspiration from Haiti, the first nation in the Western Hemisphere to liberate itself from slavery. The restaurant celebrates over two centuries of Haitian independence through authentic cuisine that transports guests to the Caribbean.

Jerkies

Founded by Stan Gabriel, Jackson, Chef Jeff, and Sandy, Jerkies brings the authentic flavors of Jamaica and Haiti to New Jersey. This Caribbean fusion restaurant serves rich, traditional dishes including Jamaican oxtail and Haitian griot. Experience bold island flavors and support a local Black-owned business committed to sharing their cultural heritage through food.

Two Sisters Restaurant

Two Sisters Restaurant brings Haitian culinary traditions to Elizabeth with a menu of authentic island dishes. This Black-owned establishment serves up bold, satisfying flavors in every dish, showcasing Haiti's vibrant food culture.

Explore More

Related: