the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Fair Lawn NJ, In keeping with its commitment to support and serve its communities, Columbia Bank is proud to be a sponsor of local events that celebrate diversity and inclusion. From a sensational Juneteenth celebration in Newark, to colorful Pride celebrations in Mahwah and Morristown, New Jerseyans can count on Columbia to help create an inclusive culture where all people and businesses thrive.
The first of the exciting events Columbia Bank is sponsoring, is the Juneteenth Community Festival hosted by the city of Newark, to celebrate black excellence, recognize and honor entrepreneurs, education and economic empowerment. The festival includes the grand opening of accomplished Afro-Latina interior designer Neffi Walker’s store “The Black Home.” The curated home store and Ms. Walker’s designs are inspired by the “black cultural experience.” Additionally, the Believe in Newark Foundation will present scholarships to two young men attending to Howard University. Double dutch, tug of war, egg races, sack races, prize wheels, music and more, will add to the festivities. The events will take place on June 19th, 2021 from 12:00 – 6:00 pm in downtown Newark at William Street and Treat Place. Tickets required.
Juneteenth is an annual holiday celebrated on June 19, to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on that date in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, slaves were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.
To recognize the contributions the LGBTQ+ community has made and continues to make in the New Jersey community, Columbia Bank is sponsoring two local Pride Celebrations. Mahwah’s First Annual Pride Celebration on June 24th, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Commodore Perry Field, will include a kaleidoscope of colorful activities to commemorate the day, including an art show and contest, live entertainment and performers, inspirational key note and guest speakers, ice cream truck, information tables and more. Morris County Pride Celebration will feature a full day line-up of onstage performances from local musicians, drag queen and kings, and a magician, taking place on June 26, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, at the grounds of Morris Museum 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown. Tickets are required for both events.
Said Alycia Banks Senior Vice President, Learning and Diversity Officer of Columbia Bank, “Being a community bank means more to us than just providing great banking services. Giving back and making an impact in our community is ingrained in our culture. Team Columbia’s goal is to make a huge impact where we ALL live, work and play. Every single person matters regardless of race, preference, or gender identification.”
Pulled my money out of there….