In 2023, as we reveled in the historic Juneteenth celebrations, we also took a moment to honor the deep significance Juneteenth holds in our shared history, and its influence on our path towards a more equitable future.

On Saturday, June 17th, 2023, the communities of Cherry Hill and Collingswood blossomed into a spectacular display of unity, cultural richness, and an enduring respect for heritage. The day kicked off with the Juneteenth Parade & Festival at Croft Farm, orchestrated by the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association (CHAACA). We were both humbled and proud to join as a Platinum Sponsor, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in solidarity with this event that celebrated community resilience.

Our HTEI tent played host to Jeannine A. Cook, the esteemed owner of Ida’s & Harriett’s Bookshops. Jeannine offered an exceptional contribution with a banned book pop-up, championing literacy, intellectual freedom, and offering rare finds for personal collectors or those donating to local school districts.

CHAACA's event was further enhanced by the wide array of Black-owned businesses and organizations. Vendors and tabling organizations dotted the landscape, weaving together an atmosphere pulsating with community engagement and vibrant conversations. As the day unfolded, a myriad of performances set the stage aglow, each resonating with the soulful spirit of Juneteenth, notably the effervescent performance by the Camden High School Marching Band.

The festivities continued into the evening in Downtown Collingswood, with the "Unity in the Community: A Juneteenth Celebration" serving as a heartening testament to the strength of community bonding and the importance of remembrance.

As we marked Juneteenth this year, we not only commemorated the end of slavery in the U.S., but also embraced our ongoing commitment to fostering equity and justice within Cherry Hill, Haddon Township, Collingswood, and beyond. These local celebrations are poignant reminders of our community's strength and resilience when united in purpose.

On Sunday, February 26th, 2023,  we hosted our second “In Our Backyard” community conversation, facilitated by Minista Jazz, entitled "The Color Purple: Truth in Reconciliation". The conversation was a powerful reminder that, just like the color purple, our lives are complex and full of contrasting experiences. Through the lens of the novel, we explored themes of oppression, resilience, love, and redemption. We learned the parallels of life and the relationship between the rose and it's thorns.  Just like the thorns protect the rose, when approaching "uncomfortable" conversations, we should remember to handle with care. By showing up with courage, curiosity, and compassion, we created a safe space to engage in difficult conversations and learn from one another.

Thank you to Minista Jazz for guiding us through this journey of self-discovery and growth, to our community partners The Ritz Theatre Co for allowing us the physical space to connect, Ida's Bookshop for the Alice's Bookshop pop-up collaboration, and to everyone who attended the events.

During Black History Month, on February 22nd, 2023, HTEI's "Night at the Ritz" was held. HTEI was able to support the all-Black cast of the Ritz's production of 'The Color Purple' for a SOLD OUT performance at the local Ritz Theatre Company.  Because of your generous donations, as a 100% volunteer-run local non-profit, we were able to cover the cost of attendance for nine local nonprofits, community organizations (especially their youth members), and over 75 students from schools in four local school districts, as well as support the fundraising efforts of the NAACP Camden County East Youth Council.

In January 2023, HTEI worked alongside Ida’s Bookshop and the Haddon Township School District in support of the Choose Love Movement curriculum to bring more inclusive book choices to the HTSD elementary classrooms.  HTEI and Ida's Bookshop were honored to be able to purchase and donate nearly 100 books, curated by local librarian and HTEI cofounder, Ruth Malwitz, in an effort to diversify our school libraries.

In November 2022, we hosted members from six Camden County high school GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) and Social Justice clubs, for an evening of connection, community-building, and learning about service and advocacy!  Our heartfelt thanks to Cherry Hill East for hosting the event, to the educators, partnering organizations, and HTEI volunteers who continue to show up to love and support our local LGBTQ+ youth and allies.  A big thanks to our community partners GLSEN Southern New Jersey, PFLAG Collingswood, Jefferson Health, Appel Farm, Kaleidoscope, Stockton University Center for Community Engagement & Service-Learning and YES!

In November 2022,  HTEI hosted the first in a series of community conversations titled “In Our Backyard.” As an organization that started in a Haddon Township backyard, it’s only fitting that we continue this work in the same casual setting where ALL are welcome to show up and contribute.  The discussion was an opportunity for all to join us to share, listen, and learn a bit more about our community and the people in it.

In August 2022, HT showed up and delivered over 400 sandwiches to our friends at Cathedral Kitchen! Cathedral Kitchen is the largest emergency food provider in Camden, NJ, serving more than 100,000 meals a year and their mission is to help people out of food insecurity and champion their pursuit of stability and prosperity.