Scotch Plains-Fanwood Kramer Manor Community Celebrates Legacy at Somerset Patriots' NY Black Yankees Tribute Night

Family, friends, and community members from Scotch Plains and Fanwood gathered Saturday, August 1, 2026, to celebrate the legacy of Kramer Manor and support efforts to preserve the history of this historic African American community. The evening centered on African American history, community connection, and the ongoing work to preserve the Kramer Manor story for future generations.

Union County Life covers Scotch Plains and Fanwood community heritage, civic initiatives, and local events across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Coming Together for Heritage

The celebration took place at the Somerset Patriots' New York Black Yankees Tribute Night at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater. The event is part of Minor League Baseball's "The Nine" initiative, which honors Black baseball pioneers and connects communities through the history of the Negro Leagues.

In tribute, the Somerset Patriots took the field as the New York Black Yankees, paying tribute to the Negro Leagues team that played in New York, Paterson, and Rochester. The team wore specially designed jerseys and hats, and the game-worn jerseys were auctioned, with proceeds benefiting the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum.

TD Bank Ballpark showcased a traveling exhibit from the Josh Gibson Foundation, featuring photographs, uniforms, bats, and stories from the Negro Leagues. Sean Gibson, great-grandson of Baseball Hall of Famer Josh Gibson, attended as a special guest.

Community Celebration and Entertainment

Family Flava provided food for the gathering. Street entertainer Ohiole Dibua and the 40+ Double Dutch Plainfield team provided entertainment, bringing energy and celebration to the evening. The night concluded with post-game fireworks.

Preserving the Kramer Manor Story

According to SJM Kramer Manor Preservationist Jill Jackson-Jones, the evening represented far more than baseball. "This evening was about celebrating African American history and honoring the legacy of Kramer Manor. It was wonderful to see our community come together with the Patriots to celebrate that history and support the work of preserving it for future generations. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, donated and helped make the evening such a meaningful celebration."

Kramer Manor is part of the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail. The fundraiser supports efforts by SJM Kramer Manor Historic Events to continue documenting and preserving the community's history. The organization is working to uncover more of Kramer Manor's history through conversations with longtime residents and descendants of the neighborhood's original homeowners. The work includes preserving those stories through formal transcriptions and creating materials that can be used to educate the community and promote the history at future events.

The fundraising effort will also help support plans for a future celebration surrounding the Kramer Manor Black Heritage Trail marker.

Looking Forward

The August 1 gathering gave residents an opportunity to celebrate their heritage while supporting the continued effort to ensure the Kramer Manor story is preserved for future generations. Community involvement in preservation efforts strengthens the ability of organizations like SJM Kramer Manor Historic Events to maintain and share this important piece of Union County's African American history.

Find more Scotch Plains and Fanwood community events and heritage news on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is Kramer Manor?
A: Kramer Manor is a historic African American community in Scotch Plains/Fanwood that is part of the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail. SJM Kramer Manor Historic Events works to preserve and document the community's history.

Q: Why did Kramer Manor community gather on August 1?
A: Community members gathered to celebrate their heritage and support preservation efforts at the Somerset Patriots' New York Black Yankees Tribute Night, which honors Negro Leagues history.

Q: What is "The Nine" initiative?
A: "The Nine" is a Minor League Baseball initiative that honors Black baseball pioneers and connects communities through the history of the Negro Leagues.

Q: Who were the New York Black Yankees?
A: The New York Black Yankees were a Negro Leagues team that played in New York, Paterson, and Rochester.

Q: What happened to the game-worn jerseys?
A: The Somerset Patriots' game-worn jerseys were auctioned, with proceeds benefiting the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum.

Q: Who was Sean Gibson?
A: Sean Gibson is the great-grandson of Baseball Hall of Famer Josh Gibson. He attended as a special guest and was associated with the Josh Gibson Foundation exhibit.

Q: What is the Josh Gibson Foundation exhibit?
A: A traveling exhibit featuring photographs, uniforms, bats, and stories from the Negro Leagues, honoring the legacy of Black baseball pioneers.

Q: What preservation work is SJM Kramer Manor Historic Events doing?
A: The organization is documenting and preserving Kramer Manor's history through conversations with longtime residents and descendants, formal transcriptions, and creating educational materials.

Q: What are future plans for Kramer Manor?
A: Fundraising will support a future celebration surrounding the Kramer Manor Black Heritage Trail marker.