Feb 17, 201206:00 PMReal Moms of NJ
All the stuff that matters to moms in the Garden State
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FeedBlack History Month Celebrations
February is Black History Month, and there are lots of great events taking place that celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans, as well as African culture in general. If there are events in your town, please let us know so we can try and add them to the list below!
The National Constitution Museum, Philadelphia, PA
If you're up for a day trip, the National Constitution Museum in Philadelphia has numerous events planned in honor of Black History Month. The museum's Breaking Barriers Show makes it possible for visitors to examine the lives of Thurgood Marshall, Bessie Coleman, Jackie Robinson, and other extraordinary African Americans throughout history. You'll also learn more about the issues these leaders faced and the rights they secured for all Americans. The museum has a rare printing of the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by Abraham Lincoln. And, the museum's main exhibition, The Story of We the People, highlights important moments in black history. Free with admission, for more information visit ConstitutionCenter.org.
Newark Museum, Newark, NJ
The Newark Museum is offering drop-in art and gallery activities over the next two weekends, February 18-19 and February 25-26 at 1, 2, and 3 pm. With the theme Living History Now, participants can help create a time capsule that captures this moment in time as well as future hopes. Free with admission, meet at the South Wing Rotunda. Check the Newark Museum's website for latest updates and details.
African Art Museum of the SMA Fathers, Tenafly, NJ
On Sunday, February 19, the African Art Museum will be presenting A Taste of Africa with lots of activities for kids including the chance to sample West African cuisine, play musical instruments, and try on costumes. Free, donations welcome. (Photo is from the museum's exhibit.)
Springfield Avenue Partnership, Maplewood, NJ
There are many events and activities planned by the various businesses on Springfield Avenue in Maplewood in honor of Black History Month. The Art of Tesfaye Tessema, a contemporary Ethiopian artist, will be on display at the 1978 Arts Gallery (1978 Springfield Ave. from 2-5 Saturdays and Sundays), and work by the artist Terrence Bell will be shown in From Whence We Came, an exploration of the visions of Africa and the sounds of Jazz at Astah's Fine Art Gallery (1897 Springfield Ave).
Other events include an African Pot Workshop on Thursday, February 23, from 6-8 pm at Express Yourself Studios (1877 Springfield Ave.) for ages 5-12, $20 including pizza; and on Sunday, February 26, there is a Kindermusik Playdate featuring Black American Folk songs and spirituals at Jazzberries Center for Music & Art (1677 Springfield Ave.) for ages 0-7, $25 per child, $15 for siblings. The full schedule of Springfield Avenue events is available here.
And you can also celebrate Black History month at home by sharing a book, movie, or a craft project together as a family. For ideas, and lots of coloring sheets, check out our Black History Month celebration board on Pinterest.
