February is Black History Month, and there are lots of educational events happening that celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans, as well as African culture in general, happening throughout NJ.
Throughout February
“Art of the Witness Stones Project” Special Exhibit
Princeton Public Library, Princeton
A special art and history exhibit from Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum will be on display in the library’s second-floor Reading Room. This exhibit will share the artwork of Timberlane Middle School’s eighth grade students who researched the lives of Friday Truehart, Frost Blackwell and Nance, three individuals who were enslaved in Central New Jersey during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Culinary Traditions of the African Diaspora
Marcus Live! Bar & Grille, American Dream
During the month, Chef Marcus Samuelsson will celebrate Jamaican flavors with the Golden Harvest Bowl: a soulful dish with chickpea puree, fried yams, caramelized onions, peanut chimichurri, fried shallots and fresh herbs.
Thursdays in February
Black History Month Film Series
Englewood Public Library, Englewood
Each week a different movie will be shown, including The Rosa Parks Story, The Express, Bessie and BlacKKKlansman.
February 1
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship Breakfast Vendors
Hyatt Regency Princeton, Princeton
The Ivy League Educational Foundation charitable arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Epsilon Upsilon Omega Chapter’s 44th annual breakfast is open to the public.
Art, Music & Dance of the Diaspora
Monmouth County Library, Manalapan
Celebrate the history of Black culture in America with the CJ Watson Dance group performing Alvin Ailey’s “Revelations,” local musicians including local choirs and singers, and artwork by Roots & Culture.
PMP Black History Month Concerts
John F. Kennedy High School, Paterson
In partnership with Wharton Arts, the students and PMP will uplift spirits during this concert.
Mayor Lizette P. Parker African American History Month Breakfast
Fiesta, Wood-Ridge
The event is held by UNation to connect people and share culture.
Black History Month Performance
Roseland Free Public Library, Roseland
In this performance by the Bright Star Theatre Company, Dr. Daisy and Professor Paisley will lead the audience on a tour of the Black History Hall of Fame. Learn about Maya Angelou, Aretha Franklin, Mae Jemison, the Buffalo Soldiers and more.
February 2
Celebrating Black History Month: Tribute to Saxophonist/Composer Gigi Gryce
Madison Community Arts Center, Madison
Saxophonist Bruce Williams will bring his quintet to play tribute to saxophonist, composer, arranger and educator Gigi Gryce. Plus, Montclair-based author, jazz researcher and musician Noal Cohen will discuss the artist’s life and music.
February 3-28
The Space Between Notes: Dualities and Emotions Beneath Monk’s Brain
The Gallery at Paper Mill, Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn
The exhibit on display in time for Black History Month celebrates American jazz musician Thelonious Monk.
February 6
Themes and Journeys of Artists and Filmmakers in New Jersey
James Stewart Film Theater, Princeton University campus, Princeton
This film screening and panel discussion honors Black History Month through three award-winning short films from the Thomas Edison Film Festival: How Do you Raise a Black Child, The Bravest, the Boldest, and Freedom for Freedom.
Rocks in the Garden: A Public History of Slavery in Morris County
Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, Madison
Historian Mike Snyder will discuss local slaveholders and enslaved people from the Revolution to the end of the Civil War.
Black History Month Opening Celebration
Ciccone Theatre, Bergen Community College, Hackensack
Listen to several engaging speakers who will focus on Black history.
February 7-8
Meet Hannah Till
Mt. Zion AME Church, Skillman
The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum welcomes reenactor Leslie Bramlett on Friday to portray Hannah Archer Till, who was leased to General George Washington as his cook and servant. Bramlett will be present in costume on Saturday during open museum hours, answering questions and sharing hands-on activities celebrating African American women of the Revolutionary Period.
February 8
Black History Month Festival
Robbinsville High School, Robbinsville
Celebrate Black culture through vendor shopping, food, music and cultural experiences. This will be held by the RHS Black Culture Club, plus ITIAH Angels for Learning.
February 14
Douglass Day
Historic Reasoner-True House, Skillman
The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum will celebrate the chosen birthday of abolitionist and activist Frederick Douglass. There will be a transcribe-a-thon of historical documents from the Library of Congress. Docents will provide tours of the museum and special exhibits inside Mt. Zion AME Church. And you’ll get birthday cake!
Celebrate Frederick Douglass
Hopewell Branch, Mercer County Library System, Pennington
The abolitionist and freedom fighter chose February 14 as his birthday, and the library will hold a celebration. There will be a livestreamed inspirational program, a transcribe-a-thon to digitize documents for the African American Perspectives Collection at the Library of Congress, a poetry slam and an art/essay contest. Stay for some birthday cake!
February 15
Reading Event For Black History Month
McDonald’s, Neptune
Listen to books read by Black authors, teachers, principals and other community members. Kids will get a tote bag, books and Happy Meals, while supplies last.
February 17
James Howe House Tour
James Howe House, Montclair
Also known as the Freed Slave House, when you visit you can explore the history, architecture and stories of the home’s origins, the people who lived there, and its place in Montclair’s history. You can preorder savory treats from Crepes by Chantal or get some Girl Scout Cookies from Montclair’s Troop 22774.
February 20
NJ Slavery and The Underground Railroad
Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, Lawrence Twp.
In honor of Black History Month, amateur historian Richard Moody will talk about slavery and the Underground Railroad in New Jersey, including the origins of the slave trade, the harrowing Middle Passage, and the gradual abolition of slavery in New Jersey and neighboring states. He’ll talk about the safe houses that were used to help escaping slaves, including Harriet Tubman and William Still.
February 22
You’ve Got Mail
Allentown Methodist Church, Allentown
The 855 African American women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion delivered over 14 million pieces of backlogged mail in 3 months to 7 million U.S. troops across Europe during World War II. Allentown native Marion VanOrkey served in the Six Triple Eight and was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Learn about her story during a dinner lecture.
February 27
Black Soldiers in the American Revolution
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
A historian and author will talk about the underappreciated role Black soldiers played in the fight for independence at the Battle of Princeton during the American Revolution, and how important the battle was to winning the war.
February 28
Black History Month Gala
The Boro Epicenter, Willingboro
Dress up as your favorite person from Black history and join a dinner by Smokin Rev & Lady Q’s BBQ, with music and dancing.
You can also celebrate Black History Month at home by sharing a book, movie or craft project as a family. For ideas, check out our Black History Month celebration board on Pinterest.
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Read More:
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