February is Black History Month, giving everyone a chance to celebrate and honor African Americans’ cultures, experiences, and hardships. Whether going to a historical performance, listening to a story about heroes who fought for freedom, or going out to support Black-owned businesses and artisans, there are many ways your family can pay tribute to the triumphs and struggles while learning more about history. Scroll down to find out how to celebrate all through February. (featured photo credit: Express Yourself Studios, LLC)
11 Ways To Celebrate Black History Month In NJ
Ocean County Library’s Black History Month Events
Various dates and times in February
Kids can celebrate Black History Month throughout the month through various events. Learn about the Underground Railroad in Plumsted, color a Black History Month picture in Beachwood, or enjoy a culinary experience at Cuisine of the Bayou with Chef Brian in Lacey. Check the event calendar for more details.
Various locations in Ocean County
Pan-African Flag Raising
February 1 at 12 PM
Join the mayor and social justice commission as they raise the flag for Black History Month to celebrate African American culture, history, and community.
Train Station Plaza, Milton Ave. between Irving and Broad Streets, Rahway, NJ 07065
The Underground Experience: A Walk-Through Black History
February 6 at 4 PM
This is an interactive and immersive live museum where you can walk through and engage with historical Black figures portrayed by actors.
Papillon 25, 25 Valley Street, South Orange, NJ 07079
Black History Month Expo
February 7 at 1 PM
It’s the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, and this annual expo is a great way to celebrate this. At this event, they will honor the past and inspire the future.
155 Hilton Avenue, Vauxhall, NJ 07088
Douglass Day Transcribe-a-thon at Rowan
February 13 at 11 AM
Join Rowan College as they participate in a transcribe-a-thon with other universities to transcribe the papers of Frederick Douglass and documents about African American history, making them more widely accessible online.
201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028
A Raisin In The Sun
February 13-28, select dates at 7:30 PM
Head to the Burgdorff Theater for a powerful show of A Raisin In The Sun, which is a landmark 1959 play about a Black family in Chicago and their struggles, including poverty, racism, and dreams, after they received a life insurance check.
Burgdorff Cultural Center, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Crazy Faith Riders
February 19 at 11:30 AM
This riding club preserves the history and culture of Black cowboys, and they will be hosting an event to celebrate Black History Month. There will be a musical and oral history experience featuring spirituals, cowboy ballads, and first-person narratives, along with a mobile exhibit of historical images, riding gear, and stories.
Papillon 25, 25 Valley Street, South Orange, NJ 07079
Black History Month Cookie Decorating Class
February 21 and 28 at 12 PM
Take a 1.5-hour class with Glassy Brown Cookies and decorate it with royal icing. No experience is necessary for this event.
Cherry Hill Mall, 2000 New Jersey 38, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Follow the Drinking Gourd
February 21 and 28 at 3 PM
Visit the planetarium to find the Big Dipper, then travel back in time to follow a family as they try to escape oppression. Based on Jeanette Winters’ book of the same title, the show describes the astronomy behind the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd” and includes a sing-along. It is recommended for ages 6-12.
118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876
Guided House Tour: Eyewitness To Black History
February 21 at 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM
Explore 200 years of Black history during this Guided House Tour at the Montclair History Center. The tour includes first-hand accounts, rare source documents, amazing artifacts, and much more. Tours begin at the Nathanial Crane House & Visitor Center. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for students, and $8 for children.
110 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ 07042
Annual African American Read-In
February 21 at 2:30 PM
This book event celebrates authors and books honoring literary excellence and cultural heritage. Feel free to bring a selection to share with the group or just come and listen. There will be a special craft for all ages.
Kennedy Library, 500 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854
