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)
Here Are 15 Ways To Celebrate Black History Month In NJ
Ocean County Library’s Black History Month Events
Various dates and times in February
All month long, kids can celebrate Black History Month with various events. Do a Black History Month Scavenger Hunt in Barnegat, try a Black History Month Drop-In Craft at the Jackson Branch, or join the Black History Month Book Cafe at the Lakewood Branch. At the Barnegat Branch, you can also learn about The Tuskegee Airmen, America’s First Black Pilots.
Various locations in Ocean County
South Orange Downtown Celebrates Black History Month
February 1 at 7 PM
Celebrate the start of Black History Month by enjoying live music, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar for all the adults.
Papillon 25, 25 Valley Street, South Orange, NJ 07079
Cookie Decorating Class – Black History Month
February 3 from 11 AM – 2 PM; choose a time slot
Got kids who love cookies? Bring them to this fun cookie-decorating class that celebrates Black History Month. In the one-hour class, the Glassy Brown Cookies team will teach everyone how to decorate cookies with royal icing and then take the treats home. Tickets are required.
Cherry Hill Mall, Suite 514, 2000 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Black Culture Celebration
February 3 at 2 PM
This is a great event for all ages to learn more about African American history and culture. There will be a performance from the Fair Lawn High School Step Team, an exhibit, a book display, and more.
Fair Lawn Public Library, 10-01 Fair Lawn Avenue, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
7th Annual Black History Month Film Series
Thursdays in February from 2 PM – 4 PM
Come out to the Englewood Library and take in a Black History Month film every Thursday in February. Films that will be shown include “Selma,” “Hotel Rwanda,” “I Am Not Your Negro,” “Till” and “12 Years a Slave.”
Englewood Public Library, 31 Engle Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
Swahili Storytime: Black History Month Edition
February 10 from 2 PM – 2:45 PM
Bring the littles and enjoy a Swahili story time with the storyteller Sabina Wasonga-Gitau. During this fun event, kids will learn words and phrases in Swahili and listen to bilingual Swahili tales. Registration is required.
Montclair Public Library, 50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042
Visions The Performing Arts Center Present Portraits
February 10-11 at 3 PM
The whole family will enjoy this original play celebrating people of color and the heroes and leaders who fought for freedom. Classic spirituals and other songs will be performed during the production.
10 Durand Road, Maplewood, NJ 07040
African American Cultural Committee’s Black History Month Fashion Show
February 13 at 6 PM
Join Rowan College at Burlington County’s celebration of Black History Month with a history-meets-fashion combination.
Mount Laurel Campus, Student Success Center, 900 College Circle, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
Follow the Drinking Gourd
February 17 at 3 PM
Visit the planetarium to find the Big Dipper and then go back in time to follow a family trying to escape oppression, based on Jeanette Winters’ book by the same title. The show describes the astronomy behind the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd” and includes a sing-along. This show is recommended for ages 6-12.
118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876
Guided House Tour: Eyewitness To Black History
February 18 from 12 PM – 3 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.
Montclair History Center, 108 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ 07042
Black History Month Trivia
February 22 from 4 PM – 5 PM
In honor of African American History Month, bring the whole family and enjoy a fun and educational trivia game. Have a fun time while learning about Black historical figures in America. The event is free, but pre-registration is required.
INLAND Family Success Center, 3050 Spruce Ave. Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
5th Annual African American Read-In
February 24 from 11 AM – 1 PM
This is an event the whole family can enjoy, listening to literary excellence and cultural heritage. Feel free to bring a selection to share with the group or just come and listen.
Kennedy Library, 500 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Black History Celebration
February 24 at 3 PM
It’s the Annual Black History Celebration—bring the whole family and enjoy shopping from Black business owners, cultural dishes, local talent, student presentations, and more.
Lawrence High School, 2525 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Black History Month Celebration – African American History and Arts
February 24 at 5:30 PM
Learn all about African American history through music, dance, and the arts. Immerse yourself in various captivating performances, inspiring exhibitions, and engaging activities that honor the achievements and resilience of the African American community. Admission is free, and families are welcome.
Stangl Center, 4 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Black History Month Celebration Concert
February 25 at 3 PM
Celebrate with a special NJYS concert featuring music by Ellington and William Grant Still. There will also be a world premiere performance of Microvids for Piano and Orchestra by Stefania de Kenessey with guest pianist Donna Weng Friedman. It’s $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065
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