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 honor and 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 13 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 Plumsted, try a Black History Month Drop-In Craft at the Beachwood Branch, or join in on the Black History Month Reading Challenge at the Jackson Branch. Make Jean-Michel Basquiat-inspired portraits at the Brick Branch or learn about The Tuskegee Airmen, America’s First Black Pilots, at the Upper Shores Branch.
Various locations in Ocean County
Cookie Decorating Class – Black History Month
February 4 from 11 AM – 2 PM
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
6th 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 “Respect,” “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Ray,” and “Round Midnight.”
Englewood Public Library, 31 Engle Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
African American Cultural Committee’s Black History Month Fashion Show
February 15 at 7 PM
Join Rowan College at Burlington County’s celebration of Black History Month with a history-meets-fashion combination. The show will collaborate with the Atlantic City Fashion Week.
Mount Laurel Campus, Student Success Center, 900 College Circle, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
(856) 222-9311
Black History Month Jeopardy
February 15 from 4 PM – 5 PM
In honor of African American History Month, bring the whole fam and enjoy a fun and educational game of Jeopardy. This event is centered around learning more about Black history and having a good time while doing just that. The event is free, but pre-registration is required.
INLAND Family Success Center, 3050 Spruce Ave. Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Deep River: A Musical Tribute To The Negro Spiritual
February 18 from 1 PM – 3 PM
Get out and about by heading to The Burlington Quaker Meeting House for an afternoon of beautiful music and uplifting expressions of the tragedies and triumphs throughout black history. This soulful event will include the exquisite voices of the Essence of Harmony Choral society, an ensemble in Southern New Jersey dedicated to bringing joy and culture to our communities. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased online here.
Burlington Friends Quaker Meeting House, 340 High Street Burlington, NJ 08016
A Black History Month Celebration
February 18 from 12 PM – 4 PM
Grab the fam and head to the Plainfield Performing Arts Center for A Black History Month Celebration. This event will be full of jazz music, Liturgical dance, refreshments, and a powerful keynote speaker.
Cost: Free
Plainfield Performing Arts Center, 724 Park Avenue, Plainfield
Guided House Tour: Eyewitness To Black History
February 19 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
Swahili Storytime: Black History Month Edition
February 22 from 4:30 PM – 5:15 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
10th Annual Black History Celebration: We’ve Come This Far by Faith
February 25 at 4 PM
It’s the 10th 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
4th Annual African American Read-In
February 25 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 Month Pop Up
February 26 from 2 PM to 6 PM
Support local Black-owned businesses at this maker and artisan pop-up market. Shop from vendor stalls, discover new businesses in the area and then grab something to eat with the fam.
Pop Up Next Door, 1169 Elizabeth Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Portraits: A Black History Presentation
March 4 at 2 PM
Bring the fam and enjoy a journey back to places and faces significant in Black history. You’ll have an opportunity to learn about heroes and leaders who fought for our freedom and those who continue to fight for liberty.
Bloomfield Library Little Theater, 90 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
How are you celebrating Black History Month with your family? Let us know.
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