As we enter February, we recognize and celebrate Black History Month. This month is dedicated to recognizing the African American community's profound contributions, resilience, and rich heritage. Here, we provide a guide to some of the significant events taking place in various communities.
Eighth Annual Black History Film Series at Englewood Public Library
Dates: Various dates in February Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Englewood Public Library, 31 Engle St, Englewood.
The Englewood Public Library will host its Eighth Annual Black History Film Series, showcasing a selection of impactful films throughout February. The lineup includes:
- "The Express" on February 13
- "Bessie" on February 20
- "BlacKkKlansman" on February 27
These screenings will take place in the library’s Mackay Room and will be hosted by the Programming Department.
4th Annual Bergen County NAACP Black History Month Health Fair
Date: February 22 Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Grieco Elementary School, 50 Durie Ave, Englewood
The Bergen County NAACP is hosting its 4th Annual Black History Month Health Fair, offering the community valuable health information and resources. Attendees can expect health screenings, informative sessions, and healthy lifestyle resources. For more information or to reserve a sponsor table, email BergenNAACP@gmail.com.
Black History Month Celebration at Bergenfield Public Library
Date: February 23, 2025, Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Bergenfield Public Library, 50 W. Clinton Ave, Bergenfield
Join storytellers Vicki Bryan and Shirley Johnson at the Bergenfield Public Library for their "And I Still Rise" performance. This engaging event will feature a collection of stories highlighting the history and accomplishments of African Americans, accompanied by songs and African drumming/percussion.
Montclair Black History Month Celebrations
Date: Various dates in February Location: Various locations in Montclair
There are several local events throughout Black History Month, including from the Montclair Public Library:
- "Roots, Rock, Reggae: The Music and Legacy of Bob Marley" - February 13
- James Howe House Tour ( The first African American to own a home in Montclair) – February 17
- Black History Month Storytime – February 19
- Black History Month 2025 Can Release Party - February 21
Newark Black History Month Celebrations
Dates: Various dates in February Location: Various locations in Newark
The City of Newark, under the leadership of Mayor Ras J. Baraka and the Newark Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs, presents a month-long celebration honoring Black History Month. Each event aims to foster unity, education, and pride in Black excellence. Events include:
Black Climate Week: Sustainability & Climate Unconference
Date: February 20 Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: 3rd Space, 42 Lafayette St, Newark, NJ 07105
This interactive unconference will bring together activists, experts, and community members to share ideas, solutions, and strategies for a more sustainable future in Newark. Participants are encouraged to contribute their thoughts and expertise in a dynamic and inclusive setting.
Black Climate Week: Thrifting Workshop
Date: February 22 Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Location: Salvation Army, 65 Pennington St, Newark 07102
Learn how to repurpose and upcycle clothing while supporting sustainable practices. This workshop is perfect for those interested in reducing their environmental footprint and embracing an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Black History Month Celebration of Black Business Vendor Marketplace
Date: February 28 Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Newark City Hall, 920 Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102
Support Black entrepreneurship and innovation at the Black Business Vendor Marketplace. This event is a fantastic opportunity to shop, network, and uplift the economic empowerment of the Black community while celebrating Black excellence in business.
The Morris County Library – “Three Eras of African American Invention"
Date: Displayed from February 3-27 Location: 30 East Hanover Ave., Whippany, NJ 07981
As part of the exhibit, James Howard, the founder of the Black Inventors Hall of Fame Museum, will lecture on "African American Invention from the Colonial Era to Now" on Feb. 11 from 7 to 8 p.m. (in-person & via Zoom). If interested, please register on the Morris County Library website.
Monmouth County Libraries Celebrating Black History Month
Date: February 13, 2 PM Location: Manalapan, Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Rd, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Nat the Cowboy - Actor Rochel Garner Coleman presents the life and times of the most famous Black American cowboy: Nat Love, aka Deadwood Dick. This performance is based on stories from Love’s autobiography.
Date: February 27, 2 PM Location: Shrewsbury Eastern Branch Library, 1001 Rte 35, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
New Jersey's African American Civil War Soldiers - Joseph G. Bilby, columnist for the Civil War News and publications editor for the New Jersey Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee, will discuss the often-overlooked subject of the service of almost 3,000 New Jersey African Americans in the Union army and navy. For more information on programming at the Monmouth County Library, please visit their webpage at www.monmouthcountylib.org.
These events offer an excellent opportunity to learn, celebrate, and honor the rich history and contributions of the African American community. Check your region's local listings and event websites for more details and updates.
Contact: Ciara Bradley, League Research Associate, CBradley@njlm.org or 609-695-3481 x128.