Black History Month, or African American History Month, is celebrated nationally each year during February. It is a time to highlight the contributions and achievements of African Americans, as well as the struggles for freedom and equality. Celebrate the beauty and history of African American culture. Below you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate and learn about Black History with your family. Although Black History Month is celebrated nationally in February, don’t limit it to only one month of the year. Below you will also find activities to do at home with your kids, book recommendations and ways to get involved in the community all year long.
Events in Central NJ
The Art of E.B. Lewis Display (all ages)
February 1-28, 2018
Watchung Library Branch (Watchung, NJ)
Throughout February, Watchung Library branch will display the art and books from the illustrator, E.B. Lewis.
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Black History Month Sports Bulletin (all ages)
February 1-28, 2018
Mary Jacobs branch – Program Room (Rocky Hill, NJ)
Learn about famous African-American athletes. Throughout February, visit the Youth Services Department to learn about famous African American athletes. Browse our book displays and participate in a matching game for a chance to win a prize.
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The Sounds of Motown: Featuring Rhonda Denet and the Silver Fox Trio
February 3, 2018 at noon – 1 p.m.
Manville Library branch (Manville, NJ)
With its distinctive, upbeat, and infectious rhythms, Motown brought together pop and soul, and became the beat of America.
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Black History Month Program “Telling Our Stories”
February 3, 2018 at 1pm – 4pm
New Brunswick Public Library (New Brunswick, NJ)
The New Brunswick African American Heritage Committee, Inc. presents their annual Black History Month Program, “Telling Our Stories: Collecting and Preserving for Truth and Social Justice”, at the library. The keynote speaker will be Deborah Salahu-Din, Curator for the African American History Museum at the Smithsonian. An exhibit highlighting New Brunswick African American issues will be on display in the library’s Community Room for the entire month. The program will also have a “Collection Day” on February 24.
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African Mask Making (grades K-5)
February 7, 2018 at 4:15-5:30 p.m.
Learn about West African culture and make your own African clay mask with Ivy Omere.
Warren Twp. Library branch (Warren, NJ)
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African Storytelling: Games and Crafts (grades K-6)
February 7, 2018 at 5-6 p.m.
Mary Jacobs Memorial Library branch (Rocky Hill, NJ)
Explore the history of African culture through folklore, games, and crafts.
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West African Dance Featuring Live Drumming (adults)
February 7, 2018 at 7-8 p.m.
Hillsborough Library branch (Hillsborough, NJ)
Learn the history of African dance through movement and music.
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African Mask Making (grades K-5)
February 8, 2018 at 3:30-4:45 p.m.
Learn about West African culture and make your own African clay mask with Ivy Omere.
North Plainfield Memorial Library branch (North Plainfield, NJ)
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In the Key of Stevie: Featuring Rhonda Denét and the Silver Fox Trio
February 10, 2018 at 2pm – 3pm
Bound Brook Memorial Library branch (Bound Brook, NJ)
Songs from the ‘60s through the ‘80s — celebrating the music of Stevie Wonder.
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Hip Hop History: How it all Began (grades 7-12)
February 10, 2018 at 2-3:30 p.m.
Hillsborough Library branch (Hillsborough, NJ)
Learn about hip-hop during the ‘70s, then write and produce your song.
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The African American Story of the Sourlands (adults)
February 13, 2018 at 7-8:30 p.m.
Hillsborough Library branch (Hillsborough, NJ)
Discover the extensive African-American history of the Sourlands area.
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African Mask Making (grades K-5)
February 15, 2018 at 4:30-5:45 p.m.
Learn about West African culture and make your own African clay mask with Ivy Omere.
Bridgewater Library branch (Bridgewater, NJ)
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What a Wonderful World: The Magic of Louis Armstrong’s Later Years (adults)
February 15, 2018 at 7-8 p.m.
Warren Twp. Library branch (Warren, NJ)
Armed with precious rare footage, Ricky Riccardi from the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens, New York, will bring Armstrong to life.
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Middlesex County Celebration
February 16, 2018 at 12:30PM
Middlesex County Courthouse Jury Room (New Brunswick, NJ)
The Middlesex County Black History Month Celebration will be Friday, Feb. 16, at 12:30 p.m. in the Jury Room of the Middlesex County Courthouse, 56 Bayard St., New Brunswick. This event is free and open to the public. The featured keynote speaker will be Dr. Jeffrey Sammons, a well-renowned Professor of History at New York University.
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Actor Marvin Jefferson as York (adults)
February 17, 2018 at 1-2:30 p.m.
Somerville Library branch (Somerville, NJ)
Actor and historian Marvin Jefferson will portray African-American explorer York.
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“From Africa to America”
February 17, 2018 at 2pm
Plainsboro Library (Plainsboro, NJ)
Celebrate Black History Month with Plainsboro Public Library. Join us when Carol Watson-Johnson Dance Company performs. The presentation will chronicle the history of African Americans in the United States. The journey from Africa to slavery through the Civil Rights up to the election of Barack Obama.
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Black History Month: Poetry Reading
February 17, 2018 at 2PM – 4PM
South Plainfield Public Library (South Plainfield, NJ)
In Honor of Black History Month “Something Beautiful is coming your way … Poetry reading and book signing with Ms. Zey.
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Celebrate Black History Month: Family STEM!
Feb 17, 2018 at 2:30PM
Ewing Branch (Ewing, NJ)
Activities for the whole family, featuring STEM activities inspired by African American inventors!
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Black History Month Movies: The Rosa Parks Story (2003)
Feb 18, 2018 at 2PM
Hickory Corner Branch (East Windsor, NJ)
The Rosa Parks Story is a 2002 American television movie written by Paris Qualles and directed by Julie Dash. Angela Bassett portrays Rosa Parks, and Cicely Tyson a supporting role as her mother. No registration.
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Grammy-Nominated Jazz Singer Jazzmeia Horn
February 19, 2018 at 1PM – 2:20PM
Raritan Valley Community College, Nash Theatre (Branchburg, NJ)
Jazz Singer Jazzmeia Horn will perform and speak on “Black Women of Song and Their Impact on History.” Free.
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Movie: Marshall (2017) (PG-13)
February 20, 2018 at 2PM
Headquarters (Manalapan, NJ)
Celebrating Black History Month
This film tells the story of young Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, as he battles through one of his career-defining cases. Directed by Reginald Hudlin. Starring Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, and Kate Hudson. Biography/History – 1 hour 58 mins.
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African Mask Making (grades K-5)
February 20, 2018 at 7:00pm – 8:15pm
Hillsborough branch – Program Room AB (Hillsborough, NJ)
Learn about West African culture and make your own African Clay Mask with actress and artist, Ivy Omere. Be prepared to get a little messy.
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The Roots of Resistance: The Artistic Voice of W.E.B. Du Bois (adults)
February 20, 2018 at 7-8 p.m.
North Plainfield Memorial Library branch (North Plainfield, NJ)
A conversation about W.E.B. Du Bois, led by Dr. Randall Westbrook, professor from the School of Education at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Westbrook’s work on Du Bois has appeared in numerous academic journals and college textbooks.
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Black History Month Film Festival: Get On Up (2014)
Feb 21, 2018 at 2PM
Twin Rivers Branch (East Windsor, NJ)
A chronicle of James Brown’s rise from extreme poverty to become one of the most influential musicians in history. Rated PG-13. Running time: 139 minutes. Pre-registration is preferred.
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Black History Month – Learning Scavenger Hunt
February 21, 2018 All day
Peapack & Gladstone branch (Peapack, NJ)
Test your knowledge of African American history by participating in our scavenger hunt throughout the month of February. Participants with completed and correct answers sheets will receive a prize.
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Documentary Film: Step (2017) (PG)
February 21, 2018 at 2PM and 6:30PM
Headquarters (Manalapan, NJ)
Special Documentary Screening Celebrating Black History Month
STEP documents the senior year of a girls’ high-school step dance team against the background of inner-city Baltimore. As each one tries to become the first in their families to attend college, the girls strive to make their dancing a success against the backdrop of social unrest in the troubled city. Directed by Amanda Lipitz. Starring Paula Dofat, Blessin Giraldo, and Corin Grainger. Documentary – 1hour 24 minutes.
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Author Talk: Harlem’s Rattlers and the Great War by Dr. Jeffrey Sammons
February 23, 2018 at 2PM
Headquarters (Manalapan, NJ)
Celebrating Black History Month
Professor Sammons’ books will be available for purchase and signing.
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“Telling Our Stories” Collection Day
February 24, 2018 at 10am – 4pm
New Brunswick Public Library (New Brunswick, NJ)
The New Brunswick African American Heritage Committee, Inc. presents their annual Black History Month Program, “Telling Our Stories: Collecting and Preserving for Truth and Social Justice”, at the library. The program kicks off on February 3 with keynote speaker Deborah Salahu-Din, Curator for the African American History Museum at the Smithsonian. An exhibit highlighting New Brunswick African American issues will be on display in the library’s Community Room for the entire month. February 24 is the program’s “Collection Day”: Participate in collecting your family history, photos, interviews and all about you.
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Black History Month Concert
February 24, 2018 at 11AM – 1PM
Christ Temple Ministries – formerly Covenant Presbyterian Church (Trenton, NJ)
Hymn to Freedom
Celebrate the Black History Month with TCC!
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Follow the Drinking Gourd
February 24 & 25, 2018 at 11AM
NJ State Museum Planetarium (Trenton, NJ)
In recognition of Black History Month, the New Jersey State Museum Planetarium presents “Follow the Drinking Gourd”. This NJSM original production is set during the time of slavery in the United States. It explains how slaves used the Big Dipper, also known as the Drinking Gourd, to find the North Star (Polaris). Join us as we follow a family that uses this celestial navigation along the Underground Railroad to reach freedom. Best suited for children over seven.
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Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble
February 24, 2018 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Somerset County Vo-Tech – Auditorium (Bridgewater, NJ)
Celebrate the beauty of African culture with a spirited performance featuring dance, drumming, traditional songs, stilt walking and dancing, and much more.
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America, We Served! Three Centuries of African American Soldiers
February 24-25, 2018 at 10AM-5PM
The Old Barracks Museum (Trenton, NJ)
At the Old Barracks, come hear about the brave African American soldiers that helped shape our nation’s history, and learn about the integral role they played in our military.
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Black History Month Film Festival: Loving (2016)
Feb 28, 2018 at 11AM
Twin Rivers Branch (East Windsor, NJ)
The story of Richard and Mildred Loving, a couple whose arrest for interracial marriage in 1960s Virginia began a legal battle that would end with the Supreme Court’s historic 1967 decision. Rated PG-13. Running time: 123 minutes. Pre-registration is preferred.
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African-American Film “Tringo”
February 28, 2018 at 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Mary Jacobs branch – Program Room (Rocky Hill, NJ)
Celebrate a history of African-Americans in film with movie & trivia night. Participate in film “tringo” (trivia bingo) and win prizes. Stay for a short viewing of “The Watsons Go to Birmingham.”
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African-Americans and the Academy Awards – Part of MJL’s Film Celebration Series
February 28, 2018 at 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Mary Jacobs branch – Program Room (Rocky Hill, NJ)
A fascinating review of the history of African-Americans and the Academy Awards, including film clips of some truly exceptional performances.
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Home Activities
Celebrate Black History Month all year long with these home activities.
Black History Social Studies
This unit also contains 17 unique templates for craftivities to help the children remember, practice writing and better comprehend the important achievements of African Americans.
Black History Learning Resources
Get inspired to teach with this wide array of resources. Learn about African Americans’ contributions in music (pop, jazz, soul, and other genres), politics, writing, science, sports, and other areas.
Black History Bingo
Black History Month Bingo Game is an interactive and creative way to celebrate and discuss Black History.
Black History Flash Cards
This 52-card series gives a strong foundation of the many untold stories and unknown figures that have given shape, color, and definition to the worlds of academia, science, civil rights, education, the arts, and more.
Book Recommendations
Use this list as a starting point for conversations with your child about African American history.
Why Do Mosquitoes Buzz In People’s Ears by Verna Aardema
What Color Is My World?: The Lost History of African-American Inventors by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & Raymond Obstfeld
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
Rosa by Nikki Giovanni
Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became The World’s Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull
Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
Anansi The Spider by Gerald McDermott
Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions by Margaret Musgrove
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson
Sit In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
Let Them Play by Margot Theis Raven
Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson by Sharon Robinson
Linda Brown, You Are Not Alone: The Brown vs. Board of Education Decision by Joyce Carol Thomas
My Name Is Truth: The Life Of Sojourner Truth by Ann Turner
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford
Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winter
Get Involved in the Community
1. Join the NAACP. Did you know that you do not have to be a person of color to belong to the NAACP? You just have to believe in civil rights for all!
2. Attend local NAACP branch meetings. Find your closest branch here.
3. Make sure your friends and family are registered to vote. NJ Voter Registration Form
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