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Explore Black History Month at Your Library

About Blog Post Jan 15, 2019 by Pressroom

This winter, the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) will commemorate Black History Month through a program series that explores history, music, and more. From African folktales to the music of Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald, there is something for the whole family to share.

“SCLSNJ is excited to offer a variety of programs across the system that celebrate the history and culture of African-Americans,” said Marcela Dunham, SCLSNJ system program coordinator. “If you didn’t get a chance to see the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble last year, your opportunity to be dazzled and amazed by these talented performers, ages 5 to 95, is coming up on February 23 at 2 p.m. at the Vo-Tech Auditorium, located next to the Bridgewater branch.”

Explore these programs and more at SCLSNJ’s 10 branches:
Let It Shine: The American Civil Rights Movement (families)
Rosa Parks, Dr. King, the Freedom Riders, and more, come to life in this powerful production that celebrates the American Civil Rights Movement. This program, presented by Bright Star Children’s Theatre and featuring songs of the Civil Rights era, is designed for grades 3 and up, but all are welcome.

  • January 26, 11 a.m. - noon at SCLSNJ’s North Plainfield Memorial Library branch,  located at 6 Rockview Avenue in North Plainfield. Register:
    sclsnj.libnet.info/event/1140422.
  • January 26, 2:30-3:30 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s Hillsborough Library branch, located at 379
    South Branch Road in Hillsborough. Register: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/1124146.

From Jazz to Soul, From Ella to Aretha: Featuring Rhonda Denet and the Silver Fox Songs Trio (all ages)
A musical journey from the ‘30s when Ella Fitzgerald graced the stage, all the way through to the ‘70s when Aretha Franklin ruled the airways.

Celebrating Black History Month (grades 2-8)
Test your knowledge of famous African-Americans and their contribution to both the US and the world. Enter a matching contest to win a book from the prize bookshelf.

The Underground Railroad In Paterson, New Jersey: A Lecture With Evelyn Hershey of the American Labor Museum (teens and adults)
Step back in time for a presentation on two heroic men who used their business to assist those escaping from slavery in the 1850s.

  • February 2, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at SCLSNJ’S Manville Library Branch, located at 100 South 10th Avenue in Manville. Register: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/1158148.

Hail to the Queen: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin (adults)
Back by popular demand, Rhonda Denet and the Silver Fox Trio will delight with songs from the ‘60s through the ‘80s – celebrating the music of Aretha Franklin.

  • February 2, 2-3 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s Bound Brook Memorial Library branch, located at 402 East High Street in Bound Brook. Register: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/1142090.

A Place For All People: Commemorative Exhibit in Honor of Black History Month (all ages)
Discover a selection of highlights of the artifacts on display at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

African Folktales (grades Pre-K to 5)
African music, presented by Bright Star Children’s Theatre, helps set the stage for exploring folktale traditions and stories.

Thelonious Monk Straight, No Chaser: Jazz Documentary
This documentary will explore the life and artistry of modern jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk.

Folklore Around the World: African Folktales (grades 1 and up)
Explore different cultures through traditional stories passed down from generation to generation with SCLSNJ librarian Margaret Draghi.

  • February 20, 3:30-4 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s Bound Brook Memorial Library branch, located at 402 East High Street in Bound Brook. For more: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/1150695.

Slavery and the Quaker Abolition Movement in New Jersey (adults)
Historian Rick Geffken will present an overview of the history and legacy of New Jersey’s 200 year history of slavery.

A Modern Approach to Southern Cuisine by Chef Jesse Jones: Building Flavors of Love (adults)
Learn and taste a new approach to southern cuisine with New Jersey Chef Jesse Jones.

  • February 23, 11 a.m. - noon at SCLSNJ’s North Plainfield Memorial Library branch, located at 6 Rockview Avenue in North Plainfield. Register: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/1014809.

Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble (all ages)
Celebrate African culture with a spirited performance featuring dance, drumming, traditional songs, stilt walking and dancing, and more.

  • February 23, 2-3:30 p.m. hosted offsite Somerset County Vo-Tech Auditorium, located at 14 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater. Register: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/1130713.

West Africa on the East Coast (adults)
Explore the cultural tapestry of West Africa through centuries of art from within the borders of its 18 present-day countries with Mike Norris, Ph.D.

For more about Black History Month at SCLSNJ: sclsnj.org/black-history-month.

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