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JON S. CORZINE |
VIRGINIA S.
BAUER |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Karen Wolfe |
| Black History Month Activities in the Garden State Trenton, NJ (February 9, 2006) —Celebrate the culture and contributions of African Americans during Black History Month in New Jersey. A host of activities, events and exhibits have been scheduled to commemorate a community that is part of the rich diversity identified with the Garden State. “African Americans have profoundly shaped New Jersey’s vibrant history,” said Nancy Byrne, Executive Director of Travel & Tourism. “Throughout the month various agencies and organizations have planned programs that will recognize their contributions.” Explore the contributions of the African-American community in Cape May now through through May 5 during the Feeling of Community, which focuses on segregation and education in Cape Island from 1860 through 1954. The exhibit continues the exploration of Cape May’s African-American history with a focus on education. For information call 800-275-4278. Visit www.capemaymac.org View the works of Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Lois Mailou-Jones, Charles White and other African American artists represented in the collection of the Montclair Art Museum February 4, 2006 through August 6, 2006. For information call (973) 746-5555. Visit www.montclairartmuseum.org Local African-American artists in Marlton will exhibit their work in many mediums. Feb. 6-24 at the Center for the Arts in Southern New Jersey. For information call 856-985-1009. Visit www.cfasnj.com Join author Sibyl E. Moses, Ph.D., for a book talk about African American Women Writers in New Jersey, 1836-2000: A Biographical Dictionary and Bibliographic Guide. Dr. Moses will discuss the unusual methods she used to find authors included in the book. Some of the featured authors will be present for the discussion during the lunchtime program Feb. 8 from 12:15-1:00 pm. For information call (973) 596-8500. Visit www.jerseyhistory.org The New Jersey Historical Society will host a Cultural Discovery Day: A Celebration of African-American Heritage February 11 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm with guests Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson, authors and publishers of Just Us Books, an independent publishing company that focuses on Black interest books for children and young adults. The Hudsons founded the company in 1988 to address the need for more African American children’s books in the market place, and today they are considered leaders in their field. Between them, the Hudsons have written and/or edited more than 40 books for children and young adults. For information call (973) 596-8500. Visit www.jerseyhistory.org The Harlem Blues and Jazz Band has been called a 'national treasure' and is enthusiastically embraced by audiences around the world as the most authentic swing band. Enjoy the sounds of the musical group Feb. 11 in Toms River at Ocean County College. For information call 732-255-0500. Visit www.ocean.edu The Montclair Museum of Art presents Creating Art: Conversations with African American Artists Series February 12 at 2 p.m. with Dr. Lisa Farrington who will discuss her book, Creating Their Own Image, the first comprehensive history of African American women artists from slavery to the present day. For information call (973) 746-5555. Visit www.montclairartmuseum.org Professor Randall Westbrook, a scholar on the life of Paul Robeson, will discuss the importance of Robeson’s artistic contributions and political work at a lunchtime program Feb 15 at the New Jersey Historical Society in Newark from 12:15 am to 1:00 pm. For information call (973) 596-8500. Visit www.jerseyhistory.org Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the Grammy Award winning rythmic and harmonious singing group is returning to New Jersey with Special Guest Vusi Mahlasela Feb. 17 at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton and Feb. 18 at NJPAC. Ladysmith Black Mambazo became world renowned entertainers while performing with Paul Simon in the Graceland era. The group has remained sincere to its goal of opening doors of South African culture through its music, dancing and singing. For information call 609-258-2787. Visit www.mccarter.org. For information on NJPAC call (888) 466-5722 Visit www.njpac.org Meet Cecelie S. Berry, editor of Rise Up Singing: Black Women Writers on Motherhood, which received an American Book Award for 2005. On February 22, she will discuss the black mother in literature and in life, and her unique challenges in a culture imbued with stereotypes of both women and African Americans. Also, she will explore the modern juggling act of all mothers, as they strive to balance the needs of the family with their own desire for personal growth and advancement. For information call (973) 596-8500. For information call (973) 596-8500. Visit www.jerseyhistory.org The Urban Bush Women have thrilled audiences with a musical performance that weaves contemporary dance, music and text with the history, culture and spiritual traditions of African Americans. The group will perform in Morristown Feb. 24 at the Community Theatre. For information call 973-539-8008. Visit www.communitytheatrenj.org. Brochures on other New Jersey attractions and events including
the African American Visitors Guide are available free at all New Jersey
Tourist information offices, or by calling the New Jersey Office of Travel
and Tourism at 1-800-VISITNJ or via the state’s tourism Web site
at www.visitnj.org.
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