 |
|
JON S. CORZINE |
VIRGINIA S.
BAUER |
|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact:
Karen Wolfe |
|
Black History Month Activities in the Garden State Trenton—The contributions of African Americans played a pivotal role in the shaping of the country. In commemoration of Black History month, various venues in New Jersey will commemorate this cultural heritage with celebrations in song, dance, theatre and prose. “The month of February is full of activities, exhibitions, and performances that celebrate the ancestry of the African American culture,” said Nancy Byrne, Executive Director of Travel & Tourism. “Visitors and residents will be captivated by the attractions and talent that dominate the Garden State.” The Monmouth Museum presents an African American Stamp Art Exhibition from the collection of Wanda Garbet through February 18. For information call 732-747-2266 or visit www.monmouthmuseum.org. Learn the Akan Names of Ghana February 7 at the New Jersey Historical Society in Newark where Kofi Ayim will discuss the names and naming ceremonies of Ghana, which place an individual in the context of the tribe. For information call 973-596-8500. Visit www.jerseyhistory.org Iwa L’ewa Heritage Dance Ensemble performs in a Tribute to Youth Black History program at the Middlesex Vocational High School Auditorium February 10. For information call 973-371-3375. Take time to view Small Towns, Black Lives: African American Communities in New Jersey: This photographic and multimedia exhibit features the works of Wendel A. White. White’s images help to rediscover some communities lost to time and forgotten elements of "community" that, while unique, transcend race, social status and geography. The exhibit will be shown through May 13 at the Carriage House Gallery in Cape May. For information call 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org. Through March 18, peruse Expanding Africa: New Art, New Directions. The new exhibit at The Newark Museum highlights an exciting new direction for the Museum's African Collection. Expanding Africa features 22 works of art by eight artists of diverse geographic and cultural backgrounds. Produced between the late 1960s and 2006, all of the works are recent acquisitions to the Museum's collection. For information call 973-596-6550 or visit www.newarkmuseum.org. The Nubian Heritage Quilters will present Quilts From the Soul Exhibit February 2-4 & 9-11 at the Crane House, Montclair Historical Society. Demonstrations will be offered in hand and machine piecing, hand quilting, rotary cutting and appliqué and a children’s corner. Special exhibits will be showcased in artist’s trading cards, postcards and journal pages. For information call 973-744-1796. Be inspired by A Mother’s Love. Mary Moses Hunter started the Donna T. Darrien Memorial Foundation in memory of her daughter who died from Sickle Cell Anemia. She will present a lecture February 14 at the New Jersey Historical Society in Newark. For information call 973-596-8500 or visit www.jerseyhistory.org. The electric energy of jazz meets the soulful strains of gospel in a performance by The Blind Boys of Alabama February 16 at New Jersey Performing Arts Center. For information call 888-466-5722 or visit www.njpac.org. Attend Louie and Ophelia, An African American Love story by Black theater pioneer Gus Edwards February 9-18. This evocative two-character play charts the relationship of a mismatched, middle-aged couple that never seem to realize just how mismatched they are. For information call 888-466-5722 or visit www.njpac.org. The Temptations featuring original member Otis Williams, performs such timeless classics as “My Girl,” “Ain't Too Proud to Beg,” “Get Ready,” and more February 16 at The Community Theatre in Morristown. For information call 973-539-8008 or visit www.communitytheatrenj.org. Tap you toes to Bourbon St. Stomp with Dukes of Dixieland and Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas February 17 in Morristown at The Community Theatre. The Dukes of Dixieland, the oldest continuing jazz band in America's jazz city, play music that's blue, that's cool, that's brassy and that's pure New Orleans! For information call 973-539-8008 or visit www.communitytheatrenj.org. Experience a rock opera. Imani Uzuri's Her Holy Water: A Black Girl's Rock Opera, written and performed by Imani Uzuri takes a spiritual, semi autobiographical journey from isolation to meditative stillness to exuberant self-expression. February 17 in Newark at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. For information call 888-466-5722 or visit www.njpac.org. Meet Alfa Demmellash, an Ethiopian-born entrepreneur who founded Rising Tide Capital, Inc. in Jersey City. Her corporation provides business training and consulting, technical assistance and access to capital for low and moderate-income entrepreneurs, especially for women and minorities February 21 at the New Jersey Historical Society in Newark. For information call 973-596-8500 or visit www.jerseyhistory.org. Experience African Talking Drums: A Cultural Tradition. Meet Frederick Akuffo (Okyeame), a master drummer from Ghana who has performed for the world leaders around the globe. Learn about the cultural traditions of the African talking drums and drum language. There will be a drum-making program for the young. February 24. Reservations are required. For information call 973-596-8500 ext. 234 or visit www.jerseyhistory.org. Artists display their talents to the Plainfield community to celebrate Black History Month February 25 at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church. The program provides an opportunity for the general public to experience and develop an appreciation for the arts. For information call 908-756-2468. Learn more about The Amistad Commission. Meet Assemblyman William Payne, who will discuss his legislation that established the Amistad Commission in 2002, with the mission to incorporate African American history into the curriculum in New Jersey Schools. February 28. For information call 973-596-8500 or visit www.jerseyhistory.org. The Tony Award winning Crossroads Theater (www.crossroadsnb.com) in New Brunswick will present Movin Man in the months of February and March, a play conceived, written and performed by Glynn Turman, known for his recurring role on the hit NBC television series “A Different World.” Movin' Man celebrates the life of an adventurous boy who grew up in New York and was drawn to theatre. For information call 732-545-8100 or visit www.crossroadsnb.com. Brochures and other New Jersey information on attractions and events, including the African American Visitors Guide, are available free at all New Jersey 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 t www.visitnj.org.
|
|