A list of Black History Month related events in the Atlantic City region.
February is Black History Month and local schools, churches and community organizations have planned a slate of educational programs and events to celebrate the rich legacy of the African-American experience in the United States. Here’s a sampling of what’s being offered.
Atlantic City Free Public Library
1 North Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City. acfpl.org.
Feb. 1-29: Exhibit — ‘Atlantic City: Portraits of a People’ Featuring photos of six of the city’s influential African-American couples and also 100-year-old charcoal portraits of a local family. Includes approximately 10 photos of each of the following prominent Atlantic City couples: Art and Dorothie Dorrington, Honorable James L. and Laverne Usry, Pierre and Soundra Hollingsworth, Karlos and Joanna LaSane, Ralph and Edythe Greene, and Elwood and Georgeanna Davis. Also on exhibit will be 14 charcoal portraits, also called crayon drawings, of the Pettijohn family, which date back to the late 1800s or early 1900s, found in a crawl space at a Michigan Avenue home.
Thursdays from Feb. 2-23: Comic Drawing Visitors can marvel at Marvel DC comic illustrator Joe Del Beato as he leads free workshops focusing on African-American characters that have been featured in comics, cartoons and graphic novels. Workshops will take place at 3:30pm. All materials will be supplied to youth ages nine to 17.
Sunday, Feb. 26: African Shields Visitors hankering for some history can celebrate the beauty and tradition of African tribal designs. During this family craft time participants make colorful masks using simple materials. Artist Nancy Leary explains how patterns can be identified and used creatively. Supplies are provided for children and adults alike. Free. 2pm.
Tuesday, Feb. 28: Black Sports Stories Ralph E. Hunter, Sr., the founder of the African-American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, will discuss the impact of legendary Major League Baseball player Jackie Robinson, along with local sports icons Art Dorrington and Gene Hudgins. Memorabilia, including a bat Robinson used in a game, a Harlem Globetrotters official basketball and Dallas Cowboys football jersey worn in an NFL game will also be on display. This program is for ages eight to 12. Free. 10:30am.
Richard Stockton College of NJ
101 Vera King Farris Dr., Galloway Twp. Stockton.edu
All Month: Exhibit — ‘Claiming Citizenship: African-Americans and New Deal Photography’ The Stockton College Library (E-Wing of the main campus) is hosting an exhibit that showcases African-Americans using economic, cultural and recreational opportunities created by the New Deal.
Thursday, Feb. 9: Discussion Panel on Claiming Citizenship Townsend Residential Life Center. This panel discussion will include exhibit curator and historian Rickie Solinger, professor of art Wendel White and Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities Robert Gregg. Panelists will examine the New Deal photography exhibit historically, politically and aesthetically. 4:30-6pm.
Atlantic Cape Community College
5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing. atlantic.edu
Monday, Feb. 13: King’s Dream Live performances and multi-media presentations celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will take place at the Cape May County Campus in Cafeteria B in Mays Landing from 12:30pm until 1:30pm
Tuesday, Feb. 14: Lest We Forget Traveling Slavery Museum Informative lectures and special presentations will take place from 9:30am-12:30pm. Visitors can explore the museum in the second floor student lounge at the Atlantic City campus.
Thursday, Feb. 16: Black History Trivia & Essay Readings Visitors can watch as students test their knowledge of black history and read prepared essays inspired by Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Competitions will be held at the Worthington Campus Cafeteria from 11:30am to 12:30pm.
Tuesday and Thursdays through February: All three campuses will host the Black Alliance Club Bazaar, with vendors selling African-American art, books, jewelry and other collectibles, throughout the month. The hours are 10am-2pm at the Mays Landing Campus, 5100 Black Horse Pike. Also Feb. 17, at the Atlantic City Campus, 1535 Bacharach Blvd.; and Feb. 16, at the Cape May County Campus, 341 Court House-South Dennis Road, Cape May Court House.
Other Events:
Saturday’s through February: Black History Art Exhibit and Sale: Redding’s Restaurant Pacific and Kentucky aves., Atlantic City. Redding’s Restaurant will present a Black History Month Art Exhibit and Sale every Saturday during the month of February. The exhibit will feature artwork honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali and more. There will also be exclusive autograph signing by “Celebrity Artist of the Stars” Mark G. at the Grand Opening Reception on Feb. 4. One free Black History Month poster will be presented with every meal ordered. For more information or reservations, call 609-348-3270.
Sunday, Feb. 12: Male Chorus in Concert New Shiloh Baptist Church, 701 Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City. Special Guest Choruses Mt. Zion Baptist Church – New Hope Baptist Church St. James AME Church – Union Baptist Temple – CHOSSEN. 3pm. Free–will offering. 645-7196 or 348-3654.
Everyone in attendance agreed that the talent was spectacular and often informative, and we’re all looking forward to next year’s event.
The Atlantic City Free Public Library and Richard Stockton College of New Jersey are offering several programs in celebration of February as Black History Month.
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