5 Bergen Nonprofits To Support This Black History Month
If you’re looking for a way to support the Black community this February, here are some great local options.
As we continue celebrating Black History Month around Bergen County, many of us are looking for ways to support and aid the Black community on a local level. Amplifying voices and sharing educational events in February is a great way to start, but for those who want to go a step beyond, there are many Bergen-based charities, nonprofits and projects you can support.
Bergen has plenty of access to community resources and nonprofits. Here are a few examples that center the needs and experiences of the Black community:
National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Bergen/Passaic Chapter
This organization campaigns for the advancement and safety of Black women and girls. The Bergen/Passaic chapter was established in 1986 and is based out of Teaneck. They hold events throughout the year, including hands-on workshops that empower Black women to take control of their careers and advocate for their health (there’s one on entrepreneurship coming up in March in Paramus). If you’re looking to get involved or donate your time or skills, head over to their website for more information.
The Bergen County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
The NAACP is at the forefront of civil rights advocacy in America, and Bergen’s chapter, located in Teaneck, is active and always looking for help. From running events like the annual Juneteenth celebration and school supplies donation drives to advocating for voters’ rights and educational access, Bergen’s NAACP prioritizes the health and needs of the Black community above all else. See their website for ways to donate and get involved.
The Jamaican Organization of New Jersey, Bergen Chapter
The Jamaica Organization of New Jersey (JON-J) is a state-wide nonprofit dedicated to both strengthening community ties among people of Jamaican heritage, and to serve as a resource for these communities to give back to Jamaica in turn. They serve as a hub of community connection for new immigrants and those with Caribbean heritage alike while they raise money for scholarships and other initiatives. They also have an upcoming Black History Month celebration. For more information about donating or getting involved, see their website.
Encounters in Black Traditions
Located in Englewood, Encounters in Black Traditions is a digital multi-media project dedicated to preserving and archiving Black traditions throughout American history. On top of their documentary projects (one in progress now documents the history of the historically Black Fourth Ward in Englewood), they create multi-cultural teaching tools for classrooms and work to ensure that underfunded and marginalized communities have access to the skills they need to flourish in a digital age. Check out their website for more information and see how to get involved.
The Young Women’s Christian Association of Northern New Jersey (YWCA) has been at the forefront of anti-racism movements in Bergen for decades. Located in Hackensack, they partner with many schools around the county to bring multi-cultural education to classrooms, and also offer seminars on diversity and sensitivity for workplaces. They are dedicated to enacting policy change and put their money where their mouth is with free resources and an abundance of programming. For more information, see their website.
How are you giving back to charities and nonprofits this month? Tell us about it on Instagram @bergenmagnj.
