Honor Black History All Over Bergen
From educational lectures to community gatherings, our county goes all out for Black History Month.
Since it began in 1970, Black History Month has expanded from a small observance to a month-long celebration of Black culture and the impact of the Black community on our country. This February, we commemorate the theme “African Americans and Labor,” which focuses on the ways work and working of all kinds intersect with the collective experiences of Black people, both now and in the past.
Whether you want to celebrate with an educational program or through the arts, here are some events where you can observe Black History Month around our county:
Hosted by the Bergen National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter
Feb. 22. Bergen’s Teaneck-based branch of the NAACP holds its fourth annual Black History Month Health Fair, starting at 10:00 a.m. at Grieco Elementary School in Englewood. Come for free health screenings, valuable community resources, expert presentations and more.
Hosted by Bergen Community College
Feb. 17. A collaboration between the school’s Black History Month committee and the New Jersey Education Association, the lunch-and-learn event Empowering the Legacy: Black Labor, Progress, and the Path Forward will explore the historical contributions of Black labor and its connection to modern-day issues. It begins at noon.
Feb. 19. Starting at noon, the college hosts its annual Black History Month discussion panel featuring local experts and scholars.
Feb. 26. Join BCC for the Black History Month Luncheon Fundraiser with raffle drawings, door prizes and festive music. Proceeds benefit the Black History Month committee, and the event begins at noon.
Feb. 28. Close out the month with the Black History Month Closing Banquet at 5:30 p.m. This evening will include student performances, discussions and more.
Hosted by local libraries
Feb. 20 & Feb. 27. Englewood Library continues its tradition with the 8th annual Black History Film Series. Screening on Feb. 20 is Bessie, a biopic on the life of legendary blues singer Bessie Smith, and screening on Feb. 27 is BlacKkKlansman, Spike Lee’s take on the true story of Ron Stallworth, an African American detective who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan. Both screenings begin at 2:00 p.m.
Feb. 20. At the Bergenfield Library, you can enjoy the educational and creative Black History Month Foil Painting event. Learn about an important figure in Black history, and then create a unique portrait of them with foil and paint. The event begins at 3:30 p.m., and registration is required.
Feb. 23. Also at the Bergenfield Library, storytellers Vicki Bryan and Shirley Johnson share their “And Still I Rise” Black History Month performance, which is perfect for all ages and will include songs, drumming and stories. The fun begins at 3:00 p.m.
Feb. 24. Englewood Library hosts author Kwadjo Owusu-Sarfo, who will read and discuss his book Between Two Worlds: African Immigrants in America—Culture, Language and Work. This event begins at 7:00 p.m.
How are you celebrating Black history in Bergen? Tell us all about it on Instagram @bergenmagnj.
