New Jersey

Black History Month events in North Jersey: Concerts, exhibits, film screenings and more

Published

2 years ago

February 1, 2024

Press Room

Black History Month events in North Jersey: Concerts, exhibits, film screenings and more

During February, institutions across North Jersey will celebrate Black History Month.

Within those 29 days — one extra because 2024 is a leap year — people will recognize the accomplishments of African Americans known or unheralded through a variety of events from concerts to movie screenings, museum exhibits and a formal ball and art auction.

The following events are free unless noted otherwise.

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Bergen County

The Fair Lawn Black Culture Festival will be held on Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. at the Maurice M. Pine Free Public Library, 10-01 Fair Lawn Ave. The festival will feature speakers, including the town’s mayor and the assistant principal of Fair Lawn High School, along with the high school’s Step Team and a storyteller on the journeys of African Americans.
The Bergenfield Public Library will hold its Black History Month celebration on Feb. 4 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the town library, 50 W. Clinton Ave. Storytellers Vicki Bryan and Shirley Johnson will share a collection of stories that highlight the history and accomplishments of African Americans in their “And I Still Rise” performance. Songs and African drumming and percussion will be part of the program.
Bergen County celebrates Black History Month with an event on Feb. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Technology Education Center at Bergen Community College, 400 Paramus Road in Paramus. It is advertised as a celebration to “highlight the impact African Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements and more.”
The Jamaica Organization of New Jersey’s Bergen County chapter will hold its annual community Black History Month celebration on Feb. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the World of Wisdom Church, 1013 Teaneck Road in Teaneck. Admission is by donation. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.

Essex County

The Clairidge, the nonprofit cinema in Montclair, will celebrate Black History Month on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. with a discussion of the new book “Black Caesars and Foxy Cleopatras: A History of Blaxploitation Cinema.” The author, Odie Henderson, will be on hand, followed by a screening of the 1971 film “Shaft.” Tickets are available at the Clairidge website for $38 for the screening, the Q&A and a copy of the book, which Henderson will sign after the post-screening Q&A. The screening and Q&A alone cost $17.
Black History Month Story Time at the Montclair Public Library will take place on Feb. 10 from 2 to 2:45 p.m. at the Main Library, 50 South Fullerton Ave. Native Swahili speaker Sabina Wasonga-Gitau returns with her unique Swahili Storytime. It is for children ages 5 to 12. Registration is required at the library website.
Montclair Early Music will hold a special musical celebration of Black History Month on Feb. 10 from 3 to 4: 30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, 67 Church St. The concert, Jubilee 2024, features selections by renowned Black composers and performances by jazz pianist Michael David Cochrane, bass player Michael Logan, tenor soloist Jeremy Watson and Montclair Early Music’s new artistic director, Louisa Valentin, as a soprano soloist. Proceeds will benefit Friends of the Howe House, a Montclair nonprofit group committed to preserving the historic house of James Howe, a formerly enslaved man who was freed in 1817. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $10 for students ages 12 and older and free for younger children. They are available at Montclair Early Music’s website.
Akwaaba Gallery in Newark will mark Black History Month with its third annual Kente Ball & Art Auction on Feb. 24 from 6 to 11 p.m. The event will be held at the gallery, 509 South Orange Ave., and will feature African cuisine and music. Tickets for the adults-only event (semi-formal African or evening attire is recommended) are $150 and are available at Eventbrite.

Morris County

The Morris County Library, 30 East Hanover Ave. in Whippany, will celebrate Black History Month with several events:

“Passing the Torch: The Legacy of Florence Price and Margaret Bonds” on Feb. 6 from 7 to 8 p.m. is a music program celebrating Price and Bonds, two African American composers and performers. Singer GaDa Lambert and pianist Basia Thomas will perform their works. No registration is required.
“Freedom Songs: The Music of Black History”, on Feb. 15 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. The program from the Bright Star Theater Company is for children ages 5 and up. Registration is required by calling (973) 285-6980 or emailing kidsstaff@co.morris.nj.us.
“Frederick Douglass, Advocate for Equality” is an exhibit that looks at the impact of the famed abolitionist and writer through his words and through various photographs and documents. It will run through Feb. 24. Call (973) 285-6930 for more information.

The Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown will present “Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad” on Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. and Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. This field trip presentation for students in grades 3 to 12 tells the story of the legendary abolitionist, Civil War spy and suffragist. Schools interested in reserving tickets or who have questions can call (973) 539-0345, ext. 6556, or email jclarke@mayoarts.org.

Drew University, in collaboration with the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, will celebrate Black History Month with “Patchwork of Connections,” an exhibit at the museum showcasing works in various mediums by student and alumni artists of Drew University and West Orange High School. The exhibit at the museum, at 9 Main St. in Madison, runs throughout February and spotlights culture, traditions, significant figures and Black History Month themes. Call (973) 377-2982 for more information.

Passaic County

Paterson will honor and recognize African American members of the Paterson community for their contributions in a flag-raising and recognition ceremony on Feb. 1 at 4 p.m. at City Hall, 155 Market St. in Paterson. The theme for this year’s celebration is “African Americans and the Arts: Our Legacy, Our Lineage, Our Life.”
Church Made WithOut Hands Ministries in Paterson will host its annual Black History Month program on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the church, located at 122 Belmont Ave.. The guest speaker will be Newark activist Lawrence Hamm.

Ricardo Kaulessar covers race, immigration, and culture for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.t

Email: kaulessar@northjersey.com

Twitter: @ricardokaul

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New Jersey

How much are World Cup tickets? FIFA sells $2,000 tailgate tickets

Published

11 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

How much are World Cup tickets? FIFA sells ,000 tailgate tickets

Tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are highly coveted. Admission to a game can cost thousands and most matches are already sold out.

Here’s what to know, and how much tickets are selling for.

How to get New Jersey New York FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets

Fans can buy the New Jersey New York Venue Series pass starting at $25,800 per person, for admission to all eight games in New Jersey New York Stadium Stadium.

Alternatively, fans can buy premium admission that are available for upward of $1,000.

For instance, the admission to the France vs Senegal game on June 16 ranges from $2,300 to $3,400.

The closer to the final, the more expensive tickets are. Admission for the Round of 16 match on July 5, costs between $2,800 and $6,000.

Anyone interested in a luxury suite should be ready to pay roughly $200,000 for game at the New Jersey New York Stadium. The silver lining is that the price includes admission for to 24 people.

Premium tickets for the final match are sold out.

How can I buy cheaper FIFA World Cup Tickets?

A Last-Minute Sales Phase for individual tickets opens on April 2 at 11 a.m. ET. Tickets might sell out within minutes, given the high global demand for them. Most of the tickets left are category 1 and 2, the most expensive seats.

Price varies depending on the match. As an example the USA vs Paraguay match has seats available for $1,940 and $2,735, according to The Athletic.

Forty out of the 104 matches are already sold out.

What are the tailgate tickets? What is the FIFA Pavilion?

FIFA is selling Pavilion tickets for roughly $2,000. The sporting organization describes the pavilions as “an exclusive retreat located in our secure perimeter immediately outside the stadium. Featuring beverage service and elevated street food-inspired dining available pre- and post-match.

For the price, you get to tailgate a game three hours before the match and two hours after it finishes. It also includes a ticket to see the game inside the stadium.

Juan Carlos Castillo is a New Jersey-based trending reporter for the USA Today Network. Find him on Twitter at _JCCastillo.

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New Jersey

Did anyone win Powerball? Winning numbers for March 4, 2026

Published

24 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Did anyone win Powerball? Winning numbers for March 4, 2026

APP.com Digital Desk
| Asbury Park Press

Powerball winning numbers are in for the Wednesday, March 2 drawing with a jackpot that reached an estimated $20 million ($9.4 million cash option).

The winning numbers in Wednesday’s drawing are 7, 14, 42, 47, and 56, with Powerball number 6. The Power Play number is 4.

Did anyone win the Powerball jackpot?

No one won the Powerball jackpot

When is the next drawing of the Powerball?

The next Powerball drawing is Saturday. Drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

How late can you buy a Powerball ticket?

In New Jersey, in-store and online ticket sales are available until 9:59 p.m. on the night of the draw.

What does it cost to play Powerball?

Powerball costs $2 to play. For an additional $1 per play, the Power Play feature can multiply nonjackpot prizes by two, three, four, five or 10 times.

Are you a Powerball winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All New Jersey Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.99. For prizes over $599.99, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at New Jersey Lottery offices. By mail, send a winner claim form, winning lottery ticket and a copy of a government-issued ID to New Jersey Lottery, Attn: Validations, PO Box 041, Trenton, NJ 08625-0041.

Winners can drop off their claim form and winning ticket in person at the New Jersey Lottery office where a secure drop box is available. Claim forms are also available at the office. Hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Lawrence Park Complex, 1333 Brunswick Avenue Circle, Trenton, NJ 08648.

To find a lottery retalier, you can search the NJ lotto website.

What is the Powerball payout?

The complete guide to winnings is:

Match 5 White Balls + Powerball: Jackpot
Match 5 White Balls: $1 million
Match 4 White Balls + Powerball: $50,000
Match 4 White Balls: $100
Match 3 White Balls + Powerball: $100
Match 3 White Balls: $7
Match 2 White Balls + Powerball: $7
Match 1 White Ball + Powerball: $4
Match Powerball: $4
Match 5 White Balls with Power Play: $2 million
Match 4 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $200,000
Match 4 White Balls with Power Play: $400
Match 3 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $400
Match 3 White Balls with Power Play: $28
Match 2 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $28
Match 1 White Ball + Powerball with Power Play: $16
Match Powerball with Power Play: $16

What are the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot?

The overall odds of winning the Powerball are 1 in 292.2 million.

How do I find the Powerball winning numbers?

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. Drawings are also lived streamed on Powerball.com. The winning numbers are posted to the Powerball and New Jersey Lottery websites.

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New Jersey

NJ’s biggest Catholic diocese hits pause on plan to merge parishes

Published

1 day ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

NJ’s biggest Catholic diocese hits pause on plan to merge parishes

Last June, the Catholic Archdiocese of Newark launched a review called “We Are His Witnesses,” which aimed to consider potential consolidations or closures of some of its 211 North Jersey parishes.

But amid confusion and pushback from many parishioners, Cardinal Joseph Tobin said Wednesday that the archdiocese will now extend its review to allow for further study and conversations.

In a letter published on the Archdiocese website March 4, Tobin, the archbishop of Newark, noted the challenges remain the same: a steady decline in membership and a shortage of priests projected to grow worse in the coming years. He did not specify how much longer the process would take but said he would have more to announce in June.

The largest of New Jersey’s five Catholic dioceses, the Newark Archdiocese serves approximately 1.3 million people in Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties.

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Some parishioners, Tobin wrote, “came to believe — incorrectly — that the overall goal of We Are His Witnesses is to close churches. That has never been the purpose.

“This work is not driven by downsizing, but by mission: by the call to strengthen parish life so that it can truly form disciples and reach those who are not yet engaged in the life of the Church.”

The program’s aim is not to close churches, but to “strengthen parish life” he added.

He said a follow-up announcement would come on June 12 but reassured parishioners that “there is no need to fear that an immediate and wholesale closure of parishes will be announced.”

‘The Church is not a museum’

Current circumstances demand Church leaders to make difficult decisions, he said. “The challenges we face are real: fewer priests, fewer people in the pews, communities that look very different than they did even a generation ago, and financial strain. Ignoring the changed landscape does not preserve parish life; it weakens it. The Church is not a museum to preserve what it once was,” he wrote.

The initiative kicked off last summer, with meetings at churches around the region to allow parishioners to offer feedback. Many expressed fears about their future of their church, Tobin said.

Parishioners at many of the meetings and in letters to Tobin expressed concerns about the program. As a result, Tobin concluded that “it is clear that the communities of the Archdiocese need more time for honest discernment. We are extending this phase of our work to allow for deeper reflection and broader consultation throughout our local Church.”

“This is not a pause in mission. It is a call to take the mission seriously and to ask ourselves, with renewed honesty, what it means to be a missionary Church today.”

Msgr. Richard Arnhols, pastor emeritus of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Bergenfield and a member of a committee of pastoral leaders helping to guide the review, said that, “Based on the input from the priests and people of the parishes which took place last fall, Cardinal Tobin has approved a period of additional study and reflection before any decisions are made.”

The first step is further conversation among parish priests, which will take place this month, he said.

Gregory Hann, a religious instructor at St. Vincent Academy in Newark, applauded Tobin’s decision. “If we continue to do things the way we have been doing them, we become a stagnant Church and we allow the comforts of our culture and the outside to keep us from moving from the Cross to glory.”

Nicholas Grillo of Bloomfield, a parishioner who attended several listening sessions at Holy Rosary Church in Jersey City, approved of the decision. “Hopefully the pause will give them time to reevaluate this going forward,” he said.

He added that it was a “waste of money” to pay large sums of money to a consultant that “doesn’t understand the intricacies of the Archdiocese of Newark,” he said, referring to the Catholic Leadership Institute, a Pennsylvania group that the archdiocese has engaged.

Instead, Grillo suggested, “they should put together a group of lay parishioners and priests from the diocese who can collaborate on a better path forward.”

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