New Jersey
Black History Month events in North Jersey: Concerts, exhibits, film screenings and more
Biden, Harris celebrate Black History Month at White House ceremony
Vice President Kamala Harris spoke during a ceremony to celebrate Black History Month.
Scott L. Hall, USA TODAY
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.
Story continues after gallery.
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
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As America celebrates 250 years of independence, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) announces its next class of Jersey legends whose accomplishments have shaped the world as we know it. The list of 13 inductees includes Grammy award-winning recording artist SZA, the 50th Governor of New Jersey Christine Todd Whitman, and former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor.
“The Class of 2026 showcases the diverse talent, resilience, and spirit of achievement that define the great state of New Jersey,” said NJHOF Chairman Jon F. Hanson. “Each inductee, through their creativity, leadership, and pursuit of excellence, has made impactful contributions that continue to inspire future generations.”
The inductees will be honored at the 18th Annual NJHOF Induction Ceremony on September 24, 2026, hosted by Danny DeVito at the recently-completed Dream Live Performing Arts Center at American Dream. General Admission ticket sales for the event will be announced at a later date.
“As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, New Jersey is proud to honor a remarkable group of individuals whose achievements reflect the talent, innovation, and determination that define the Garden State,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “The New Jersey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 has made a lasting impact in their fields and serves as an inspiration to future generations. I congratulate this outstanding class of inductees and thank them for their contributions to New Jersey and beyond.”
The homecoming celebration for these Garden State greats will be complemented by year-round programming that honors the lasting impact of inductees from the Class of 2026 and previous years at the state-of-the-art NJHOF at American Dream. “Our mission is to provide everyone with a hero to look up to, both in times of struggle and achievement,” said Steve Edwards, NJHOF President. “Each of this year’s thirteen inductees exemplifies the concept of Areté, or striving for your highest potential in the face of adversity, offering boundless inspiration to those pursuing their own aspirations.”
The New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2026 is:
Arts & Letters
Big Joe Henry, “Livin’ Large and Lovin’ Life” New Jersey radio personality and philanthropist
Education, Research, Engineering & Science
Geraldine R. Dodge*, author, philanthropist, and benefactor of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
Thomas M. Eastwick, Founder and President of Eastwick College and the HoHoKus School of Trade and Technical Sciences
Enterprise
James E. Burke*, Former CEO of Johnson & Johnson
Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest health network
Christopher J. Paladino, President of New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO)
Performing Arts & Entertainment
The Rascals, American rock band known for top-chart hits including “Groovin”
SZA, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and Academy Award nominee
Public Service
Donald Milford Payne Sr.*, New Jersey’s first African American elected to Congress
Governor Christine Todd Whitman, writer, former Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and New Jersey’s 50th Governor
Sports
Dr. John J. McMullen*, Former owner of the New Jersey Devils and Houston Astros
Lawrence Taylor, Former New York Giants linebacker for 13 seasons
Unsung Hero
Tom Weatherall, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish® New Jersey
*Being honored posthumously.
The 13 inductees were chosen from 60 nominees after a public vote. The Hall of Fame reserves the right to announce other inductees at a later time.
ABOUT THE NJHOF: Because everyone needs a hero, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey, and the world beyond. Since 2008, the NJHOF has hosted 17 ceremonies for more than 260 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame. The NJHOF endeavors to present school children with significant and impactful role models to show that they can, and should, strive for excellence. The NJHOF is thankful for the support of its many sponsors, like Hackensack Meridian Health, without which none of our endeavors would be possible. For more information, go to www.njhalloffame.org.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Aimee Brooks, [email protected], (973) 204-1339
SOURCE New Jersey Hall of Fame
Thursday, June 25, 2026 10:34AM
CARTERET, New Jersey (WABC) — Two tractor-trailers crashed on the NJ Turnpike and burst into flames early Thursday morning.
The fire completely shut down the northbound side of the turnpike on the inner roadway north of interchange 12.
The two-tractor trailers collided before 5 a.m. and became fully engulfed. One of the trucks was carrying lumber.
Traffic was at a complete standstill near the scene for more than an hour.
It’s not expected to reopen for some time while crews work to extinguish the fire.
The extent of the injuries to those involved is not yet known.
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Video shows a driver hitting a Minnesota woman who was protesting outside an ICE facility in New Jersey. An activist from St. Paul, Minnesota, who drove to Delaney Hall to protest, was struck by a facility worker.
“I have not processed it; I have no room to process it. I have absolutely compartmentalized it in order to get done what needs to be done,” Alex James said.
Alex James spent hours in the hospital in Newark after she was hit.
“It was mostly bruising and much of the bruising appeared later,” James said. “I’m a little baffled at that. I haven’t been in an incident like this.”
The facility has become a flashpoint over allegations of overcrowding and tough treatment; claims the White House Border Czar denies.
“I toured the whole facility. Is it a five-star resort? No, but is it a well-run detention center? Yes,” said White House Border Czar Tom Homan to CBS News.
James says while it’s a long way from the Whipple Federal Building, she sees similarities and claims she’s been peaceful the whole time.
“The First Amendment right is the First Amendment right for a reason,” James said. “We have a right to speak out against what we feel is injustice.”
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said the vehicle that hit James was not being driven by an ICE employee and referred WCCO to the GEO group.
The GEO group is an ICE contractor. It did not respond to WCCO’s request for comment.
CBS News Confirmed investigated that the license plate shows the vehicle is from Delaware and has a registration date of May 28, 2026.
“Rioters surrounded an employee’s vehicle, assaulted federal officers, interfered with a lawful arrest, and attempted to obstruct law enforcement operations. One rioter was arrested after she bit a law enforcement officer. Violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated. Law and order will prevail,” DHS said in a separate statement on Sunday.
On Wednesday, Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. said detectives identified the suspect as 38-year-old Thomas Brown. He faces a charge of assault by auto and was issued a traffic ticket for reckless driving.
“I’m just existing and in protest, in peaceful protest and things keep happening,” James said.
When WCCO asked her when she’ll return to Minnesota, she said, “I don’t know when I’m going to be back.”
Newark police say they responded to the crash and they’re still investigating.
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