Mayor Delisfort and the Township Committee are proud to present their fourth Annual Black History Month Celebration, featuring a month-long lineup of programs and events. The celebration kicks off with an art exhibit titled, “Black Excellence” featuring various local black artists and ends with a free movie screening of the 2019 film, Harriet Tubman.
“Over the past years, Union has commemorated Black History Month with the regional premiere of the musical ‘Simple Simone,’ and hosting the rotating film festival, which drew patrons from in and around Union. I’m proud to announce that we will again continue the tradition of honoring African American history, arts and culture, with a showing of the acclaimed film ‘Harriet,’ which chronicles the extraordinary tale of the remarkable Harriet Tubman,” stated Mayor Delisfort. “I’m truly excited about this year’s Black History Month celebration and the opportunity it provides for reflection.”
2020 Black History Month lineup is as follows:
- Black Excellence Art Exhibit
- Fri, Feb 7th at Vauxhall Meeting Center from 6pm to 9pm
- Various local Black artists will exhibit their artwork. Refreshments will be served. Free admission.
- Black History, Oral History, and Your Family's Story
- Wed, Feb. 12th at Vauxhall Branch Library from 6pm to 7:30pm
- Presented by Dr. Katie Singer, History faculty at Rutgers University-Newark. There will be a brief introduction to the field of oral history, followed by examples from some local oral history collections and a short workshop for participants who are interested in recording their own family's oral histories. Registration required, call 908.851.5451.
- Newark Swings: History of Jazz in New Jersey
- Sat, Feb. 22th at Main Library Branch from 2pm to 4pm
- Presented by Barbara Kukla with live music by Carrie Jackson. Learn about New Jersey’s rich jazz scene over the years and see how Jackon’s repertoire focuses on tunes that are part of the American Songbook, accenting the music of Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and other popular singers. Registration required, call 908-851-5450 ext.3.
- Free Movie Screening of Harriet Tubman (2019)
- Sat, Feb 29th at Jefferson School from 2pm to 5pm
The 2019 film (rated PG-13) is about the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America's greatest heroes, whose courage, ingenuity and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.
Doors open at 1:30pm. Program begins at 2pm, followed by the movie screening at 2:30pm. After the movie, Dr. Margot Banks, Professor of English at Kean University, will provide commentary on the film.
Admission is free, but a ticket is required! Seating is first-come, first-served.
Tickets for the free movie screening of Harriet Tubman are available for pick up at the Administration Office in Town Hall, 1976 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083. Each Union residents can pick up two tickets. Proof of residency is required.
The Township of Union 2020 Black History Month events are in partnership with the Union Public Library, the Township’s Cultural Arts Board and Human Relations Commission. For more details on any of the Black History Month programs, visit uniontownship.com, call 908.851.5096 or email publicinfo@uniontownship.com.