“Harambee: Sepia Sisters” by local African American artist Veronica Spruill, Mixed Media, currently on exhibit at the Somerset County Administration Building
(SOMERVILLE, NJ) -- A wide variety of Black History Month activities are happening across Somerset County in February, sponsored by local nonprofits and county government. The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners has published a list of activities on the county website. Here are some of the highlights.
“The Witness Stones Project" Exhibit - Now through March 4 (20 Grove Street, Somerville). The Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission and the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum present “The Witness Stones Project” in the atrium lobby of the Somerset County Administration Building, open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm, except holidays.
The Witness Stones Project features artwork from the SSAAM working with Timberlane Middle School classes in 2022 and 2023 to memorialize two enslaved people who lived in the area: Friday Truehart and Frost Blackwell.
The Witness Stones Project is an organization with a mission to “restore the history and honor the humanity of the enslaved individuals who helped build our communities.” They are based in Connecticut and have since worked in four additional states.
“Meet Phillis Wheatley,” Friday, February 9 & Saturday, February 10 - Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (189 Hollow Road, Skillman). “Meet Phillis Wheatley,” will showcase an unforgettable performance by Dr. Daisy Century as Phillis Wheatley, the 18th-century poet who overcame slavery to become the first African American woman to publish poetry.
The event will take place on Friday, February 9 at 7:00pm, and Saturday, February 10 at 11:00am, with museum open hours from 1:00pm to 3:00pm Register online.
“Tory Jack Day,” Saturday, February 10 - Abraham Staats House (17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook). “Tory Jack Day,” will feature a special presentation from renowned historian and former National Park Service Interpretive Specialist, Joe Becton. The Revolutionary War era house will be open from 10:30am to 1:30pm. Seating is limited, and reservations are encouraged.
Attend in person or remotely, via Zoom. Admission is $10 (in person or Zoom) and 18 and under is free. Reserve via Eventbrite or at 732-369-3583.
“Frederick Douglass Day,” Wednesday, February 14 - Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (189 Hollow Road, Skillman). Celebrate Valentine's Day with a birthday gathering for activist Frederick Douglass at True Farmstead! Participate in the national transcribe-a-thon to bring Douglass's letters to life from the Library of Congress. Laptops are required for this event.
The event will take place on Wednesday, February 14 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, with museum open hours from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Register online.
“Exploring the Underground Railroad with Codes,” Saturday, February 17 - Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium (118 Lamington Rd, Branchburg). Explore hands-on activities inspired by codes found in the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd” and in quilt squares to learn more about astronomy and the Underground Railroad, a secretive network of people and places that helped thousands of enslaved people move northward as far as Canada to escape slavery. Participants may explore hands-on activities and view displays about nature, codes, and African Americans who have made a difference.
The activity will take place on Saturday, February 17 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm and is recommended for ages 6-12. Admission is $10 and all ticket sales are done at the door on the day of the show. Contact planet@raritanval.edu for reservations.
“Rites of Passage: African Drumming and Poetry,” Monday. February 26 - North Plainfield Library (6 Rockview Avenue, North Plainfield). “Rites of Passage: African Drumming and Poetry,” will feature beats, songs, and lessons that come from the art of playing the djembe drum by Jahlil Shabazz, of Arts Horizons. Be ready to sing and drum along!
Presented by the North Plainfield Branch of the Somerset County Library System. The event will happen on Monday, February 26 from 4:00pm to 4:45pm. Register online.
“The Price of Silence,” Tuesday, February 27 - Somerset County Human Services and Cultural & Heritage Commission (PeopleCare Center for Nonprofits, 120 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater). Come see a screening and panel discussion of “The Price of Silence,” a documentary about the forgotten story of New Jersey's enslaved people, organized by Somerset County’s Office of Human Services and the County’s People of Color Network, supported by funding from the Cultural and Heritage Commission. “The Price of Silence,” will feature Part 1: The Price of Silence, The Forgotten Story of New Jersey’s Enslaved People and Part 2: The Price of Silence, The Lasting Impact of Slavery in New Jersey. A discussion will follow the screening of each part with filmmaker Ridgeley Hutchinson of Truehart Productions and interview subjects Beverly Mills, Elaine Buck, and Kristal Langford.
The screening will take place on Tuesday, February 27 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Registration is required. Register online.
Black History Month Programs from the Somerset County Library System include: African Americans in Space, Rites of Passage: African Drumming and Poetry, In the Key of Stevie, Rites of Passage: African Drumming and Poetry, The Tuskegee Airmen America's First Black Pilots, Art by African Americans: From the Protest of the 60s to the Age of Black Lives Matter, and A Look at Black History Through Jazz.
