In honor of Black History Month, Camden County residents will be able to reflect on the rich history and contributions of significant figures in the African American community through exhibits, discussions and other events.
The month of February – the observance officially ends on March 1 – is also a time for local community leaders to point out the often-overlooked contributions of influential African Americans in history, from trailblazers in the Civil Rights struggle to cultural icons. Residents will also learn more about familiar names like Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and Harriet Tubman.
County schools, community centers and organizations are hosting events to highlight Blacks who’ve made significant contributions in fields such as science, literature and the arts.
The goal is to create a comprehensive understanding of the African American community. Residents are encouraged not only to reflect on Black history, but also educate themselves about ongoing struggles faced by African Americans by interacting with other races to foster understanding .
The month’s array of county events and activities for Black History Month will include educational seminars and cultural activities. Some of them are:
Negro Baseball League exhibit, through Monday, May 20
On display at the William G. Rohrer Center in Cherry Hill, the exhibition “A League Apart” celebrates the Philadelphia Negro Leagues, spotlighting the players who broke barriers in the world of baseball with photos, artifacts and stories.
The Rise of the Black Entrepreneur – Rutgers-Camden storytelling project, through Wednesday, Feb. 28
Rutgers–Camden, in collaboration with its school of business, is presenting a month-long storytelling project that focuses on the excellence of Black business owners, drawing on the experiences and achievements of university faculty and alumni. An interdisciplinary approach incorporates voices from the faculty of arts and sciences.
Meet Bessie Coleman, Wednesday, Feb. 7
Set for 5:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Chapel, this is a performance about Black aviator Bessie Coleman, portrayed by Dr. Daisy Century of the American Historical Theatre.
Sankofa of the Arts: The black influence, Saturday, Feb. 10
At the Rutgers Camden Center from noon to 3 p.m., attendees will explore the African Diaspora with a panel discussion, as well as visual and performing arts, and engage in discussions on the profound impact of Blacks in culture and society.
Borough of Lawnside Black history celebration, Saturday, Feb. 10
The borough of Lawnside will celebrate the month with an event featuring cultural festivities and educational activities from 1 to 4 p.m at the Wayne Bryant Community Center.
These are just a few of the Black history events in the county. Residents will also celebrate the area’s own diversity and how it contributes to a vibrant and resilient community. The hope is for the month’s educational events to extend beyond February.
To learn about other events, visit: https://www.camdencounty.com/camden-county-celebrates-black-history-month/
