Black History Month Events In Maplewood: Music, Activities, Education

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

In honor of Black History Month, the Township of Maplewood has joined with local non-profit, community and business partners to sponsor more than 20 artistic, cultural and educational events and activities throughout February.

“This is Maplewood’s eighth annual Black History Month celebration to raise awareness of the contributions and achievements Black Americans have made to the fabric of our society,” Mayor Nancy Adams said. “As we honor the legacy of Black Americans, we continue to challenge the racial injustices and inequities that exist in America to this day.”

A comprehensive list of Black History Month events is listed below, and weekly emails and social media campaigns will detail upcoming events throughout the month. All events are open to the public and free, unless otherwise specified.

“This year's theme is African Americans and Labor, highlighting the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds—free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary—intersect with the collective experiences of Black people. We thank the many local organizations for their participation,” said Township Committee Member Vic De Luca, who is coordinating events along with Deputy Mayor Malia Herman and the Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture.

Among the many groups and businesses sponsoring events are the Maplewood Department of Administration’s Division of Arts & Culture; Maplewood Arts Council, SOMA—Arts Registry; Maplewood Hilton Branch Library; Maplewood Village Alliance; Akuaba Fashions; Springfield Avenue Partnership; 1978 Arts Center; Durand-Hedden House; South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race; SOMA Justice; SOMA Action; Hilton Neighborhood Association; Maplewood Senior Center; South Mountain YMCA; Columbia High School; The Strollers; South Orange Performing Arts Center; Express Yourself Studios; Astah’s Fine Art Gallery; [words] Bookstore; and Lum’s Cellars.

Visit Maplewood Black History Month 2025 website for event updates.

See the list of events below, or view it online here.

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