Author David Felsen to Discuss New York City Monuments of Black Americans in Maplewood

The Ethical Culture Society and the Community Coalition on Race will host an author talk on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Ethical Culture Society, 516 Prospect St., Maplewood, NJ.

This special event will feature author David Felsen discussing his book New York City Monuments of Black Americans: A History and Guide. In the book, Felsen uncovers the powerful and often overlooked stories behind thirty monuments honoring Black Americans—from Booker T. Washington to Harriet Tubman—while examining the long struggle for recognition in New York City’s public spaces.

Presented as part of the Community Coalition on Race’s 2026 theme, “Do Not Erase Our History,” the conversation will invite attendees to reflect on whose stories are commemorated, whose are excluded, and how public memory shapes a shared understanding of justice and belonging. Attendees can expect a thoughtful and engaging discussion grounded in history, place, and community dialogue.