In East Orange: Black History Month 'Oral History' Event

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Historical Society of East Orange. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Historical Society of East Orange (HSEO) in association with the East Orange Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs, will premier a series of conversations with prominent civic luminaries in celebration of its annual Black History Month Exhibit. The event is being held on Thursday, February 13 from noon to 7 p.m. at the East Orange Public Library, located at 21 S. Arlington Avenue.

The premier of the oral history project titled “East Orange Voices” features four conversations with distinguished civic luminaries including: Catherine Willis, former Democratic Chairperson and director of the Department of Senior Services for the City of East Orange; Theodore N. Stephens, Essex County Prosecutor and former Municipal Judge; Wade & Cheryl Hudson, widely acclaimed authors of children’s books; and, NEA jazz master and producer Dorathaan Kirk.

The oral history project is the template for what the HSEO plans to be an on-going series of conversations with civic luminaries and was funded through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The series is co-produced collaboratively by HSEO Board of Trustees Chairman and former City Public Information Officer Darryl Jeffries and HSEO Secretary and educator Merolyn Kelly. Jeffries also serves as series host. Additionally, the series was shot and edited by educator and producer Jefferson Wolf.

The series principals plan to be in attendance to share their thoughts and observations on the historical importance of the history of East Orange and their contributions to the growth and development of the city.

The HSEO annually presents an exhibit of prominent historical figures from the City of East Orange. The exhibit will be on display at the East Orange Public Library through the end of Black History Month.

For further information contact: 973-420-0005 or mtkelly325@gmail.com

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