Celebrating Black History Month: Local Events

Local libraries and other venues have scheduled a host of events celebrating and honoring African-American history and culture in recognition of Black History Month. Check out these offerings in Ocean County.

Quilting for Freedom-Drop In Craft: Ocean County Library-Berkeley Branch. Stop in anytime this month to make a drop-in craft. Create a paper quilt square displaying your family name, to be added to our community quilt honoring Black History Month. Learn about freedom quilts and the Underground Railroad. All ages. 

Black History Month Karaoke Celebration: Feb. 28, 6 p.m. Ocean County Library-Berkeley Branch. Sing along with the famous black singers from the ages in a celebration of diversity in music.  Please contact YA Librarian Natalie about song selection. Ages 13-18. Registration required. 

African-American Genealogy in Ocean County: Feb. 29, 7 p.m. Ocean County Library-Lacey Branch. Join in to learn the resources that focus on African-American Genealogies and Histories in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Motown Sound with a Musical Performance by Jon Turk: Feb. 28, 2 p.m. Ocean County Library-Manchester Branch, 7 p.m. at Point Pleasant Beach Branch. Sing and dance along and celebrate 50 years of Motown sound with a musical preformance by Jon Turk.

Visit Ocean County College for an evening of gospel singers, soloists, praise dancers, and vendors at the12th Annual Gospel Extravaganza on Saturday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m.  This event will be held in the Arts and Community Center Theatre (Building 18), Ocean County College Main Campus, College Drive, Toms River, NJ.

Admission: $10 adults and $7 students/seniors.  Purchase tickets at the Office of Student Life located in the College Center (Building 15) or call 732-255-0348. 

This column will run every Monday through the month of February. If you or your organization are hosting an event for Black History Month please send the information to our community editor, Jeanne Crump, at jeanne.m.crump@gmail.com.