 |
|
American history resonates with the names of great African-American men and women, and Black History Month is our nation's way of showing respect and recognition for the hard work of and sacrifices made by African Americans. Mercer County throughout the month will celebrate because Black History is American History! Watch this space for upcoming events! |
Remembering Eugene Marsh
The Mercer County Community recently lost a treasured friend and inspirational figure, Mr. Eugene Marsh. His death was due to complications from COVID-19.
An Army veteran, scholar and businessman, Marsh was a guest speaker at several Mercer-sponsored events. Born in South Carolina and raised by an illiterate foster mother, Marsh grew up in an era of segregation, and in 1965, became the first African American student to integrate into an all-white high school. In an archived interview, reflecting on his youth, Marsh said, “My foster mother gave me a strong foundation and structured me to conduct myself with positive values. She taught me how to be a man in a challenging world.”
After high school, Marsh enlisted in the Army “to escape the negative environment.” He served a tour of duty during the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Division, and although Marsh earned three distinguished military medals -- the Bronze Star for Valor in combat, the U.S. Army Medal, and the Vietnam Veteran Medal -- he still faced challenges upon returning to civilian life.
“When I returned home, my dignity as an African-American and as a soldier was denied because of continued racism, discrimination and political controversy over the war,” he said. “I became a homeless veteran, unable to secure employment. I realized I wanted more out of life, so I began my long journey to complete my education, remembering always that my foster mother – my motivator – could not read or write.”
In 1998, Marsh founded Construction Project Management Services, Inc., a Princeton firm that grew to become a major leader in construction management in the tristate area. Two of the company’s most prominent projects include the renovation and upgrade of the Statue of Liberty in 2009 and the Merrill Lynch campus in Hopewell. Marsh completed his graduate program at Rider University, earning a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, in order to "help returning veterans reintegrate into society,” he said.
At the time of his death, Marsh was enrolled in Rider’s Doctor of Educational Leadership program.
Source: Rider University
|
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Through March 6
Legends of the Arts: A Black History Month Exhibit
Arts Council of Princeton
102 Witherspoon St., Princeton
artscouncilofprinceton.org
Join the Arts Council of Princeton and Museums in Motion as we pay tribute to “Legends of the Arts” during Black History Month 2021.
Take a stroll through decades of culture and excellence related to some of the most notable individuals in American history. Legendary figures such as poet and author Langston Hughes, actor and singer Paul Robeson, and the timeless, regal Motown singing sensations known as The Supremes will be featured, to name just a few. View riveting photographs of Lena Horne, the first black woman signed to a long-term Hollywood movie contract known for her stunning beauty and effortless grace.
FEBRUARY 9, 7 p.m.
In Conversation with Kayren Carter Mjumbe & Timothy M. Andrews
Arts Council of Princeton
102 Witherspoon St., Princeton
artscouncilofprinceton.org
On February 9, the Arts Council welcomes Kayren Carter Mjumbe, President and Senior Curator for Museums in Motion, a traveling African American history museum. Based in Princeton, NJ, the organization was founded in 2016 with the mission of educating the country on the achievements of both legendary and unknown African Americans and culture. The enlightening and powerful exhibit has traveled to school districts and events in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Alabama. Kayren’s vision for the near future is to produce and host a series of cultural television programs highlighting the most captivating African American museums and historical sites in the United States.
FREE REGISTRATION: http://bit.ly/39L6KeU
Museum in Motion's "Legends of the Arts: A Black History Month Exhibit" is on display in the Arts Council's Taplin Gallery from February 6 - March 6, 2021. View gallery hours & learn more: https://bit.ly/3ivsGyQ
FEBRUARY 16, 12 p.m.
Tribute to Frank Johnson's Music
Morven Museum
55 Stockton St., Princeton
morven.org
Explore the link between African American composer Francis Johnson & Commodore Robert F. Stockton with a lunchtime piano performance program. Independent scholar John Burkhalter and pianist Sheldon Eldridge explore the link between Robert Field Stockton (1795-1866) the “Commodore”, and the free black composer Francis “Frank” Johnson. Recording sent to ticketholders following program.
Johnson (1792-1844) now considered one of America’s most prominent musicians during the Federal period, was the first African American to publish sheet music, to perform an integrated concert, and the first musician in America to tour with his band in Europe.
Johnson was no stranger to the College of New Jersey (which is now known as Princeton University). In addition, he composed and dedicated a work to Robert Field Stockton entitled the “Princeton Gallopade” to be performed on Morven's Grand Style 3 Piano, rosewood finish, Serial No. 7322, completed April 17, 1863. Steinway & Sons. Morven Collection. Gift of Harriet and Jay Vawter.
This piano was sold to Commodore Robert Field Stockton on January 7, 1864. Steinway’s records indicate that Stockton is listed as being from Philadelphia, and thus it seems likely that it was purchased for the Commodore’s home on Walnut Street in Philadelphia, where he spent much of the winter months.
The Philadelphia home was the sight of the Stockton family’s most sophisticated entertaining, and this elegant piano would have made quite the impression. With its beautifully carved legs and pedal lyre, the piano is a spectacular example of Steinway craftsmanship during the 1860s. An elegant gingerbread music rack and delicate floral carving bring lightness to the otherwise massive eight-foot, four- inch frame.
The piano is now on view at Morven Museum & Garden and little heard. Join us for this rare event featuring two selections by and a tribute to musician Frank Johnson.
To register - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-history-month-tribute-to-frank-johnsons-music-at-morven-virtual-prog-tickets-137677207233
FEBRUARY 17, 6 p.m.
Black History Month: Famous Inventors
The Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8294 | mcl.org
Miss Susan will tell you about famous people and their patents/contributions. Learn who discovered the traffic light, who was responsible for changing blood to blood plasma, who created safety gates at the approaches of bridges, plus many other inventors! Recommended for ages 6-12.
Registration with an email is required, so we can send you a link to connect through GoToMeeting. You will receive the link approximately 24 hours before the program.
CONTACT: MCLS Staff hopeprogs@mcl.org
FEBRUARY 22, 7 p.m.
Black Women's Role in the Suffrage Movement
The Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8294 | mcl.org
In honor of Black History Month and the recent commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment that gave predominantly white women the right vote, Dr. Chanelle Nyree Rose, Associate Professor of History and Director of the Africana Studies Program at Rowan University will examine the long struggle for suffrage, with a particular focus on race and African American women.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Ewing Library, Friends of the Hickory Corner Library, Hightstown Library Association, Friends of the Hopewell Branch Library, and Friends of the Lawrence Library.
Registration with an email is required, so we can send you a link to connect through GoToMeeting. You will receive the link approximately 24 hours before the program.
CONTACT: MCLS Staff hopeprogs@mcl.org
FEBRUARY 27, 1:30 p.m.
Free Family Workshop: Harlem Renaissance & the Art of Collage
Arts Council of Princeton
102 Witherspoon St., Princeton
artscouncilofprinceton.org
At the turn of the 20th century, the Great Migration saw Black Americans leaving the segregated Jim Crow South for northern cities. Harlem, a neighborhood in upper Manhattan, quickly became the epicenter of a vibrant community, drawing over 175,000 Black Americans from southern states. Some of the greatest minds in poetry, art, and theater lived within this 3 square mile area giving rise to The Harlem Renaissance. One of these artists, Romare Bearden, worked in many types of media but was known for his amazing and powerful collages.
Join local artist Kenneth Lewis Jr. in an exploration of the Harlem Renaissance and the collage work of Romare Bearden. Using basic supplies found around the home, learn how to utilize the power of collage as an art form. All ages are invited to join this special hands-on celebration of art, history, and the possibilities of this exciting form of creative self-expression.
FREE REGISTRATION:
http://bit.ly/36acfmB
Supplies needed:
- Magazines, newspapers, or other printed paper
- Cardboard or mat board (any size) for base
- Glue (glue stick, Elmers, or rubber cement)
- Scissors
This event is held in conjunction with the Arts Council's Black History Month programming, supported by the Princeton University Humanities Council.
EXHIBITIONS
Through MARCH 6
Journey to Now - A Twenty Year Retrospective
Artworks Trenton
19 Everett Alley, Trenton
(609) 394-9436 | artworkstrenton.org
11am-4pm, Thursday – Saturday / Masks are mandatory
This retrospective of artist, Khalilah Sabree, spans over two decades of work. Her work is about spiritual transformation and world issues. Her current body of work contains a variety of large scale, mixed-media paintings and drawings. There are several series in the collection, with a contemporary Islamic flavor.
Khalilah filters the world through the eyes of an African-American Muslim woman and educator. She maintains a private studio at Artworks Trenton, and has a Master of Fine Art in Painting, from The University of The Arts, and received her B.A, from The College of New Jersey. Her work has been exhibited extensively throughout the Tri-State area.
To find out more about Khalilah Sabree, and to see more of her works, please visit her website at www.khalilahsabree.com
NOW - JUNE 6
Women Artists, Trenton Style
Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie
Cadwalader Park, Trenton
(609) 989-1191 | ellarslie.org
The Trenton Museum Society proudly presents WOMEN TRENTON STYLE, curated by the legendary Mel Leipzig and showcasing a diverse array of exciting works by leading artists of the greater Trenton area. Look for details soon on special community events and a series of online or hybrid artist talks!
HISTORY
FEBRUARY 6, 1 p.m.
"IN GRAVES OF THEIR OWN:" Reclaiming the Locust Hill Cemetery
The William Trent House
15 Market St., Trenton
(609) 989-3027 | williamtrenthouse.org
The Trent House Association presents a virtual illustrated talk, “In Graves of Their Own: Reclaiming the Locust Hill Cemetery,” presented by Algernon Ward, Trenton history enthusiast and re-enactor. The program will begin at 1 pm on Saturday, February 6, 2021, via https://www.williamtrenthouse.org/upcoming-events.html
Algernon Ward, a notable figure in Trenton’s history community and member of the 6th Regiment of the United States Colored Troops Civil War re-enactor organization, will highlight the history of the Locust Hill Cemetery from its beginnings in the 18th century as the earliest known burial place of African Americans in Trenton. He will outline current efforts to ensure the cemetery’s preservation and commemorate the people buried there, including several Civil War veterans.
Mr. Ward and the 6th Regiment are leading that project, which includes developing an interpretive center next to the cemetery. The Locust Hill Cemetery joins other sites important to Trenton’s African American history, including the 1856 Higbee School, the first free school for African Americans in Trenton, and the Carver Youth and Family Center, a social and cultural center for Trenton’s Black community. Please donate to the Locust Hill Cemetery project by sending a check to the 6th Regiment at 685 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Trenton 08618, or by donating through the Trent House Association’s PayPal account at https://www.williamtrenthouse.org/donation.html. All donations will go directly toward the Locust Hill Cemetery project.
|
