FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
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! |
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Keeping Up With Olympic Gold Medalist Athing Mu of Trenton
Mercer County celebrates Athing Mu of Trenton, a middle-distance runner, who at age 19 captured a gold medal in the 800 meters at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, breaking a national record set in 2017, and a continental under-20 record. Mu took a second gold medal as part of the 4x400 relay, and she set the world under-20 record in the women’s indoor 800 meter in early 2021. At the Tokyo Olympics, Mu ended a 53-year Olympic win drought for the USA, and in her first post-Olympic race at the Prefontaine Classic she set an even better 800-meter American record by finishing first in 1 minute 55.04 seconds, also a meet record.
But that’s not all! Mu also holds the world under-20 best in the indoor 600 meters, set in 2019 when she was only 16 years old. Her time of 1:23.57 is the second-fastest ever run indoors and the second-fastest run by an American woman in any condition.
As a standout performer for the Trenton Track Club and, after graduating from Trenton Central High School where she was an active member of the National Honor Society, Mu set multiple records including a new NCAA mark in the 400-meter race as a freshman at Texas A&M University. She continues to exhibit a level of commitment that has enabled her to excel in her sport and become an Olympic Champion, and Mercer County is honored to be home to such a talented individual, whose hard work, enthusiasm, poise and awesome achievements are an inspiration for young people everywhere.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Slavery At Morven
Morven Museum
55 Stockton St., Princeton
(609) 924-8144 | morven.org
Please visit Morven's online exhibition highlighting the history of slavery at Morven.
The topic of human beings being treated as property is a difficult one and we aim to address it with the appropriate gravitas. Morven Museum & Garden's mission is to preserve our legacy by sharing its authentic stories. By not shying away from our story of enslaved people, we believe our visitors will have a better understanding of how our world evolved to where we are today. Much of this information has been available on our gallery walls, and in this format we can deepen the viewer's understanding by linking to source material. Research into the men, women, and children enslaved by the Stockton’s at Morven is ongoing and this site will be updated as new information is discovered.
To view this online exhibition, please see the link below:
https://www.morven.org/slavery-at-morven
THROUGH MARCH 5
Overcoming: Reflections on Struggle, Resilience, and Triumph
Arts Council of Princeton
102 Witherspoon St., Princeton
artscouncilofprinceton.org
Several days before his assassination, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. proclaimed that “We Shall Overcome”, in a refrain motivated by the hymn of the same name and the generations of Americans who fought (and will continue to fight) for justice and freedom for people of color. In “Overcoming,” artist, activist and writer, Rhinold Ponder, inspired by Dr. King, employs his mixed media paintings to provoke reflection of the resilience of Black people in a continuing struggle for recognition of their humanity and demand for human rights.
THROUGH MAY 22
Posing Beauty in African American Culture
New Jersey State Museum
205 West State St., Trenton
NJSM.Info@sos.nj.gov | statemuseum.nj.gov
The New Jersey State Museum presents “Posing Beauty in African American Culture,” a touring exhibition that opened Jan. 29, 2022. The exhibition explores the contested ways in which African and African American beauty have been represented in historical and contemporary contexts. Throughout the Western history of art and image-making, the relationship between beauty and art has become increasingly complex within contemporary art and popular culture. Presented in the Museum’s main first floor gallery, the exhibition was organized by the Department of Photography & Imaging at New York University, Tisch School of the Arts, and curated by Deborah Willis, PhD, University Professor and Chair of the Department. For more information, visit www.statemuseum.nj.gov.
FEBRUARY 7, 6:30 p.m.
VIRTUAL: The Harlem Renaissance: Courage, Grace, and Vision
The Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8294 | mcl.org
The Harlem Renaissance was the beginning of an explosion in creativity that transformed African American identity and history, but it also transformed American culture in general. Never had so many people of all backgrounds read the thoughts of African Americans and embraced the Black community’s productions, expressions, and style in art, literature, music, dance, and theater. This talk will introduce you to many of the inspired artists who produced astonishing and ground-breaking works. Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org to register to receive link to program.
FEBRUARY 15, 7 p.m.
VIRTUAL: Black Activism, Then and Now
Princeton Public Library
65 Witherspoon St., Princeton
(609) 924-9529 | princetonlibrary.org
“Black Activism, Then and Now” is a virtual discussion on the theme of Black activism in historical and contemporary perspective. How have previous generations of Black activists shaped activism today? What connections can we draw between Black activism at the local, national and international level? Using famed Princeton resident Paul Robeson as one of several anchors to explore these questions and others, the conversation will consider past, present and future trends of protest, resistance and organization in the fight against racism. The program will feature attorney Meena Jagannath, the Rev. Lukata Mjumbe and scholar Shana L. Redmond in a conversation moderated by Derecka Purnell, a lawyer, writer and organizer. This program is presented in partnership with the Pace Center for Civic Engagement at Princeton University and the Paul Robeson House of Princeton. You can register and find out more here: https://princetonlibrary.libnet.info/event/6137883.
FEBRUARY 18, 2 p.m.
INDOOR PROGRAM: Black History Month Movie Matinee
The Mercer County Library, Ewing Branch
61 Scotch Road, Ewing
(609) 882-3130 | mcl.org
“Hidden Figures” (2016, PG, 127 min.), with Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe. The story of a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. Please email ewprogs@mcl.org or call 609-882-3148 to register.
FEBRUARY 20, 3 p.m.
FILM: Just Mercy
Princeton Public Library
65 Witherspoon St., Princeton
(609) 924-9529 | princetonlibrary.org
Come to the library for an in-person screening of “Just Mercy.” This powerful true story follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his battle for justice as he defends a man sentenced to death despite evidence proving his innocence. No registration required. Learn more here.
FEBRUARY 22, 4:30 p.m.
INDOOR PROGRAM: Meet the Inventor, Celebrating Black History Month
The Mercer County Library, West Windsor Branch
333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction
(609) 799-0462 | mcl.org
Children will learn about an inventor and do a related activity. This program is geared for children ages 6 and up. Registration begins Feb. 15 at 9 a.m. Please email westprogs@mcl.org or call 609-799-0462 to register.
FEBRUARY 22 and 28, 6:30 p.m.
INDOOR PROGRAM: Let's Celebrate Black Artists
The Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8294 | mcl.org
In celebration of Black History Month, join us for a fun, hands-on program combining art and history! Each session will feature a different black artist, such as Alma Woodsey Thomas and Faith Ringgold. Kids will get to learn about an artist and create their own artwork inspired by that artist’s techniques and methods. The whole family is welcome – these art projects can be adapted to any age! Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration will begin Feb. 22 at 7 a.m. Please email lawysprogs@mcl.org or call 609-883-8295 to register.
FEBRUARY 22, 7 p.m.
VIRTUAL: In Graves of Their Own
The Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8294 | mcl.org
Algernon Ward, a notable figure in Trenton’s history community and President of the 6th Regiment of the United States Colored Troops Reenactors, will highlight the history of Locust Hill, the largest remaining African American cemetery in the Capital city of Trenton. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Hickory Corner Branch, Hightstown Library Association, Friends of the Hopewell Library, Friends of the West Windsor Library and Friends of the Lawrence Library. Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org to register to receive link to program.
FEBRUARY 23, 7 p.m.
VIRTUAL: Back to the World: A Life After Jonestown
Princeton Public Library
65 Witherspoon St., Princeton
(609) 924-9529 | princetonlibrary.org
Eugene Smith will speak about his new book, “Back to the World: A Life after Jonestown,” with Christopher Fisher of The College of New Jersey’s history department. Smith lost his mother, wife and infant son in the mass murder-suicide at Jonestown, Guyana, on Nov. 18, 1978. Repatriated by the U.S. authorities on New Year’s Eve, he broke a $50 bill stashed in his shoe to buy breakfast for himself and a fellow survivor. Approximately 70 percent of those who died at Jonestown were Black and yet “Back to the World” is the first book-length memoir of Peoples Temple by a Black man. You can register and find out more here: https://princetonlibrary.libnet.info/event/6091170
FEBRUARY 23, 7 p.m.
INDOOR PROGRAM: If These Stones Could Talk (livestream at branch)
The Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch
245 Pennnington-Titusville Road, Hopewell Township
(609) 737-2610 | mcl.org
Register to reserve a seat at the Hopewell Branch to watch the livestream of the discussion with authors and community members, Elaine Buck & Beverly Mills. Their book, “If These Stones Could Talk,” contains stories, including dozens of oral histories, that reflect the deeply important but often overlooked history of the collected lives of a minority Black community in the Hopewell Valley, a predominately White region. “Heritage Month Book Club” is sponsored by the Hopewell Valley Education Foundation and Hopewell Valley Regional School District. Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org or call 609-737-2610 to register.
FEBRUARY 24, 5:30 p.m.
INDOOR PROGRAM: Black History Month Film Screening: Harriet (2019)
The Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8294 | mcl.org
Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, the movie tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history. PG-13. 125 min. Please email lawprogs@mcl.org or call 609-883-8292 to register.
FEBRUARY 25, 1 p.m.
FILM: Respect
Princeton Public Library
65 Witherspoon St., Princeton
(609) 924-9529 | princetonlibrary.org
The library will host an in-person screening of “Respect.” This biographical musical film follows Aretha Franklin’s life and her rise from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to international superstardom. No registration required. Click here for further details.
FEBRUARY 25, 2 p.m.
INDOOR PROGRAM: Learn About the Freedom on the Move Project
The Mercer County Library, Ewing Branch
61 Scotch Road, Ewing
(609) 882-3148| mcl.org
Citizen-historians, family researchers, and others are invited to join a librarian at the Ewing Branch library to learn about the Freedom on the Move crowd-sourced database. A project of Cornell University and others, it digitizes newspaper ads about runaway slaves to provide access to the stories of self-liberating people, and may also lead to discoveries for those seeking hard-to find information about their enslaved ancestors. You may bring your own laptop to contribute to the database, or just come to learn about this unique resource. Registration required. Call 609-882-3148 or e-mail ewprogs@mcl.org with questions.
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