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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History detectives Elaine Buck and Beverly Mills discover the stories of enslaved people in the Sourland Mountain region
Mercer County recognizes the contributions of historians and authors Elaine Buck, left, and Beverly Mills, who capped a decade-long quest to understand their family history with the 2018 publication of their book, If These Stones Could Talk: African American Presence in the Hopewell Valley, Sourland Mountain, and Surrounding Regions of New Jersey.
It all began when it was discovered that a paved driveway was planned for a lot off Rock Road in neighboring Hunterdon County on a lot that was believed to be an African American burial ground. Ms. Buck and Ms. Mills were told they needed to prove it was a burial ground, and were able to do so with the help of an archaeologist.
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These events spurred Ms. Buck and Ms. Mills to wonder about the history of the Stoutsburg Cemetery off Province Line Road in Hopewell Township, a field tucked into the Sourland Mountains overlooking the Hopewell Valley surrounding Princeton. Some of the markers had sunk below the ground, but they both had close family members buried there, and knew that there were probably soldiers from the American Revolution and Civil War. Thus began their quest to be “the voice for the voiceless,” and along the way uncovered a trove of buried history about enslaved people in New Jersey, including the stories of their own families. In their book, readers learn about the region’s history, military history, and the impact of faith and churches on African Americans; and meet descendants from the Sourland Mountain region.
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Hear from the authors first hand at a livestream discussion of "If These Stones Could Talk," Feb. 23, 7 p.m. at the Hopewell Branch of Mercer County Library
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. “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.
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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 FEBRUARY 26
Manifesting Beloved Community
West Windsor Arts
952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction
609-716-1931 | westwindsorarts.org
In partnership with Art Against Racism, a 501(c)3 organization, this exhibition invites artists to explore what it means to live in a nation or world designed around social and economic justice without the ills of structural racism. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Beloved Community” represents a global vision where all people share in the wealth of a healed planet. Submissions that speak to or re-envision society’s transformation into a world of healthy people, relationships and communities in personal or public contexts were encouraged. Works on paper/canvas, 3d works, digital media, videos, music compositions, text-based works, documentation of community actions, zines and performative actions/their scripts, were all welcome. The exhibition will be on exhibition at West Windsor Arts in Princeton Junction and online. Please click here for more information. Selected work will also be shown in online galleries at Artagainstracism.org.
THROUGH FEBRUARY 28
Black History Month Book Drive
Lawrence Community Center
295 Eggerts Crossing Road, Lawrence
infoecclinc@gmail.com | eccl-nj.org
To celebrate Black History Month, the Eggerts Crossing Civic League has partnered with HomeFront to host its first book drive to honor Black authors. Please join the ECCL by donating Black literature for both adults and children. All donations will be given to the residents of Eggerts Crossing Village and to HomeFront. Stop by the Lawrence Community Center to drop off your book donation; there is a collection bin located in the vestibule. Drop-off hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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 MARCH 26
Creating Art for Publication
Plainsboro Public Library Gallery
9 Van Doren St., Plainsboro
609-275-2897 | plainsborolibrary.org
During February and March, Princeton-area artist, designer and illustrator Terrance Cummings – the artist for such award-winning works as “We Shall Overcome,” “In Search of Color Elsewhere” and “Go Down Moses” -- will show his work in the Plainsboro Public Library Gallery. The show features Cummings’ graphic work, which often consists of flattened areas of color assembled into stylized figures. Classically trained in figurative drawing, the artist often uses the human figure as his main subject. Cummings describes his art as “socially relevant” and says he aims to create art that “addresses a problem.” He says he hopes “to provide positive depictions and alternatives to some of the challenging issues of today.” For more information, visit https://plainsborolibrary.org/creating-art-for-publication/.
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 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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