South Orange Village Announces Black History Month 2026 Celebrations

 

The Village of South Orange is proud to announce its Black History Month 2026 Community Celebration, a month-long series of events developed in collaboration with the South Orange Recreation and Cultural Affairs department, Village Councilmembers, and community partners across the township.

he Village of South Orange is proud to announce its Black History Month 2026 Community Celebration, a month-long series of events developed in collaboration with the South Orange Recreation and Cultural Affairs department, Village Councilmembers, and community partners across the township.

 

This year's observance aligns with the national theme,  "A Century of Black History Commemorations," marking 100 years since historian Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926.

 

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Black History Month 2026 offers a significant opportunity for reflection, education, and community engagement, honoring the enduring contributions of Black Americans to the country's history and culture.

 

"For the past six years, this celebration has reflected how our community comes together to honor Black history in ways that are thoughtful, inclusive, and impactful," said Councilwoman Summer Jones. "The centennial year underscores the importance of continuing this work together as a community."

 

Key highlights of the 2026 Black History Month celebration include:

 

Little Readers, Big History at SOPL (Baird Location)

 

Join the South Orange Public Library on Wednesdays in February at 4 p.m. at the Baird Library for a special Black History Month storytime series featuring beloved children’s books read by South Orange community leaders and author J. Read.

 

Feb. 18 – "My Hair Is a Garden" by Cozbi A. Cabrera, read by Councilwoman Olivia Lewis-Chang.

 

Feb. 25 – "Sydney’s Big Speech" by Malcolm Newsome, read by Mayor Sheena Collum.

 

Through stories of courage, creativity, and community, we’re honoring Black history in a way that’s meaningful for our youngest readers—and joyful for the whole family. Free and open to all.

 

Black History Month Paint & Sip

 

South Orange Downtown is hosting a Sip & Paint on Saturday, February 28, in collaboration with the Department of Recreation and Creative In Common (CINC) in their new artist incubator space, spotlighting local creativity and entrepreneurship.

 

Community Trivia Night Honoring Black History

 

On Thursday, February 12, there will be a community Trivia Night honoring Black History at the Baird Community Center, hosted by the Department of Recreation in partnership with The Player Agency, offering a fun, inclusive social experience for residents.

 

Erasing South Orange Borders Black History Month Run

 

On Saturdays in February, resident Stephanie Lawson Muhammad, founder of Erasing Essex’s Borders, will lead a community Run/Walk series exploring local history and the lasting impact of historical boundaries on South Orange. Residents may participate in the morning run at 8:00 a.m. or the afternoon walk at 1 p.m.

 

Seton Hall University Speaker Series

 

As part of Seton Hall University’s speaker series, resident and adjunct professor Dale Favors will present "The Future of Work and the Influence of AI," an in-person program connecting Black history, innovation, and the future of opportunity. The event will take place at Bethany Hall on February 23 at 6 p.m., and is open to the community.

 

South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) Gallery Opening

 

The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will offer expansive cultural programming throughout the month, including a gallery opening on Thursday, February 5, at 6 p.m. featuring local artist Tatum Sabin, celebrating Black artistic expression and visual storytelling.

 

These events are part of the Village’s expansive Black History Month programming and reflect deep collaboration among municipal departments, cultural institutions, educational partners, artists, and residents.

 

All events, activities, and updates for Black History Month 2026 can be found at the Village website.