"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet." - Aristotle

🌟 SPONSOR FEATURE — Grandma’s Emma (Main NL Version)

Grandma’s Emma is a warm and welcoming new addition to the Maplewood business community, bringing a touch of tradition, comfort, and heart to the neighborhood. Inspired by the feeling of home-cooked care and family connection, Grandma’s Emma focuses on creating an experience where customers feel like part of the family from the moment they walk through the door.

As a new local business, Grandma’s Emma represents the spirit of Maplewood — community-driven, service-focused, and committed to quality. Whether you’re stopping in to explore their offerings, support a new local entrepreneur, or simply connect with a neighborhood business that values people first,  Grandma’s Emma is quickly becoming a place locals are excited to discover.

Supporting businesses like Grandma’s Emma helps strengthen the local economy and keeps Maplewood’s small-business community thriving.

 👉 Stop by and welcome Grandma’s Emma to the Maplewood community.

The Maplewood Film Society and Maplewood Arts & Culture invite the community to a special screening of the acclaimed film Sinners on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at The Woodland Great Hall.

Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the movie beginning at 7:00 PM.

Following the film, a discussion on Black history and culture will feature Khalil Gibran Muhammad, Princeton’s inaugural professor of African American Studies.

Admission is free with RSVP, and donations are welcome.

Enjoy refreshments from the Essex County Civic Club, a proud affiliate of regional and national women’s clubs.

Directed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners is a 2025 horror set in 1932 Mississippi, starring Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers facing supernatural forces.

The celebrated cast also includes Hailee Steinfeld and Delroy Lindo.

Honored as one of 2025’s top films, Sinners has received major awards attention.

Maplewood will honor Black History Month by bringing Lorraine Hansberry’s celebrated drama, A Raisin in the Sun, to the stage.

This riveting story follows the Younger family as they confront dreams and hardships in 1950s Chicago, shining a light on heritage, hope, and perseverance.

Presented by interACT Theatre Productions and the Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture, the production takes place at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood, NJ.

Performances run February 13–15, 20–22, and 27–28, 2026, with 7:30 pm evening shows and 3:00 pm Sunday matinees.

Admission ranges from $10–$15 online and $20 at the door.

This is a unique chance to witness a timeless work that remains deeply relevant.

 Maplewood's Weekly Weather

  Feb 17 – Feb 23, 2026

Maplewood is in for a classic late-winter mix this week, with some sunshine early on followed by clouds and occasional rain. As we head into the weekend, temperatures stay cool and we could even see a rain and snow mix on Sunday — so it’s a good week to keep layers handy and check the forecast if you have outdoor plans around town.

Black History Month at the Maplewood Memorial Library 2012.

Remembering Black History Month Celebration in Maplewood, NJ.

The 2012 Black History Month celebration at Maplewood Memorial Library was a vibrant, community-centered event that brought together families, artists, and civic leaders to honor Black culture and history. Held on February 25, 2012, and emceed by Katherine Hillaire, the program featured a rich blend of performances and storytelling.

Attendees enjoyed jazz and spoken word by the Dwight West Trio, dynamic drumming by Cedric Miller, and engaging readings for children by Township Committee members and actress Ami Brabson. The event also included a captivating storytelling session of "Aida" by Lori Mirabel and a sing-along of civil rights songs led by Pastor Rodwell Thom. This celebration exemplified Maplewood's commitment to honoring Black history through music, literature, and community engagement.

For a glimpse into this memorable event, you can watch the video here:

“Hometown Hero: Honoring Maplewood Native Ibtihaj Muhammad This Black History Month”

Celebrating a hometown champion whose legacy inspires inclusion, excellence, and global impact.

Ibtihaj Muhammad is an American sabre fencer, author, and entrepreneur whose career has helped redefine representation in sports, fashion, and public life. Born in Maplewood, New Jersey, Muhammad rose to international prominence as the first American woman to compete in the Olympic Games while wearing a hijab and the first Muslim-American woman to earn an Olympic medal. Her achievements have positioned her as a powerful voice for inclusion and cultural visibility.

Muhammad began fencing at age 13 after discovering that the sport’s full-body uniform aligned with her faith’s modesty standards. She went on to attend Duke University, where she earned a degree in International Relations and African & African-American Studies while becoming a three-time NCAA All-American. Joining the U.S. National Team in 2010, she quickly established herself as a world-class competitor, ultimately becoming a five-time Senior World medalist and a 2014 team world champion. Her historic performance at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics helped secure a bronze medal for the U.S. Women’s Team Sabre squad.

Beyond athletics, Muhammad has built a successful career as an entrepreneur and author. In 2014, she co-founded Louella, a fashion brand focused on modest, contemporary clothing. Her memoir, Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream, and her bestselling children’s book series have inspired readers worldwide.

Muhammad also serves as an advocate for equity and women’s empowerment. Through global speaking engagements, public service initiatives, and media appearances, she continues to inspire future generations to pursue excellence while embracing identity, diversity, and purpose.