New Jersey Black Cultural & Heritage Initiative Foundation Honors the Legacy and Heritage of African Americans at Annual Celebration

New Jersey Black Cultural & Heritage Initiative Foundation Honors the Legacy and Heritage of African Americans at Annual Celebration

New Jersey Black History event celebrates African American heritage with Marc Morial, President & CEO of the National Urban League, Secretary of State- Nina Mitchell Wells, and best-selling author & businessman -Stedman Graham.

Newark, New Jersey (PRWEB) February 21, 2009 -- In honor of Black History Month, the New Jersey Black Cultural and Heritage Initiative Foundation will host a "Celebration of History" event on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at the New Jersey Historical Society, 52 Park Place, Newark, NJ.

This extraordinary event will feature two dynamic exhibitions exploring the legacy and history of New Jersey African Americans at 5:30 p.m., followed by a reception at 6:00 p.m.

• "What's Going On? Newark and the Legacy of the Sixties" examines the social forces that led to the outbreak of urban rebellion in 1967 and the lasting impact on the people, landscape, institutions and economy of the region.

• "Black Communities in New Jersey" is a photographic documentary of African American communities of southern New Jersey by Wendel A. White, distinguished professor at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and recipient of the Guggenheim artist fellowship, among other honors.

A formal program will begin at 7:30 p.m. featuring keynote speaker Marc Morial, President & CEO of the National Urban League.

Additional speakers and presentations include:

• Sojourner Truth Performance - by Alicia Washington, Actress/Storyteller

• Tribute to Giles Wright, long time director, historian and advocate of Afro-American History - by Linda C. Epps, President/CEO, New Jersey Historical Society, Board Trustee

• Remarks by Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells, Stedman Graham, Board Co-Chairs and Ethel Washington, historian, Board Vice Chair and author of Union County Black Americans (NJ)

Tickets are $50. - RSVP required: (908) 436-2912, ewashington@ucnj.org (Space is Limited).

For additional information please log onto www.njlivingcolor.org .

About the NJBCHI Foundation:

Authorized by the New Jersey State Legislature as an independent nonprofit corporation and partner of the New Jersey Department of State, the New Jersey Black Cultural & Heritage Initiative Foundation is mandated to create public/private partnerships to increase participation and appreciation for black arts, history and culture. Through its www.NJLivingColor.org website and future endeavors, the foundation seeks to be a part of the unifying voice of the state's cultural heritage interests, celebrating the legacy, contributions and remarkable stories of New Jersey's diverse communities and shared history.

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Contact Information Lawana Dykes

NJ Black Cultural & Heritage Initiative Foundation

http://www.njlivingcolor.org

(856) 357-6559

Gloria Bryant

The Writing Company

http://www.njlivingcolor.org

(973) 824-4414