Echoes of Legacy: New Jersey’s Black History Week Shines Bright (Feb 16–22, 2026)
- Karen Brittingham-Edmond
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
📰 ECHO NEWS TV LLC
February 16, 2026
By Echo News TV LLC – Black History Desk
A Century of Black History Commemorations – Maplewood, NJ
Dates: Ongoing through February 2026
Location: Multiple Maplewood venues
Cost: Free & Ticketed Events
Reference: Maplewood Arts & Culture, “Black History Month 2026 Calendar.”
Maplewood’s centennial celebration remains one of New Jersey’s most expansive Black History Month programs, continuing throughout the week with exhibitions, lectures, and community gatherings. This year’s theme honors the 100th anniversary of the first national Black History observance, offering residents a chance to explore the evolution of African American culture through art, performance, and scholarship.
The township’s cultural spaces host rotating displays, youth workshops, and film screenings that highlight the contributions of Black innovators. With a mix of free and low‑cost events, Maplewood ensures that families, students, and seniors can fully participate in this month‑long historic celebration.
“Coloring Book” – Multimedia Theater Experience
(Virtual & Philadelphia Venue)
Dates: February 6–28, 2026
Showtimes: Fridays 8 PM; Saturdays 3 PM & 8 PM; Sundays 3 PM
Location: Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake, 302 S. Hicks St., Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $20
References: Theatre Philadelphia; NJ Family; More Jersey.
“Coloring Book” continues its February run with a powerful blend of animation, monologue, and archival imagery that explores race, identity, and healing. The production follows a single character’s journey through personal and historical memory, offering audiences a deeply introspective look at how art can serve as a tool for emotional restoration.
The show has earned praise for its emotional depth and creative storytelling, drawing viewers from across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. With multiple weekend performances, audiences can engage in post‑show discussions that unpack the work’s cultural and psychological themes. At $20, it remains one of the most accessible professional theater experiences during Black History Month.
Full Circle Sounds: Soundtrack to Healing – Haddon Township, NJ
Date: February 15, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Ritz Theatre Company, 915 White Horse Pike, Haddon Township, NJ
Cost: Free–$12.51
References: Ritz Theatre Company; Visit South Jersey; More Jersey.
This Camden County program offers a powerful musical exploration of Black American sound traditions, tracing the lineage from spirituals to gospel, jazz, soul, and hip‑hop. “Full Circle Sounds” invites audiences to experience music not only as entertainment but as a form of collective healing and cultural preservation.
The event blends live performance with guided reflection, creating a space where attendees can connect with the emotional and historical roots of Black musical expression. With a flexible cost structure ranging from free to modestly priced tickets, the event remains accessible to all.
“Sinners: A Wild Ride Through Black History” – Maplewood, NJ
Date: February 19, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Film begins at 7 PM)
Location: The Woodland Great Hall, 60 Woodland Rd., Maplewood, NJ
Cost: Free (RSVP required)
References: Maplewood Film Society; All Events; More Jersey.
This bold, genre‑bending film screening offers a provocative look at Black history through the lens of horror, satire, and social commentary. Set in the 1930s, “Sinners” challenges traditional narratives by blending historical themes with imaginative storytelling. The event includes a pre‑screening reception and a post‑film discussion that invites viewers to reflect on the intersections of race, memory, and cultural representation.
The screening has become one of Maplewood’s most anticipated Black History Month events, drawing film enthusiasts and scholars alike. The free-admission model ensures broad community participation, while the RSVP requirement helps maintain an intimate, discussion‑friendly atmosphere.
Statewide Centennial Celebrations – New Jersey
Dates: Throughout February 2026
Locations: Multiple NJ cities
Cost: Mostly free
Reference: NJ Family, “Black History Month 2026 Overview.”
New Jersey’s statewide centennial celebration marks a historic milestone: 100 years of Black History Month. Museums, libraries, and cultural centers across the state are hosting exhibitions, lectures, and performances that highlight the evolution of Black history education in America. These events emphasize both national milestones and local stories, ensuring that New Jersey’s own Black pioneers receive recognition alongside national figures.
The centennial theme has inspired unprecedented collaboration among cultural institutions, resulting in a rich tapestry of programming accessible to residents of all ages. From historical reenactments to children’s workshops, the statewide celebration offers countless opportunities for learning and engagement.
South Jersey Black History Community Events – Various Towns
Dates: February 2 – March 2, 2026
Locations: Across South Jersey’s eight counties
Cost: Mostly free
Reference: South Jersey Cultural Alliance, “Black History Month Regional Calendar.”
South Jersey’s regional celebration spans an entire month, offering a diverse array of events across its eight counties. Community centers, libraries, and cultural organizations host workshops, performances, and historical tours that highlight the region’s rich African American heritage. The extended schedule allows families and educators to explore Black history at a comfortable pace, with programming tailored to all age groups.
Organizers emphasize the importance of local storytelling, ensuring that South Jersey’s unique contributions to Black history are preserved and celebrated. From small‑town gatherings to countywide festivals, the region’s events foster connection, pride, and cultural understanding. With most activities offered at no cost, the celebration remains accessible to all residents.
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