Celebrate Black History Month on Springfield Avenue

The Springfield Avenue Partnership is celebrating Black History Month with a full roster of fun and educational activities and events for the whole family, presented by local business owners.

Enter to win an iPad2 donated by Every L'il Thing Florist (1573 Springfield Ave.) and Inc Pics (1608 Springfield Ave.). Enter by Feb. 28 online at SpringfieldAvenue.com. 

“For the past several years, the businesses of the Springfield Avenue District have recognized the contributions of the black community around the world, and right here in Maplewood,” said Sheila Turner-Cartlidge, owner of Astah’s Fine Art Gallery on Springfield Avenue and a member of the Partnership’s Board of Trustees. “The creative events and activities that are the heart of this celebration underscore what is special about our community and we invite other local business owners to be a part of the program.” 

Events include:

Feb. 16, 23: African American Artists Series

Express Yourself Studios, 1877 Springfield Ave.; 973.763.5256

Time: 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Ages 5-12 

Saturdays during the month of February enjoy a special Black History Month lesson in art exploring a different African-American Master Artist (Aaron Douglass, William H. Johnson and Faith Ringgold). This program is offered as part of Express Yourself’s Studio Saturday offering. The Workshop fee for this event is $15.

Feb. 17 - Newark Black Artists Oral History Project

1978 Maplewood Arts Center, 1978 Springfield Ave.; 973.275.1330

Time: 2 p.m.–5 p.m. 

A presentation by Bianca Monet of the newly formed project dedicated to collecting and preserving first-hand narratives of black visual arts from and/or currently located in Newark.

Like our featured artist Emma Amos, artists who now reside in cities outside of Newark, NJ have ties to Newark that have shaped and continue to impact their artistic endeavors. Bianca Monet will share interviews and videos and/ or photographs from these artists who now live in Maplewood, West Orange and surrounding communities.  The art of Emma Amos is on exhibit from Feb. 2 through March 24 featuring works which have been seen as a connecting link to European tapestries and the African diaspora.

Feb. 19 – Collage, Jazz and You

Hilton Branch Library, 1688 Springfield Ave.; 973.762.1688

Time: 4 p.m.–5 p.m., Ages 6–12 years 

Romare Bearden is famous for his collages depicting Black life in America.  Come to the library to make a collage of your own and listen to jazz, an art form influenced by African Americans. 

Feb. 20 Ghana’s History and Turban Head Wrap Demonstration 

Akuaba Fashions, 1966 Springfield Ave. (new location)

Time: 4 p.m.–7 p.m.

Discussion of Ghana’s history and culture along with a demonstration of traditional African turban head wrapping. 

Feb. 22 – Princess Playdate with Tiana

Parteaz, 1860 Springfield Ave.; 973.762.1688

Time: 4 p.m.–5 p.m., Ages 2, 3 w/caregiver (drop off optional) 

Dress up, games, crafts and lots of make believe.  Make a healthy dessert and have a tea party with a Princess.

Feb. 23 – Black History Month Mentorship Luncheon       

Top Hat & Tails, 1856 Springfield Ave.; 973.275.0080

Time: 2 p.m. 

This program is designed for young people to see men and women of color in professions that might appeal to them.  Light refreshments will be served.  For information call Horace at 973-275-0080.

Feb. 24 – Sunday Afternoon Jazz, Bradford Hayes

Astah’s Fine Art Gallery, 1897 Springfield Ave.; 973.761.5012

Time: 3 p.m. 

Saxophonist Bradford Hayes has performed at some of New York City’s most famed jazz clubs and musical venues including Birdland, the Beacon Theater and Tavern on the Green. The Virginia native has performed or recorded with Yusef Lateef, Ted Curson, Michael Cochrane, Joe Lee Wilson, Jimmy Heath, Al Grey, Cecil Payne, Rufus Reid, Ray Bryant, Ben Riley, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Cecil Brooks III, Jerry Butler and The Dells.  A career highlight was his performance with Babatunde Olatunji’s Drums of Passion Band at Yankee Stadium during Nelson Mandela’s historic first trip to the United States after his release from a South African prison.

Find a complete calendar of Black History Month events online at www.SpringfieldAvenue.com and on the Partnership’s Facebook page.