Burlington County is celebrating Black History Month with events, presentations and performances throughout the month of February to showcase the county’s rich Black historical presence and culture.
Among the upcoming Black History Month events planned in the county is the Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County’s annual Black History Wall of Honor Induction Ceremony scheduled for Friday, Feb. 20, at Rowan College at Burlington County. Other upcoming events include a special fashion show, a virtual discussion about the Declaration of Independence, a genealogy class and a presentation about the legendary Still Family and their legacy in Burlington County and beyond.
“Black History is American history, and it is also an essential part of Burlington County’s culture, heritage and success,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “During a time when parts of our history are under attack or being hidden, it’s more important than ever for us to draw attention to the important contributions made by Black Americans from Burlington County and across our nation.”
(Courtesy of Burlington County)
“Black history is important for all Americans, regardless of their race, and Burlington County is proud to celebrate the many important Black historic sites and figures from our county,” added Commissioner Randy Brolo. “Showcasing all aspects of our past is essential to our education and understanding of civil rights, justice and liberty. It’s also how we inspire current and future generations to seek to make their own contributions to our society, like the great Black leaders, innovators, artists and achievers from our past and present.”
State Senator Troy Singleton applauded the County for drawing attention to Black Americans and their achievements.
“Black Americans have made an indelible mark on our county, state and nation. Their contributions and achievements have stretched across hundreds of years and touched all aspects of life,” said Senator Singleton, who sponsored legislation to create New Jersey’s Black Heritage Trail. “I hope that residents of all backgrounds take advantage of the wonderful programming being offered during Black History Month, and walk away from them with an understanding that Black History is our shared history, especially here in Burlington County.”
Here is a rundown of some of the upcoming Black History month events and programs:
Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County Black History Wall of Honor Induction Ceremony
The celebration and induction ceremony will be held Feb. 20, at 6 PM in Rowan College at Burlington County’s Votta Hall auditorium. This year, the history-makers being honored are:
- Adam Blackstone, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer from Willingboro who has worked with numerous chart-topping artists, including Justin Timberlake, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Maroon 5, the Jonas Brothers and Janet Jackson among others, and was musical director for the Super Bowl half-time shows in 2022 and 2023;
- Anthony “Ant” Clemons, Grammy-nominated singer, rapper and songwriter from Willingboro who has performed with Kanye West and Mary J. Blige, among other rappers and musicians;
- Dionne Farris, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter from Bordentown who performed with the hip hop group Arrested Development;Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson, the second Black woman in Burlington County history to be elected as a County Commissioner and the first person on record to serve as director for six years;
- Rev. Sharon G. Lightsey, mother, gospel singer, educator and community servant, who founded Willingboro’s Heritage Players to showcase Black History through music, dance, acting and poetry;
- Tyrone “Tye” Tribbett, the Grammy-winning gospel singer, songwriter and keyboardist, has performed with Faith Hill, Don Henley, Justin Timberlake, Patti LaBelle, Jessica Simpson, Usher, Sting and Will Smith, and also contributed to the soundtrack of the animated film, The Prince of Egypt.
The Same Principle Lives In Us: People of African Descent in the American Revolution (A Virtual Presentation)
Presented by the Museum of the American Revolution, this virtual presentation and discussion will be held this Thursday, Feb. 5, from 6 PM to 7:30 PM, and will explore the life experiences of freedom seeking Americans, such as enslaved poet Phillis Wheatley; Elizabeth Freeman, a litigant who sued for her freedom in Massachusetts; Philadelphia abolitionist and businessman James Forten; and Harry Washington, an enslaved man who escaped George Washington’s Virginia plantation and then fought for the British with other Black loyalists during the American Revolution. Register at The Same Principle Lives in Us: People of African Descent in the American Revolution (Virtual) | Events | Burlington County Library System.
RCBC Fashion Show
Rowan College at Burlington County will host its annual Black History Month Fashion Show on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 6:30 PM in the college’s Student Success Center. The event features a runway-style fashion show showcasing designs from RCBC fashion design students and industry professionals. Admission is free.
A Family Legacy: The Still Family
Learn more about the amazing legacy of the Still family, beginning with former enslaved Africans Levin and Charity Stlll and their amazing children, including William Still, who was dubbed the “Father of the Underground Railroad” for the assistance and aid who provided to escaped enslaved people, and the Dr. James Still, the renowned Black Doctor of the Pines, who gained distinction for his successful biracial medical practice and his natural herbal remedies. The presentation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 1 PM at the Burlington County Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences in Mount Holly. It will be led by Samuel C. Still III, the executive director of the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site and Education Center in Medford. Register at https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/burlington-county-nj-/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM5NjAzNzY=
South Jersey Black History DNA
Learn more about South Jersey Black History, genealogy and archaeology during this free event featuring presentations from Carolyn C. Williams, President of the African American Genealogy Group of Philadelphia, and Paul W. Schoop, Assistant Director of the South Jersey Culture & History Center at Stockton University, among other presenters. The free event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM in the auditorium of the Burlington County Library, 5 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton. Admission is free, but seating is limited.
A Tapestry of Voices: Black and Native American Experiences in the Revolutionary War
Learn more about the Black and Indigenous men who fought on both sides of the American Revolution during this presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 6 PM at the Burlington County Library in Westampton. Admission is free.
Philly Soul Collective Honors Black History Month
The free Black History Month concert will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, Feb. 28, in the auditorium of the Burlington County Library in Westampton. Admission is free but seating is limited. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 12:15 PM.
Movies and more
In addition to these events, the Burlington County Library System will be screening special movie selections in honor of Black History Month throughout the month, including Glory Road, Beloved, The Black Church, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Something the Lord Made, Respect- The Aretha Franklin Story, Maya Angelou – And Still I Rise, and more.
Burlington County Library System cardholders can also check out free passes to the African American Museum in Philadelphia.
For more information, visit the Burlington County Library System website at https://bcls.lib.nj.us/ .
— Courtesy of Burlington County
