The 2025 Black History Celebration
at the Newark Public Library!
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This Black History Month, the James Brown African
American Room invites you to join us at the Newark Public Library to
explore the history and culture of drumming in the Americas. This
year’s celebration features an exhibit and three engaging programs that
showcase the drum’s cultural influence, its legacy of resilience, and
its evolving role in contemporary music and art.
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For questions about our Black History Celebration
exhibit or programs please contact the James Brown African American
Room
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Experience our dynamic exhibit exploring the drum's
influence across continents and cultures. Discover artifacts,
photographs, and stories that capture the powerful legacy of rhythm and
resilience in Black culture.
The
exhibit will open Saturday February 1st and be on view during regular
library hours through Fall 2025.
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Our 2025 Black History
Celebration program series will feature three events!
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For full details about all
of the programs visit our Black History Celebration webpage: WWW.NPL.ORG/BHC2025
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Saturday,
February 1, 2025
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Opening Event:
Celebrating Bernard "Pretty" Purdie
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Reception at
1PM
Program at
2PM
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Join us for a conversation with
legendary drummer Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, activist and educator Jerome
Jennings, and global DJ and pop culture preserver Skeme Richards.
Together, they will discuss the artistry and lasting impact of one of
the most recorded drummers of all time.
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Saturday,
February 8, 2025
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Max Roach
Documentary Screening and Discussion
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Reception at
1PM
Screening at
1:30PM
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The second event will be a screening of the
acclaimed documentary Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes, followed
by an engaging discussion with Marcus J. Moore and Josslyn Luckett.
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Hip-Hop and Drum
Machines Panel
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Reception at
1PM
Screening at
1:30PM
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We conclude our celebration with an exciting
conversation featuring K-Def, JWords, Geng PTP, and Internal Quest
moderated by Jamara Wakefield. Learn how hip-hop producers are
preserving and innovating the drum’s legacy.
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Celebrate the rhythm,
history, and resilience of Black culture with us this February. We look
forward to seeing you there!
Newark Public Library | 5
Washington Street | Newark, NJ
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