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Monday, January 27, 2025

February Is Black History Month @ NPL!

 

 

The 2025 Black History Celebration

at the Newark Public Library!

 

 

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.

 

 

For questions about our Black History Celebration exhibit or programs please contact the James Brown African American Room 

p. (973) 733-5411

e. jbaar@npl.org

 

 

Featured Exhibit

 

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.

 

 

Upcoming Programs

 

 

Our 2025 Black History Celebration program series will feature three events!

 

 

For full details about all of the programs visit our Black History Celebration webpage: WWW.NPL.ORG/BHC2025

 

 

Saturday, February 1, 2025

 

Opening Event: Celebrating Bernard "Pretty" Purdie

 

Reception at 1PM

Program at 2PM

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Saturday, February 8, 2025

 

Max Roach Documentary Screening and Discussion

 

Reception at 1PM

Screening at 1:30PM

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Saturday, March 1, 2025

 

Hip-Hop and Drum Machines Panel

 

Reception at 1PM

Screening at 1:30PM

 

 

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.

 


 

 


 

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