Local Artist’s Family Unveils Artwork, Local Historian Presenting Program About African-Americans in Northern N.J. Since 1600s

Montclair Public Library Begins Black History Month By Displaying Historic Mural about Dr. Martin Luther King

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Montclair Public Library (MPL) is beginning its Black History Month programs with two noteworthy events.

· First, the Public Library is unveiling on Wednesday, February 1 at 7 PM, The Martin Luther King Freedom Mural that was created by the late Don Miller, an artist who lived in Montclair. The presentation ceremony will include Dr. Judy Miller, the artist’s spouse, Craig Miller, her son, and local historian Frank Gerard Godlewski. The Montclair Rotary Club provided funds to professionally frame the mural and supporting materials for the exhibition.

· Second, on Tuesday, February 7 beginning at 1 PM, Mr. Godlewski will present a talk with slides about the history of African American residents in Montclair and Northern New Jersey since the 1600s. The presentation will be held in the MPL’s auditorium. Montclair Mayor Robert Jackson and community leaders are expected to attend. The MPL and the Montclair Rotary Club have coordinated the event.

The MPL has set aside a special space on the second floor of its main branch at 50 South Fullerton for the historic The Martin Luther King Freedom Mural. The project to share Mr. Miller’s historic artwork with Montclair community grew out of a collaboration by Dr. Miller, the artist’s son, Craig, Mr. Godlewski and the Rotary Club. The artwork on display is a compact version of the seven-foot high and 56-foot long mural that is permanently installed at the National Library in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Miller created the mural at his Montclair studio at 180 Bloomfield Avenue. The mural was commissioned by the National Library and the artwork was presented to the public in January 1986. The unveiling occurred during the first observance of Dr. King’s birthday as national holiday in the United States.

Speaking about the display, Mr. Godlewski said, “Thanks to the Miller Family and the Montclair Rotary Club, The Freedom Mural is permanently on display in the Montclair Public Library. The mural serves as a tribute and teaching tool for this important legacy of American History and the supporting materials conveys Montclair’s position in the story.

Mr. Miller’s mural captures major events Dr. King’s life and depicts the people who influenced the civil rights movement in the United States. The display at the Library includes a 12-foot long version of the artist’s mural, a detailed key of historical episodes along with a review of people who are depicted with Dr. King. In addition, there are biographical notes about Mr. Miller’s life and the artworks he created.

Timothy Flowers, who directs security and maintenance for the Montclair Library, coordinated the installation of the mural and supporting pieces.

The mural is a visual history of Dr. King’s life. Key moments include Dr. King’s

· Graduation from Morehouse College in Atlanta,

· Leadership during the Montgomery Bus Boycott

· “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington, D.C. in 1963

· March from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama

· Nobel Peace Prize

· Views about the Vietnam War.

Several of the individuals who are portrayed in the mural visited Montclair as Mr. Miller painted the artwork. Visitors included

· Rosa Parks, the heroine of bus boycott

· Dr. Caroline Goodman, mother of the slain Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) worker Andrew Goodman

· Dr. Ralph P. Abernathy, who founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)

· Dorothy Cotton also a leader in SCLC

· Former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young

· Reverend C.T. Vivian and Rec. Wyatt Tee Walker.

For more information about Black History Month programs and all upcoming activities, visit the Montclair Public Library website or call 973.744.0500.