YMCA Of Montclair - 2019 Black History Month Program

An historic photo from the YMCA in Montclair, from the former Washington Street location.
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Montclair, NJ, January 23, 2019 --The YMCA of Montclair is hosting a series of events in celebration of Black History Month that are free and open to the community. All events are held at the Y’s Park Street Branch at 25 Park Street or Geyer Family Branch at 159 Glenridge Ave, both in Montclair. More events will be added; please check our website as we update the schedule: www.montclairymca.org

Black Panther – A youth movie night, Saturday, February 9 at 7:30pm (grades 4-7), YMCA of Montclair Park Street Branch

Wakanda Forever! Join us for a screening of the iconic Oscar nominated film Black Panther, rated PG-13.

Poetic Expressions of the Black Experience - A community read-in led by Dr. Shirley A. R. Lewis, Wednesday, February 13 at 10:00am, YMCA of Montclair Park Street Branch.

From Phyllis Wheatley to Modern Hip Hop, experience black history as seen through the eyes of our most revered African American poets.

The Art of Jacob Lawrence – An art history lecture led by Maggie Rothman, Wednesday, February 20 at 9:30am, YMCA of Montclair Park Street Branch.

Maggie Rothman, YMCA member and retired art history professor, will lead a conversation on the works of Jacob Lawrence, followed by a Q&A. Jacob Lawrence is best known for paintings that vividly portray contemporary depictions of everyday life as well as epic narratives of African American history and historical figures.

Running A Thousand Miles For Freedom – The Story of William and Ellen Craft’s Amazing Escape from Slavery, Thursday, February 21 at 6:30pm, YMCA of Montclair Geyer Family Branch.

Join Mary Ellen Butler, great-great-granddaughter of William and Ellen Craft as she shares their story and the legacy of achievement they created for their ancestors. Refreshments will be served.

The Quilts of Gee’s Bend – A story and hands on art project, Saturday, February 23 at 12:30pm (grades pre-K-sixth), YMCA of Montclair Geyer Family Branch.

Belle, The Last Mule at Gee’s Bend: A Civil Rights Story is a true story of a mule that played a key role in the civil rights movement in Gee’s Bend, Alabama. Gee’s Bend is a small rural African American community which is also known for the quilts that are created there. Children will create their own quilt art project after the story.

Afro-Caribbean Dance with Congolese Drummer
s, Sunday, February 24 at 3:30pm, YMCA of Montclair Park Street Branch.

Immerse yourself in the joy and vitality of rhythms rooted in Africa. Class led by Julio Jean, a renowned master Haitian dance teacher, choreographer and musician.