Cumberland County and South Jersey Host Dozens of Black History Month Events

South Jersey communities have scheduled an array of Black History Month events through February, giving Cumberland County residents multiple chances to attend concerts, hikes, storytelling sessions and library programs tied to the centennial theme “A Century of Black History Commemorations.”

Locally focused offerings include a multi-date Black History Month Literacy Program presented by Director’s Ink Creative Arts Center. The program runs Feb. 7-28 at 7:30 p.m. and features singers from the West Jersey Chamber Chorale performing spirituals from African American traditions. Tickets are required and students 18 and younger may attend free; the listing names Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing but also gives an address of 42 W. Main St., so patrons should confirm the precise venue on the event ticket page before traveling.

Cumberland County Library in Bridgeton will host African Folktales from Around the World on Feb. 23 at the library’s 5 Pioneer Blvd. location, an event aimed at families and young listeners. In neighboring Moorestown, Moorestown Theater Co. will stage Celebration of Black Voices Feb. 21-22 and Feb. 27-28 at the MTC Performing Arts Center, with performances beginning at 7 p.m. each night. Dr. Joycelyn Williams, creator and director and an MTC trustee, said, “Last year’s production was truly inspiring and I’m thrilled to welcome back familiar faces, while also embracing new performers who will help make this year’s production even more special.”

Outside Cumberland County, the Friends of Black Run Preserve will lead an educational guided hike, Black History in Black Run, on Feb. 22 at Black Run Preserve in Marlton. The listing directs visitors to Kettle Run Road and to the event’s Facebook page for more details. Mercer County library branches have offered a mix of programs spanning lectures, music and family activities - examples include a virtual program on abolition and the Underground Railroad, a Rick Fiori jazz concert, a documentary screening of Becoming Frederick Douglass and children’s crafts inspired by Garret Morgan and Mae Jemison.

The programming is grounded in the centennial observance of Black History Month, a commemoration tracing to Carter G. Woodson and the organization he founded; organizers across towns have tied local exhibits, film screenings, discussions, concerts and culinary events to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s 2026 theme.

For residents, these events provide educational programming close to home and opportunities for civic and cultural engagement. Before attending, confirm start times, venue locations and ticketing information on event ticket pages, municipal event listings, the Cumberland County Library catalog and the organizers’ social pages. Expect more updates and additions as municipalities and community organizations finalize schedules through the rest of the month.