South Orange Village is proud to honor Black History Month alongside the entire community. This year, the national theme is "A Century of Black History Commemorations," chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). This theme for Black History Month marks 100 years since historian Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926, an effort that later became Black History Month.

South Orange is hosting a series of exciting events to celebrate Black History Month in collaboration with various community organizations. These festivities aim to educate, connect, and honor the rich history and culture of the Black community. We thank our community partners for their creativity and effort in crafting a vibrant event lineup! Additionally, we want to recognize the dedicated volunteers whose passion and commitment have helped launch this initiative.We look forward to this celebration growing and flourishing in the coming years!

See all the events HERE

Erasing South Orange Borders
Black History Month Runs/Walks — Saturdays in February 

Join South Orange resident Stephanie Lawson Muhammad, founder of Erasing Essex’s Borders, for a powerful guided run/walk exploring the historic borders that shaped South Orange—and how those boundaries have impacted African Americans over the past 150 years.

Each route is approximately 3.1 miles (5K) and highlights meaningful locations and landmarks tied to the African American experience in Essex County.

Saturdays: February 7, 21 & 28
Run: 8:00 AM
Walk: 1:00 PM

Free & open to the public

Advance registration requested. Click HERE to register. 

Routes will be published HERE

Bonus Run!
A separate Black History Month Run with the SOMA Fox Running Club takes place on Saturday, February 14 at 8:00 AM.
More info HERE

Move your body. Learn local history. Walk (or run) with purpose.

Little Readers, Big History 

Join us on Wednesdays in February at 4PM at the Baird Library for a special Black History Month story time series featuring beloved children’s books read by South Orange community leaders and author J. Read.

Feb. 4 – I Promise by LeBron James
Read by Councilwoman Patricia Canning

Feb. 11 – Chickadee by J. Read
Special reading & performance with the author

Feb. 18 – My Hair Is a Garden by Cozbi A. Cabrera
Read by Councilwoman Olivia Lewis-Chang

Feb. 25 – Sydney’s Big Speech by Malcolm Newsome
Read by Mayor Sheena Collum

Through stories of courage, creativity, and community, we’re honoring Black history in a way that’s meaningful for our youngest readers—and joyful for the whole family. Free and open to all.