Black History Month Salute in Princeton, New Jersey This Weekend
Live Black Museum exhibit shows a woman dancing in front of a video of legendary tap dancers Nicholas Brothers, Fayard and Harold (2021)
As you know, February is Black History Month, and there are several events throughout New Jersey to honor and celebrate all month long. One event is happening this weekend and is presented by Rays of Hope.
Rays of Hope Black History Month Salute
Rays of Hope is a non-profit youth community service organization. Their mission is to engage youth in community service projects that inspire and empower them to serve in ways that promote leadership. They do community service in Ocean County, Monmouth County, and Middlesex County. It provides leadership development for kids ages eight through eighteen.
Paul Robeson Center for the Arts
Rays of Hope has joined with the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts to present the “Live Black Museum” event this Sunday, February 25, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 102 Witherspoon Street in Princeton, New Jersey.
The Live Black Museum
This Live Museum celebrates Black culture and pays homage to the past, present, and future during Black History Month. It will showcase multiple live exhibits that highlight the amazing contributions of Black individuals throughout our history. It’s an immersive and educational experience for any age. The event started in Freehold at Centra State Hospital, and moved the exhibition to Princeton last year.
Spotlight on Local Youth
This unique event highlights local youth talent in a live interactive museum. I spoke with Lisa Hall from Rays of Hope and she shared that all are welcome to this free event where complimentary food and drinks will be served. Regarding this Rays of Hope event, she said, “It’s a free event for the community; it’s community service because the kids actually have to research the person that they’re going to be, and they create a monologue.” Lisa also mentioned, “We usually have close to two hundred people that come through, so the kids have to do it over and over again. It continues for about two hours so they can repeat their performance twenty or thirty times.” She continued, “Every time you step on their button they become that person. They’re dressed up in costume like the figure.”
If you’re looking for an amazing experience, for adults, but especially kids, you must witness this on Sunday. Here are all the details needed to attend Live Black Museum…
Sunday, February 25, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
More Information: raysofhopeinc.org/live-black-museum
Celebrate Black History Month With These Inspirational Quotes
Black History Month is a great time to celebrate African American accomplishments and the many contributions Black Americans have made to our country. It’s a good time to reflect on inspirational quotes by iconic figures. Many Black icons have said things so powerfully that they become mantras for generations. Some people feel inspired by these motivational quotes deeply. This often creates a sense of empowerment that can sometimes turn into actions for the good.
Well-known Black leaders in history like Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, Frederick Douglas, and Angela Davis have used their words to share thought-provoking ideas that still encourage us today. Many actors, writers, directors, journalists, Black influencers, and more have said things that just move you, too. This includes director Ava DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey, and the late Chadwick Boseman.
Celebrate Black History Month With Inspirational Quotes
Many of these quotes highlight how our past shapes where we’re headed. Those uplifting quotes push us to keep moving forward with a clear purpose.
Many Civil Rights leaders knew that social change was necessary. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr. encouraged his followers by saying, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
Some influential Black people emphasized the necessity of a positive impact with their words. In 2014, Russell Simmons shared on If you wake up deciding what you want to give versus what you’re going to get, you become a more successful person.
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) December 23, 2014" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X, “If you wake up deciding what you want to give versus what you’re going to get, you become a more successful person.”
There are even quotes from important figures who inspire us to achieve our dreams. “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you,” said Maya Angelou.
If you’re looking for inspirational quotes to uplift, encourage, inspire, or celebrate Black History Month, then take a look at some below.
Joel Katz is the Morning Show Personality, Assistant Program Director, Podcast Host, Voiceover artist, audio producer, and Digital Content Writer for Magic 98.3. Joel has been working in New Jersey radio since college and started at Magic in 2002 as the Morning Show Host, “I can’t think of another place where I’d fit more perfectly; it’s just a great company with awesome people.” Joel is married to Kathleen, his elementary school sweetheart (they were each other’s first dates at age 9), shares a birthday with his oldest son, Ty, and has twins, Kiera and Liam. Joel runs at least 3.1 miles every day and enjoys playing basketball, doing laundry, saving his turn signal for when he really needs it, kissing dogs through a fence, using coasters, making that cool noise by rubbing his fingers on balloons, and chasing after ping pong balls on a windy cruise ship.
