Black History Month Events in Burlington County
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was produced as part of the South Jersey Emerging Journalists Project (SJEJP), an independent initiative dedicated to supporting content creators and emerging journalists from underserved communities across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, and Atlantic counties.
BY MILAN PARKER | South Jersey Emerging Journalists Project
This February, Burlington County communities are honoring Black History Month with something for everybody: musical performances, hands-on service projects, art exhibitions and educational programs for all ages.
Several events highlight prominent Black figures in local history, including Dr. James Still and his family, while others invite residents to explore their own connections to Black history and culture through storytelling, poetry and community gatherings.
Whether you’re looking to volunteer at a historic site, support Black-owned businesses, enjoy live music or learn alongside your kids, Burlington County has you covered this month.
Here are some upcoming events to get involved:
A Celebration of Local Iconic Heroes/Sheroes in the ARTS
The Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County will host “A Celebration of Local Iconic Heroes/Sheroes in the ARTS“, a celebration honoring local heroes in the arts on Friday, Feb. 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rowan College at Burlington County. Six New Jersey artists will be inducted into the museum’s Wall of Honor for 2026, including multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Adam Blackstone, singer and rapper Anthony Clemens, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Dion Ferris, Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson, gospel singer and educator the Rev. Sharon G. Lightsey and gospel singer and keyboardist Tyrone Tribbett. Each inductee and their families will be celebrated for their contributions to the arts across New Jersey. The museum, located in Eastampton, documents the history of the Underground Railroad in South Jersey and hosts exhibits celebrating the African diaspora throughout the year. The ceremony offers attendees an opportunity to honor Black excellence in music and creative expression during Black History Month. Admission is free. Tickets are available on Eventbrite through Feb. 20.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebration-of-local-iconic-heroessheroes-in-the-arts-tickets-1979197819958?aff=eprofsaved
African-American Spirituals – A Musical Celebration of African-American History
The West Jersey Chamber Music Society will present a concert of African American spirituals on Sunday, Feb. 22 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Moorestown. The West Jersey Chamber Chorale will perform spirituals honoring the legacy of African American ancestors and celebrating Black church traditions as part of Black History Month. The professional choir and orchestra, which has brought classical music to South Jersey for more than 40 years, offers an evening of music rooted in the African American experience. Attendees will experience traditional spirituals that have shaped American music history and continue to inspire contemporary worship and performance. General admission tickets are $33.85, senior tickets are $27.45, and admission is free for students and those 18 and under. Tickets are available on Eventbrite through Feb. 22.
Black History Month Programs at Willingboro Public Library
The Willingboro Public Library will celebrate Black History Month throughout February with programming for young readers. Children in kindergarten through sixth grade can read a book by an African American author or about Black history and culture, then enter their name in a prize drawing at the children’s desk any time during the month. The library’s young adult room features a quote gallery showcasing words from prominent Black Americans, inviting teens to explore Black voices and perspectives. On Friday, Feb. 27 at 3 p.m., local youth are invited to discuss their favorite quotes from the gallery in the young adult room. Light refreshments will be served. The library has a history of celebrating Black culture, including its recent Martin Luther King Jr. reading celebration hosted by Willingboro Library Kidz Reads in January. All events are free and open to the public.
Black History Month Open Mic at Willingboro Township
Willingboro Township invites residents to celebrate Black History Month through music, poetry and spoken word at an open mic night on Friday, Feb. 27 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Kennedy Center Banquet Hall, 429 John F. Kennedy Way. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and walk-ins are welcome. Performers and supporters alike can enjoy an evening of community creativity, with light refreshments served throughout the night. Friday’s event is hosted by Evonda “Poetyss” Thomas, a local poet, performer and regular host of Willingboro Open Mic. Participants are encouraged to share their talents and celebrate Black artistic expression in a family-friendly space open to all ages. The evening will also feature food vendors and interactive games for families. Beginning in March, the open mic will continue on the third Friday of every month for local artists. Admission is free.
Kennedy Center Hosts Four Black History Month Events at Willingboro Township
The Kennedy Center will host four events celebrating Black History Month throughout February at 429 John F. Kennedy Way in Willingboro. The celebration kicks off on Friday, Feb. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a gallery opening reception showcasing Black inventors, innovators and activists who shaped American history. On Saturday, Feb. 22 at noon, the exhibition “Still Here” honors Black artists who preserve collective memory and resilience through storytelling. Thursday, Feb. 26 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the center commemorates Black History Month’s 100th anniversary, a milestone recognizing a century of honoring Black contributions to American culture. Residents are welcome to join the celebration filled with food vendors, interactive games and light refreshments in a family-friendly space. Vendors are wanted at $200 per space and can register at willingbororec.com or call 609-877-2200. The celebration closes Friday, Feb. 27 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with an open mic night featuring music, poetry and spoken word hosted by local poet Evonda “Poetyss” Thomas. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and walk-ins are welcome. All events are free and open to the public.
Serve With Senator Singleton At The Dr. James Still Historic Site
For residents looking to give back to the community, state Sen. Troy Singleton will host his monthly community service event on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site and Visitor Center, 210 Medford Mount Holly Road in Medford. Space is limited to 20 volunteers. Volunteers will paint and move cabinets and shelving units to preserve the legacy of Dr. James Still, the self-taught 19th-century physician known as the Black Doctor of the Pines. Dr. Still specialized in medical botany and became the third-largest landowner in Burlington County despite widespread disenfranchisement of African Americans. The historic site offers group tours and educational visits and provides residents and students opportunities to learn about prominent Black figures in New Jersey history. According to a press release, February’s Black History Month project marks Singleton’s 82nd community service event since becoming state senator in 2018. Volunteers and the senator have contributed more than 3,200 hours to local service projects across Burlington County.
Register Here: https://www.troysingleton.com/jamesstill
Black History Month Small Business Marketplace
The Willis Harrison Foundation will host a Black History Month Small Business Expo on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Benjamin Banneker Prep Charter School Westampton Campus Gymnasium, 315 Bridge St., Westampton. The Willis Harrison Foundation supports extracurricular programs and community engagement initiatives that uplift youth in Burlington County. The foundation invites residents to join for a day of community, culture and commerce celebrating Black entrepreneurship in Burlington County. The expo will showcase Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs and offer attendees an opportunity to support local small businesses while honoring Black History Month. Interested vendors can contact whedfoundation@gmail.com for registration details. Admission is free. Tickets can be reserved on Eventbrite through Feb. 28.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-history-month-small-business-marketplace-tickets-1981546281269?aff=eprofsaved
A Family Legacy: The Still Family at the Burlington County Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences
The Burlington County Parks system will honor the legacy of two formerly enslaved Africans, Levin and Charity Still, on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Burlington County Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences, 307 High St., Mount Holly. Samuel C. Still III, executive director of the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site and Education Center, will present the story of three of Levin and Charity’s sons who shaped American history. Attendees will learn about William Still, known as the Father of the Underground Railroad; Peter Still, who survived 40 years of enslavement and eventually reunited with his family; and Dr. James Still, a self-taught physician who became one of the wealthiest Black Americans in New Jersey. The presentation offers residents and students an opportunity to discover Black historical figures whose contributions extended beyond the classroom curriculum. Admission is free.
South Jersey Black History, Genealogy, DNA & Archaeology
The Burlington County Library will host “South Jersey Black History, Genealogy, DNA & Archaeology” on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 5 Pioneer Blvd., Westampton. Five historians, genealogists, archaeologists and community storytellers will explore the roots of Black communities in the region through talks on enslavement in South Jersey, free Black communities, Dr. James Still and DNA-connected family history research. Panelists include Caroline C. Williams, Paul W. Schopp, Michael J. Gaw, Floyd M. Riley and Shamele Jordan. The roundtable discussion offers residents an opportunity to learn about lesser-known aspects of local Black history and discover resources for tracing their own family roots. Light refreshments will be served, and an exhibit will be available for further research. Admission is free.
Black History Month Fashion Show at Rowan College
Rowan College at Burlington County will host a Black History Month fashion show on Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Student Success Center (SCC) on the Mount Laurel campus. Presented in partnership with Atlantic City Fashion Week, the show will feature original designs from Rowan College students alongside work from Black industry professionals. Students and community members interested in the arts are invited to mingle, celebrate Black creativity and support emerging designers. Admission is free to the public.
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