We Are a Dancing People – The History of Black Dance From Then Until Now
We Are a Dancing People –
The History of Black Dance From Then Until Now
Celebrates the exuberance, grace, and innovation of black dance, from its origins in African villages to its incorporation into mass culture and Broadway musicals.
January 26 – March 26, 2011
 Image courtesy of the New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture |
Exhibitions |
Programs are at the Main Library, 5 Washington Street, unless otherwise noted.
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PNC Foundation is proud to support the Newark Public Library’s Black History Celebration. |
January 26 through March 26, 2011
We Are a Dancing People – The History of Black Dance From Then Until Now , will be on view at the Main Library, Second Floor Gallery. Curated by Sandra West.
The Art of Dance, display by photographer/collagist Mansa K. Mussa, shown in the James Brown African American Room
To schedule guided tours of the exhibitions, please call 973–733–5411.
Opening Reception and Panel Discussion
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Main Library, Centennial Hall, Second Floor
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Grand Opening Reception featuring jazz by the Sherry Winston Trio and an African Dance Performance by the 7th Principle Dance & Drum Ensemble. Speakers include exhibition organizers Mansa Mussa and Sandra West. Children’s book author, Cheryl Willis Hudson, will offer a reading from her new book, My Friend Maya Loves to Dance.
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| Sherry Winston | 7th Principle Dance & Drum Ensemble | Mansa K. Mussa | Cheryl Willis Hudson |
2011 Black History Celebration Programs
| Annual African–American Read–In Wednesday, February 9 Weequahic Branch, 355 Osborne Terrace, 973–733–7752 6:00 – 8:00 pm Annual African–American Read–In, featuring South Ward leaders reading some of their favorite poems and short essays. For ages 8 to adult. |
| Belly Dancing by the Daughters of Hetheru Wednesday, February 16 Centennial Hall, Second Floor 6:00 – 8:00 pm A performance of Egypt and other dances by the Daughters of Hetheru, who will talk about the African roots of belly dancing. |
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W.E.B. DuBois Reading Circle Wednesday, February 23 James Brown African American Room 6:00 – 8:00 pm The inaugural meeting of the W.E.B. DuBois Reading Circle, which will meet quarterly to discuss nonfiction works. The first session will focus on The Making of African America: The Four Great Migrations, by Ira Berlin. |
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The Okra Dance Company presents Journey Into Africa • Wednesday, February 23, 4:00 pm Weequahic Branch, 355 Osborne Terrace, 973–733–7751 • Friday, February 25, 3:30 pm Springfield Branch, 50 Hayes Street, 973–733–7736 The Okra Dance Company will present Journey Into Africa, a performance of songs and dances from Senegal to Soweto. |
| An Afternoon of Liturgical Dance Saturday, March 5 Centennial Hall, Second Floor 12:00 – 2:00 pm Armor Bearers for Christ from St. James AME Church in Newark will offer beautiful movement and sacred interpretations through the art of dance. |
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An Afternoon With Sonia Sanchez Saturday, March 12 Centennial Hall, Second Floor 12:00 – 2:00 pm Legendary poet Sonia Sanchez will be interviewed by Ras Baraka, South Ward Councilman for the City of Newark, about her life, her legacy, her poetry, the status of creativity and women, and the state of Black America. A poetry reading by Ms. Sanchez will follow. |
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Dr. Lee Hagan: Connecting Generations Wednesday, March 16 James Brown African American Room 6:00 – 8:00 pm A talk by Dr. Antoinette Ellis-Williams of New Jersey City University entitled “Dr. Lee Hagan: Connecting Generations.” A tribute to Dr. Hagan for whom NJCU’s College of Africana Studies Center is named. |
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Motivating Black Males to Succeed in School as in Life Wednesday, March 23 Auditorium, Fourth Floor 6:00 – 8:00 pm A talk by Principal Baruti Kafele, principal of Newark Technical High School, about how to motivate young African American males. |
Printable schedule of programs at the Library.
All programs are free and open to the public.
For more information call 973–733–5411. In case of inclement weather, please call 973 –733–7800 to determine whether the Library is open.
