The Annual Black History Month Celebration hosted by the Toms River Area NAACP at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch was a vibrant showcase of culture, cuisine, and history. This long-standing event has been a staple of the community for over 25 years, highlighting the importance of recognizing and celebrating the significant contributions of African Americans to society.
A Collaborative Effort to Educate and Celebrate
Bahiyyah Abdullah, President of the Toms River Area NAACP, expressed her enthusiasm for the event’s success and its meaningful collaboration with the library and the Friends of the Library. She remarked, “We are very pleased to collaborate again with the library and the Friends of the Library for Black History Month. We are so pleased to have David Mills who is going to talk about Langston Hughes and we are very glad to share free books about the African American experience with all the participants today – and a sampling of soul food.”
A Feast of Soul Food
One of the highlights of the event was the soul food samplings, which included beloved dishes such as fried chicken, ribs, roast pork, black-eyed peas, green beans, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, potato salad, and a variety of delicious pies, including the ever-popular sweet potato pie. The soul food offerings added a flavorful touch to the celebration, allowing attendees to enjoy traditional African American comfort food while reflecting on the rich cultural heritage being honored.
The Importance of Education and Storytelling
Abdullah stressed the importance of understanding and sharing African American history, asserting, “Black history is American history and world history – not just black history – so it is important that we all celebrate the accomplishments that black people have had in this country.” She emphasized the need for proper education about African American contributions and warned against the dangers of history being altered or erased, particularly in the context of book bans.
“It is important for you to read it yourself. It is important that the next generation understands the contributions of African Americans to this country,” Abdullah added.
A Tribute to Langston Hughes
The event featured David Mills, an actor, writer, and poet, who presented a dramatic interpretative piece titled Dreamweaver: The Works of Langston Hughes. Mills, a renowned performer of Hughes’ works for over two decades, captivated the audience with interpretations of some of the poet’s most famous pieces, including “I’ve Known Rivers”, “Mother to Son”, “Theme for English B”, and “I, Too”. He also shared lesser-known but impactful poems like “Merry Go Round”, “Advice”, and short stories such as “Thank You Ma’am” and “Rock, Church.”
Mills, who is the poet-in-residence for the Bronx Historical Society, has dedicated much of his career to performing Langston Hughes’ poetry. His contribution to the event was sponsored by the Friends of the Ocean County Library – Toms River Branch, highlighting the importance of libraries as vital centers for knowledge and community engagement.
A Tribute to the Toms River Step Team
Though the Toms River Step Team was unable to perform this year, their long-standing presence at the event was acknowledged, and David Mills stepped in to lead a Black History trivia contest to engage the audience. His interactive approach ensured that the event maintained its lively and educational atmosphere, giving attendees a chance to test their knowledge of Black history.
Conclusion
The Black History Month Celebration in Toms River served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and sharing African American history, culture, and achievements. Through soul food, poetry, and educational discussions, the event created a space for learning, reflection, and unity, ensuring that the next generation will continue to honor and celebrate the rich legacy of African Americans.
Related topics:
