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In recognition of Black History Month, Princeton AlumniCorps proudly stands with and affirms Black history as a vital, foundational, and enduring part of African American history and of the American story as a whole. In 2026, we mark the 100 year anniversary of Black History Month, rooted in the launch of Negro History Week in 1926 by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson. What began as a dedicated effort to ensure the study and preservation of Black history has grown into a national observance that challenges us to recognize the full breadth of Black American contributions, leadership, and resilience in this country.
This centennial moment invites reflection, education, and renewed commitment. Black history is essential to understanding America's shared past so that, together, we can work to shape a more just, equitable, and sustainable future. At Princeton AlumniCorps, we believe honoring Black history means engaging deeply with the stories, scholarship, and lived experiences that continue to inform civic leadership and service today.
We encourage our AlumniCorps community to visit the Association for the Study of African American Life and History to learn more about the origins of Black History Month and its continued significance. We also invite you to explore the events, programs, and resources shared below. At a time when developing civic leaders matters now more than ever, I remain deeply grateful for your support that helps ensure these histories are remembered and actively inform the next generation of civic leaders committed to service, equity, and the public good.
In Community,
Kimme Carlos
Executive Director
National & Online Resources
Explore, learn, and engage with these trusted organizations and archives
Smithsonian Institute – Exhibits, articles, and collections on Black history
NAACP – History, advocacy, and educational resources
National Museum of African American History and Culture – Virtual tours and collections
BlackHistoryMonth.gov – Resources, themes, and events
Library of Congress – African American History – Digitized archival materials related to African American history
Upcoming Events
If you are in the Central or South Jersey Areas feel free to check out some of the in person events happening as well as checking out the Mercer County website to find more things happening in the Mercer area.
A Century of Black History Commemorations — Hamilton Township
Thu, Feb 26, 6–8:30 PM | Social Profit Center at Mill One
Honoring the 100-year centennial with art, dance, and speakers.
NJ Law Center Black History Month Celebration — New Brunswick
Thu, Feb 26, 6–8 PM | New Jersey Law Center
Panel discussions, musical performances, and scholarship presentations.
Rutgers University Black History Month Signature Series (New Brunswick)
Feb 1–26 Opening ceremonies, SparkNight art event, leadership & career conference, and closing gala.
Atlantic Cape Community College Series — Mays Landing/Atlantic City/Cape May
Feb 2–28 Cultural exhibits, African drumming, documentary screenings, and panels.
Union Township Black History Month Expo
Sat, Feb 7, 1–6 PM | Jefferson School Auditorium, Vauxhall
Free community celebration highlighting Black art, music, and local organizations.
Black History Month Open Mic — Jersey City
Sat, Feb 7, 6:30 PM doors / 7 PM show | Smush Gallery
Spoken word, music, and performance celebrating Black voices.
Black History Month Book Drive — Lawrence Township
Ongoing through Feb 28 | Lawrence Community Center
Donate books by Black authors for distribution to local families and residents.
Department of African American Studies
Princeton University's African American Studies upcoming community events
Mercer County Library Events
The Mercer County Library is offering a variety of educational, cultural, and family-friendly Black History Month events throughout February. Most require registration through the library.
Voices, Stories, and Perspectives
Our community shares books, podcasts, and documentaries that educate, inspire, and celebrate Black history.
Books:
Various Black Artists - also a current exhibition
Art history book /Exhibition catalogue
Podcasts:
The Humanity Archive — Forgotten stories of historically unheard moments in Black history.
Milestones in African American History — Short episodes on influential figures.
School Colors Podcast — narrative podcast from Brooklyn Deep about how race, class, and power shape American cities and schools.
Blackbelt Voices — stories from the South that honor black history and culture.
The 1619 Project Podcast — Contextual history of slavery’s legacy.
Codeswitch (NPR) — Conversations on race, culture, and society.
Noire Histoir — Black history facts, literature, and motivational stories.
Documentaries:
Freedom Riders — Civil rights activism that changed history.
The African American Experience — Film collection on key themes and figures.
Jazz (Ken Burns) — A cultural chronicle of America’s music art form.
Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child — Artist-focused documentary (Facebook Link to watch for free).
The Black Candle — A cultural exploration of heritage and community.
Community Corner
Have a story, update, or milestone to share? Community Corner is your space to highlight what’s happening in your life, work, or network and connect with the Princeton AlumniCorps community.
Share your updates in the form below.
Princeton AlumniCorps is committed to building a more just, equitable, and sustainable society by developing and engaging leaders and professionals of all ages to advance social change.
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