The Township of Neptune will again celebrate Black History for the entire month of February with weekend activities that will enlighten the public on the contributions of Blacks in American History.

The theme for this year is “Decades of Black History” and the events are as follows:

Friday, February 6, 2009 – “The Harlem Renaissance”, Opening Gala – 3pm to 9pm at the Michael T. Lake Performing Arts Center, located in Neptune High School, 55 Neptune Blvd. The day will begin with an art exhibit at 3:00pm, showing the work of Neptune students and members of the Neptune Senior Center. There will be a “Meet and Greet the Artists” at 6pm, followed by performances at 7pm. Light refreshments will be served. Students from the Summerfield Elementary School will be presenting a play on the Harlem Renaissance and there will be musical selections by the Neptune High School Chorale Ensemble and band. There will also be a guest performance by the Asbury Park Technical Academy of Dance, Michelle Burrell, owner and director.

Friday, February 13, 2009 – “Blacks during the Civil War” – 7pm to 9:30pm at Summerfield School, 527 Green Grove Road. A Civil War Presidential Panel will discuss the war from both the union and confederate sides. The panel will include military heroes and historical civilians. There will also be guest visits from Harriet Tubman and Abraham Lincoln. Light refreshments will be served.

Friday, February 20, 2009 – “The Civil Rights Era” – 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Midtown Community Elementary School, on Corlies Avenue. The evening will consist of performances by the students from the Midtown School, a short video on the Civil Rights Movement, a discussion from local heroes that lived through this historical period and a soul food sampling.
Saturday, February 28, 2009 – “Youth and Family Summit” - 9am to 3:30pm at Neptune High School. It will be a fun filled day of workshops for all ages, exhibitors throughout the day and a talent showcase in the afternoon. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Gary Keel, a native of Neptune and a member of the Neptune High School Hall of Fame. We encourage youth groups to attend the workshops as well as the general public. Pre-register is recommended due to limited seating. Registration forms are available at the Neptune Township Municipal Building, the Neptune Public Library and on the township’s web site at www.neptunetownship.org

All events are FREE and open to the general public. This month long event is presented to you with cooperation of the Black History Month Committee, the Neptune Township Board of Education, Township Committee Members and the Municipal Staff. For details visit the township’s website at www.neptunetownship.org or call Roberta Grace, coordinator of Special Events at 732.988.5200 ext. 272.