MONTCLAIR, NJ (January 16, 2026) — Montclair Public Library is proud to announce a year-long series of programs and events honoring a century of national Black history commemorations in the United States.
The series, titled “Come Celebrate With Me: 100 Years of Honoring Black History,” recognizes the origins of organized Black history observances dating back to the foundation of Negro History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson. Negro History Week–which later evolved into nationally-recognized Black History Month–opened the door for additional annual commemorations such as Juneteenth, Black Music Month, Caribbean Heritage Month, Kwanzaa and more.
The project, inspired by the poem, “won’t you celebrate with me” by American poet, Lucille Clifton (1936-2010), aims to engage and connect library patrons of all ages while highlighting the experiences and contributions of people of African descent in the United States. Programs will have a particular focus on history and historic celebrations, literature, as well as the arts and humanities.
“Public Libraries have always served as a gateway to knowledge and understanding,” said Library Director Radwa Ali. “This series will not only honor and celebrate the legacy of Black history commemorations, but will provide our community with meaningful opportunities for learning, reflection, and dialogue.”
“Come Celebrate With Me” will launch on January 20, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. with an intergenerational art-based activity where participants will be asked “What does Black history mean to me?” followed by a discussion and screening of the 2014 Civil Rights film Selma (PG-13).
Programming will continue all year with events planned for Black History Month (February), National Jazz Appreciation Month (April), Black Music Month (June), Black Fine Art Month (October), among others. The project will culminate with the Library’s 37th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration in December. For more information about upcoming events, and to learn more about the project, patrons can visit www.montclairlibrary.org/comecelebratewithme2026.
“Come Celebrate With Me” is made possible by funds from the Essex County Division of Cultural Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.