Poets, writers & artists celebrate Black History Month

This February, Thinking In Full Color is celebrating Black History Month (BHM) by presenting powerful work by Black poets, writers, actors and artists. Check out our lineup below!

BAAFSSO Black History Month Celebration Monday, Feb. 3 from 11:30 am to 1 pm New Jersey City University, 2039 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City

IFC19's Rukiya Bluford will help NJCU kick off its BHM with a powerful poetry performance. The Black Alumni Administrators Faculty Students & Staff Organization (BAAFSSO) will also have more fun in store.

For Georgia: Performance & Open Mic Tuesday, Feb. 4 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm Dineen Hull Gallery, 71 Sip Ave., Jersey City, sixth floor Hudson County Community College

IFC19's Cindy AnaCaona Peralta and Dujuana Sharese, one of the poets featured in this year's ongoing poetry zine 'in her words,' will share original works while honoring Georgia Brooks, a black queer activist that inspired others in HCCC and beyond. There will also be an open mic -- bring your poetry or best acoustic tunes! This event is part of Thinking In Full Color's spring residency at HCCC.

Love is Love: Performance and Open Mic Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm Workshop at 4 pm Dineen Hull Gallery, 71 Sip Ave., Jersey City, sixth floor Hudson County Community College

Our HCCC residency continues with the Valentine's-inspired "Love is Love," featuring IFC18's Steph Dinsae and IFC19's Nicole Cañete. There will be an "LGBTQIA+ 101 and Healthy Relationships" workshop led by Nicole from 4 pm to 5 pm in the same venue. Lastly, this performance will also include an open mic portion!

We also have another HCCC residency event, "Diving In," featuring Puerto Rican writers RescuePoetix and Nancy Méndez-Booth on Feb. 25. Learn more here.

Hair We Are Again Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 12 pm to 4 pm New Jersey City University, 2039 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City

NJCU's annual celebration of natural hair returns, this time with a special performance by IFC15's Alicia Wright, "My Curly Hair." We'll also be there slinging sweet merch, like our "Stay True to You" Angela Davis pins!

The Nest: Vitiligo by Vita Patrick Morales Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 6 pm to 8 pm Dineen Hull Gallery, 71 Sip Ave., Jersey City, sixth floor Hudson County Community College

When Helene Everett Johnson is diagnosed with a skin condition that causes extreme changes in her complexion, it challenges her relationships with her career, with her loved ones, her blackness and herself. This reading is part of our play development series The Nest. Performers include IFC17's Audrey Martells, IFC19's Phyllis Blanford, Ian D. Wilson and Chima Chikazunga. Admission is a suggested donation of $5

Black History Month Celebration and Dinner Friday, Feb. 21 from 7 pm to 9 pm Monroe Gardens, 221 Jackson St., Hoboken, community room Presented by the Hoboken Public Library and Hoboken Housing Authority

Hoboken celebrates Black History Month with a dinner featuring speakers and performances by IFC alumnae Yhá Mourhia Wright, Phyllis Blanford and Rukiya Bluford.

That One (Honest) Night Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 8 pm to 10 pm P.S. Wine Bar, 193 Newark Ave., Jersey City (inside Pet Shop Bar)

Our hit comedy series is back with an all-new lineup! See JJ Mattise, Eb the Celeb, Ally Lefridge and Kendra Augustin, who was recently featured in The Nest. There will be a comedy open mic, too, open to people of all genders and colors. This event is a fundraiser for TIFC.

See our full Events calendar here.