Join the Westfield Historical Society on Wednesday, February 7th beginning with lunch check-in at 11:45 am, at Ferraro’s Restaurant (14 Elm St., Westfield, 2nd floor) when Elisa Sananman, Donnell Carr, and Robert Lombard - members of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Westfield - share The African American History of Westfield from 1720.
The presentation will discuss the history of African Americans in Westfield from the earliest days that included enslavement up through the present, including the Black Professional Zone that flourished in town in the 1930s-1970s, the African American neighborhood that was built on the north side of town and then dismantled to create Brightwood Park, and the notable Black residents in town and how they helped shape our community.
In 2020, as part of the Town of Westfield’s 300th Anniversary, a group of interested community members sought to research the history and tell the story of African Americans in Westfield. This history, which dates back to colonial times, had not been explored, told, or taught. The result of the efforts of this small group of armchair historians was the publication of the book: African Americans in Westfield, New Jersey from 1720 – 2020. After the tri-centennial, the mantle of further research and dissemination of this untold history became the African American History Project of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Westfield.
The Project has expanded the telling of the story of African American History in Westfield to include walking and driving tours, a museum exhibit, presentations, videos, tours tailored to private groups, a second edition of our book, and curriculum support and field trips for the Westfield public school students.
Those wishing to attend the luncheon may make a reservation by email to westfieldhistoricalsociety@gmail.com; or, by calling 908-654-1794, before February 1st. Please advise if there are special dietary needs. The luncheon fee of $40 (WHS members) or $45 (non-members) includes a three-course meal, coffee/tea, and gratuity. Tables will be spaced out and mask wearing is at individual discretion. The luncheon fee should be paid in advance (check payable to Westfield Historical Society) by mailing to Westfield Historical Society, P.O. Box 613, Westfield, NJ 07091; by Venmo to @Westfield Historical Society; or, here clicking the REGISTRATION tab at the top of this page. Payments should be received by Thursday prior to the luncheon. Westfield Historical Society memberships will also be available at the luncheon.
