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History Exhibit

05.04.25 — 05.25.25

SPECIAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT MAY

Tues, May 6th at 7 – 8:30 pm Poetry of the Harlem Renaissance

Guest readers will present readings of Langston Hughes, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Alice Dunbar Nelson, Claude McKay, and Countee Cullen.

Tues, May 13th at 7 – 8:30pm Redistricting & Reapportioning with Former Westfield Town Councilman, Kenneth MacRitchie

In 1981, the Cacciola neighborhood was split in ward redistricting that saw the Ward 2 line hop over the train tracks to the south side of town. Come hear about this interesting history and its impact from one of the voices of opposition to this redistricting.

Tues, May 20th at 7 – 8:30pm Gospel Music Concert by Central Jersey Community Choir

Gospel Choir comprised of singers from Essex, Union, and Middlesex Counties.

Tues, May 27th at 7 – 8:30pm The Story of Kramer Manor with Jill Jackson-Jones

Established in 1924, Kramer Manor in Scotch Plains was developed as an all-Black neighborhood that successfully resisted urban renewal plans in the 1960s, unlike the community in what is now Brightwood Park in Westfield. Jill Jackson-Jones, from Social Justice Matters, will talk about this thriving neighborhood.

All events are held at the Alcove Room of the Presbyterian Church in Westfield (enter from the parking lot behind the church), 140 Mountain Avenue.

Entry to the events is free and due to limited capacity, admission is on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, please contact the Dr. King Association at mlkwestfield@gmail.com.

This exhibit will look at five different African American neighborhoods within Westfield including: Carver Place, which existed only as an unrealized vision; Spring Street and The Big Woods (now Brightwood Park), which no longer exist; and finally the Black Professional Zone/West Broad Street and Cacciola/Southside neighborhoods, which still exist but have been impacted by economic pressures.

Each of these neighborhoods is explored through fascinating historic panels, recorded interviews with community members, and historic photos displaying some of the neighborhoods and the people who lived in them, such as Samuel Jarvis, a former resident of The Big Woods.

There will also be special events on Tuesdays throughout the month of May.

We hope you’ll join us as we explore these neighborhoods and reflect on the experiences of their residents in the Westfield community. The exhibit will be on display at the Presbyterian Church in Westfield at 140 Mountain Avenue (enter through the parking lot at the back of the church).

This exhibit was made possible through the generous financial support of The Westfield Foundation. Our ongoing African American History Project initiatives are also made possible in part by a 2025 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.