Downtown Somerville Black Arts & Ideas Festival 2024

Join Downtown Somerville Alliance for a day long festival celebrating Black History Month 2024. The Downtown Somerville Black Arts & Ideas Festival will include special conversations, panels, performances and activations in solidarity and support of the Black community in Somerville and beyond. The Black Arts & Ideas Festival will take place on Saturday February 24, 2024, from 10:30 am – 6:15 pm at various locations in Downtown Somerville, New Jersey. All events are free of charge to attend. No pre registration required. 

• Reclaiming Paul Robeson; A Community Conversation
  • 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Panel Discussion and Community Conversation: “Paul Robeson: Reclaiming A Legacy, Build A Monument” Invited historians, artists, and community members discuss the importance of erecting a monument to honor Paul Robeson’s legacy in Somerville. Community conversation and brainstorming should lead to key takeaways and next steps. Moderated by Hettie V. Williams, P.h.D. Location: United Reform Church, Fellowship Hall, 100 W Main St, Somerville, NJ 08876

• Free Family Photoshoots with Studio Creative Group (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
  • Inspired by the tradition of the Black church family photos, families will be invited to participate in a mini photo shoot with local photographer, Tehsuan Glover. Each family will have 5 – 10-minute mini photo shoot and will leave with a professional photo with professional backdrop and lighting. Location: United Reform Church, Fellowship Hall, 100 W Main St, Somerville, NJ 08876

• Finding Financial Freedom with Miesh B., The Bold Budgeter (2:45 PM – 3:45 PM)
  • Explore financial freedom with financial advisor, Miesh B. The Bold Budgeter. After paying off $27,000 in debt in 7 months, Miesh B. set off on a path to help other black families pay off debt, build wealth and lead a more fulfilling financial life. Miesh B. will help visitors reset their money mindset, establish healthy financial habits, understand budgeting and give best practices for financial coaching. Miesh B., The Bold Budgeter is an inspiring financial wellness through mindfulness, financial literacy, and community. Paid off $27K in 7 Months on a Teacher’s Salary. Location: Bliss Coffee Lounge, 14 E Main St, Somerville, NJ 08876

• Securing The Bag: A Conversation on Black Business and Entrepreneurship. Moderated by ESSENCE’s Keyaira Boone (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
  • Moderator: Keyaira Boone- Keyaira Boone is a nationally recognized writer, columnist, digital media consultant from Northern New Jersey. She is committed to uplifting diverse voices and has written widely on art, entertainment, lifestyle, fashion, and beauty at outlets including ESSENCE, Emmy magazine, Insider, Instyle, HelloBeautiful, Byrdie, Bustle, Allure, MadameNoire, and Cassius for over ten years. In 2023, Keyaira received the Trailblazers in Media Award for her “continued support in uplifting diverse women through media.” Location: Village Brewing Company, 34 W Main St, Somerville, NJ 08876

• Celebrating Our Songs; a pop-up exhibition and live performance (5:15 PM – 6:15 PM)
  • Join local BIPOC musicians and artists in a pop performance by Tyrone Stackhouse in the main bar area and a visual art pop exhibit co- curated by Somerville’s own Les Floyd in the 1933 Room celebrating African Americans in the Arts. Location: Verve, 18 East Main Street, Somerville, NJ