Newark is celebrating 350 years of history with festive jubilee events that highlight the city through art, culture and its diverse communities.
Yolanda Stokes had a few birthday fliers left to give out the other day.
She's a part of the street team getting the word out about everything that is Newark as the city celebrates 350 years of its history, dating back to the Puritans who settled here in 1666.
Stokes handed a flyer to Loretta Green, telling her fellow Newark resident that the largest part of the observance is the Founders Weekend Festival, which begins today at Military Park.
Green looked over the information, nodding her head in approval of the celebration and Stokes' enthusiasm for their city.
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"Why would I want to go anywhere else,'' Stokes said. "Newark is coming up.''
The city has evolved from its industrial past and the 1967 riots to experience a boon in economic development. And for this entire year, the Newark Celebration 350 Committee (NC350) has been the drum major leading the anniversary observance, with a big lift from Mayor Ras Baraka's administration and more than $2 million in funding from the corporate and foundation community. There are 120 planned events highlighting the city through art, culture and its diverse communities.
"We, as a city, have had our ups and downs, and this a celebration of all the positive things that Newark has meant to so many people,'' said Junius Williams, the NC350 chairman.
From the smallest tribute, such as 350 birthday cards designed by Newark schoolchildren, to an upcoming luncheon with 100 residents from Newark's old Third Ward (Central Ward), the celebration has continued. Now, some 20,000 people are expected to attend the three-day festival that is filled with music and entertainment.
On Friday, R&B singer Faith Evans, a Newark native, will headline a concert at Symphony Hall, because of anticipated inclement weather. Tickets to the free event can be obtained at noon at the box office for the 8 p.m. performance.
The festivities return to the park tomorrow, with activities all day - including a 5 p.m. performance featuring rap group Naughty By Nature. On Sunday, Cissy Houston inspires the crowd with gospel at 4 p.m. India, a Latin singer known as the princess of salsa, gets things cranking at 5:30 p.m.
The celebration, however, doesn't fade after Sunday because organizers say the jubilee is more than a social interlude.
There have been, and will continue to be, meaningful programs in every ward until the end of the year.
In the East Ward, residents recently enjoyed a history day, with families sharing vintage photographs and learning about the many immigrant groups who have settled in the Ironbound section over the years.
"It brought the young and the old people together,'' said Nancy Zak, the East Ward Committee chairwoman.
Across town, in the South Ward, Antoinette Montague, a Newark native and jazz singer, plans to take residents on a musical journey June 18 at the Donald Tucker Civic Center.
"We have a story, and a struggle and a lift upward that no one can take from us,'' Montague said.
Manita Seabrooks-Kelley, the West Ward Committee co-chairperson, has organized historical tours that run five consecutive Saturdays, beginning May 21. It includes visits to notable landmarks such as the Ward Bakery Company, where Hostess baked goods were produced, and the New Jersey National Guard Armory. The armory was once a riding academy for the Essex Troop, an elite group of horsemen.
"It's been a lot of work, but it's been worth it,'' Seabrooks-Kelley said.
In the North Ward, the lineup is chock-full of events, including a book fair featuring Newark authors, a classic car show and an interfaith dialogue between city religious leaders.
Williams said many of the projects, funded with $600,000 that NC350 received from the foundation and corporate community, are original ideas that citizens suggested to explore Newark's past, present and future.
Gallery Aferro is taking 350 portraits of Newark residents that will be displayed during an event later this year. Newark Public Schools is developing a curriculum to focus on the city's history, culture and politics. The statue known as "The First Landing Party of the Founders of Newark" will get a new home on the grounds of New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Edith Churchman, manager of the James E. Churchman Jr. Funeral Home in Newark, staged a play last month titled "Laid Out: The Business of Funerals.'' It explores the history of funerals in the African-American community and women in the funeral service business.
On Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, there will be a panel on the 1967 riots at Rutgers University-Newark.
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"They (projects) were timely, thorough and doable,'' said Williams, who was picked to chair the celebration after Newark lost one of its biggest champions. Clement Price, the city historian and a Newark resident, had been the vision behind the anniversary celebration when he died in November 2014.
As part of the observance that Price had looked forward to leading, the NC350 Committee participated May 3 in a nationwide "Give Local America'' campaign to fund legacy gifts for the city's future. They include college scholarships, planting 350 trees and a musical composition about Newark.
Organizers said there's much more to see and do, and updates for events can be found at nc350.org.
After this victory lap of the city's history winds down, Williams said the celebration ends on a quiet note.
There won't be any fireworks, just a sense of accomplishment. "We''ll probably say 'whew' and sit down somewhere,'' he said.
Better yet -- stand up, pat yourself on the back and take a bow.
Barry Carter: (973) 836-4925 or bcarter@starledger.com or nj.com/carter or follow him on Twitter @BarryCarterSL
