Black Children's Book Festival

Maternal Mental Health Month

Giving  Black Mothers the support.and resources they need in 2026 is crucial today when so many healthcare initiatives are being eliminated. 

Black Maternal Health Week 2026 was observed from April 11–17, marking the 10th annual anniversary of the campaign founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA). The 2026 theme is "Rooted in Justice and Joy," focusing on policy change, community-driven care, and elevating the voices of Black birthing people to eliminate preventable maternal mortality.

May is Maternal Mental Health Month. The Maternal Mental Health Hotline is providing  information and support to new mothers. This hotline will offer a range of support, including brief interventions, referrals to both community-based and telehealth providers as needed. Call 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for 24/7 free confidential support for pregnant and new moms. If you are in mental health distress or have a suicidal crisis, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free and confidential support.

The following community events in New Jersey will also address mental health issues this month.

Healing Space: Mind, Body, and Spirit. A panel discussion on mental health, physical health and lifestyle change at Trinity Pentecostal Church, 550 E 23rd St, Patterson, NJ on  May 16 from 11:30 am to 3:30pm

Grounded in Grace: Lifting the Mental Load of Women (The Burden of Mothering) a talk hosted by Dr. Zakia Bowen at Elmwood Unted Presbyterian Church- 135 Elmwood Ave, East Orange, NJ on May 23 from 11am to 1 pm.

Celebrate Black Dance in New York

 This May New York  becomes a center for Black dance and music offering an opportunity for families to celebrate this artistic legacy.

 

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the company that defines artistic excellence and Black cultural legacy concludes its national tour at The New Jersey Performing Arts Center - 1 Center St, Newark, NJ for three unforgettable performances from May 8–10, including a special Mother’s Day performance on May 10. The weekend features five premieres, and every performance concludes with Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece Revelations, the ultimate anthem to resilience and joy! Be reminded why Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of the most moving and joyous experiences you can have in the theater. https://www.njpac.org/event/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater-3/

Celebrating Judith Jamison Workshop

Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Ailey Studios on May 10 as we honor Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison on what would’ve been her 83rd birthday and is now recognized as Judith Jamison Day in New York City. Led by Ailey instructor and former Ailey dancer Linda Celeste Sims, participants will learn choreography from Ms. Jamison’s most iconic solo, Alvin Ailey’s Cry; and excerpts from Divining, Ms. Jamison’s first choreographic work. This workshop is open to dancers of all levels ages 13 and up. https://ailey.org/

Join members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater on May 30 at 2 pm outdors in The Plaza at Brooklyn Academy of Music 300 Ashland, Brooklyn, for a special workshop during the company’s season at BAM. Inspired by Ronald K. Brown’s powerhouse work Grace, this free workshop will introduce participants to Brown's unique movement style through a guided warm-up and choreography. Explore themes of transformation, healing, and compassion through movement and discover how grace can be embodied in dance and in everyday life. https://ailey.org/

Audition for The Ailey School Junior Division

Auditions for the Alvin Ailey Junior Division’s Pre-Professional Program for the 2026-27 school year are being held on June 9–11 at The Ailey School for prospective students ages 7–17. 

Students experience a highly structured curriculum of world-class training through after-school and weekend classes. All levels include training in ballet and at least one other technique. As students progress, more techniques are added to their training such as jazz, Ailey Horton, Graham, pointe, tap, and West African.

Registration for the June auditions opens on May 19. Mark your calendar to secure your child’s spot for audition day.

Harlem Mouse/Country Mouse                                                                                        Featuring the Dance Theatre of Harlem School and Company                                        Narrated by Darryl Quinton and Sunny Hostin

Dance Theatre of Harlem at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts - 250 Bedford Park Blvd W, Bronx, NY on Sunday, May 17 at 3pm  presents their annual family matinee, Harlem Mouse/Country Mouse—an enchanting retelling of Aesop’s “City Mouse and Country Mouse.” Referencing the rich traditions of the Black South and the vibrant energy of modern-day life in Harlem, this joyful story-ballet celebrates the unique expressions of dance, music, and poetry that arise when cultures meet.

Conceived by Artistic Director Robert Garland and School Director Tai Jimenez, this lively production set to music from R&B to folk, with costumes by Katy Freeman, is a heartwarming spring treat for audiences of all ages. Ticket information https://dancetheatreofharlem.org/

DanceAfrica 2026                                                                                                                Uganda’s Ndere Troupe

This Memorial Day weekend May 23-25, the nation’s largest festival dedicated to African diasporic dance and music opens Brooklyn’s stages and streets to the rich culture and artistry of Uganda. Now in its 49th year, this year’s festival honors the East African nation’s past, celebrates its present, and rejoices in its future.

Anchored by heart-pounding performances from Uganda’s Ndere Troupe, the long weekend unfolds with a mix of dance, music, film, and visual art—plus plenty of food, crafts, and fashion at the outdoor bazaar. Enjoy traditional dance and music from Uganda, view visual art, sample FilmAfrica’s cinematic offerings, participate in classes, attend late-night dance parties, and mingle with neighbors from around the block—and around the globe—in the iconic outdoor bazaar. It’s all waiting for you at Brooklyn’s most unmissable summer celebration at Brooklyn Academy of Music - 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY For ticket information https://www.bam.org/danceafrica-community-day

Something for the Mothers to enjoy. Happy Mother's Day!

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Scholarships

For more than three decades the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in partnership with CBC Spouses has awarded scholarships to talented and deserving students. Each year, they award more than 300 scholarships to students that demonstrate leadership ability through exemplary community service and academic talent. Their scholarship programs support current or upcoming college students across a variety of disciplines.

 https://www.cbcfinc.org/programs/scholarships/

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28th Annual Metropolitan Jack & Jill Education Seminar and School Fair

28th Annual Metropolitan Jack & Jill Education Seminar and School Fair  By Metropolitan Chapter, Jack & Jill, Inc.  New York City

Welcome to the 2026 Metropolitan Jack & Jill Education Seminar and School Fair! Join at Grace Church School, their host school.

Grace Church School - High School CampusNew York, NY - is located at 46 Cooper Square on Saturday, Apr 18 from 9:30 am to 1 pm

Meet Admissions representatives from a variety of schools in and around NYC, and learn about educational opportunities for diverse students!

Meet and speak with school representatives now to be prepared for Fall 2026 applications and the admissions process!

This event also features two seminars: 1) What are the different types of schools and how to choose the best one for your child; and 2) How to apply for financial aid.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided!

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/28th-annual-metropolitan-jack-jill-education-seminar-and-school-fair-tickets-1984008478768?aff=erellivmlt

Beyond Bedtime's 25th Anniverary: 25 Night Challenge

 

In celebration of Beyond Bedtime’s 25th anniversary and National Sleep Awareness month in March, families nationwide are invited to commit to 25 nights of comforting bedtime routines as part of a shared movement for children’s well-being.

Led by their very own Challenge Buddy and Chief Program Officer, Jahna, the 25 Night Challenge is a gentle, supportive journey to help families/caregivers of young children to:

Create comforting bedtime routines

Enjoy meaningful bonding moments

Set children up for success (at home, at school, and beyond)

When you join you will receive encouraging tips to make family bedtime special:

https://beyondbedtime.org/25-night-challenge/?tfa_next=%2Fresponses%2Flast_error%3Fjsid%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.WyI1ODkwMTZjNTI3NTY2ZjlhYWU3OTVkYjBhZTg4YjFjOSJd.vG9LzzYR9YgyiQdaHXCHR_hmxYZ566rx-MHMbv9vWG8

Carla Hall is encouraging everyone to participate with a book giveaway for two participants 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVWiNHHDpLw/?hl=e

The Hula Hoopin Queen - The Musical

Get ready to hula-hoop your heart out in this vibrant new musical adapted from the beloved book!

Performances will be held at  410 West 42nd Street, New York City, NY 10036 (Broadway). from February 28 to March 15

10-year-old Kameeka is determined to become the Hula Hoopin’ Queen of 139th Street and finally beat her rival, Jamara Johnson. But when her mom reminds her it’s Miz Adeline’s birthday, Kameeka has to help get the party ready instead. As the day unfolds with cleaning, cooking, and a few hilarious mishaps, Kameeka discovers that while it’s great to chase your dreams, sometimes the most important thing is showing love and care for those around you.

Filled with catchy music, Harlem pride, and a joyful hula-hooping finale, this delightful show celebrates family, community, and finding creative ways to shine.

What Grownups Need to Know Before Purchasing Tickets

• The Hula Hoopin Queen is a 50-minute musical best for ages 5 and up, and enjoyable for the whole family. 

• Tickets are required for all guests.

• The Hula Hoopin Queen is performed in Theatre 5 at Theatre Row. Theatre 5 is on the lower level of the Theatre Row complex and is accessible by stairs and an elevator. 

Show Credits

Book and Lyrics by Tia DeShazor

Music by Derrick Byars

Directed by Jasmin Richardson

Adaptation based on the book The Hula Hoopin’ Queen of 139th Street by Thelma Lynne Godin

Ticket Prices

• Standard: $29.50 (plus $5 service fee)

• Plus: $49.50 (plus $5 service fee)

• Premium: $69.50 (plus $5 service fee)

Premium ticket holders will receive a complimentary copy of Hula Hoopin’ Queen. 

For information and book tickets

https://www.nycchildrenstheater.org/show/hula-hoopin-queen/

https://bfany.org/theatre-row/shows/the-hula-hoopin-queen/

Phone: (212) 714-2442

Celebrate Black Children's Book Week

Black Children’s Book Week is a global celebration of Black children and the people who ensure Black children are represented in books and other children’s media.

Everyone is invited to join the celebration: parents, guardians, authors, illustrators, publishers, educators, librarians, business people, community advocates, and other advocates for Black children.

Black Children’s Book Week starts on the last Sunday in February every year. This year from 2/26/23 to 4/3/2023. 

Here is their calendar https://blackbabybooks.com/bcbw-events-calendar/

 https://blackbabybooks.com/bcbw/

 

The Dance Theatre of Harlem Matinee Series

Celebrate Black History Month with the Dance Theater of Harlem on February 8, 2026

From its inception, their Sunday Matinee Series has been a treasured tradition at Dance Theatre of Harlem where DTH opens their doors to  bring  community-centered performances to the heart of Harlem.  Residents near (and far) are invited to connect with artists through dynamic showcases that highlight the DTH Company, the DTH School, and a diverse array of guest artists from across the performing arts. Tickets: Adults $20 | Children & Seniors $15, plus processing fees

Address: Dance Theatre of Harlem, Everett Center for the Performing Arts -466 West 152nd Street,New York, NY 10031-1814, Tel: 212.690.2800 

The Snowy Day- Black History Month Literacy Event

 

The Snowy Day: Literacy Village is a family-centered community celebration hosted by Brown Babies n’ Books in honor of Black History Month. The event is intentionally designed to bring Black families together to celebrate voices, stories, and cultural legacy through children’s literacy. Inspired by Ezra Jack Keats’ classic book The Snowy Day, the experience centers Black storytelling, representation, and joy while creating an interactive literacy space for children and caregivers. Families will enjoy live storytimes, sensory play stations, music, and community engagement, all aimed at uplifting Black authors, culture, and early childhood literacy in a warm, welcoming environment.

Location:  City Point BKLYN, 445 Albee Square W., Brooklyn, New York

THE 34th ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN'S BOOK FAIR

                                                              Reading Can Change Lives!

On February 7, the literary creators of some of the best children’s books of our generation will be participating in the 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair in Philadelphia. Bring the family to a festive day meeting favorite authors and celebrating reading.

https://theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org/

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday: Celebrate A Day of Service

 "Everybody can be great ... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The King Center in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy  invites everyone, to join them in a day of meaningful action and collective service. on January 19, 2026. This year their theme is  Building Community, Uniting A Nation, The Nonviolent Way.

Since 1994 his birthday, a federal holiday has also been celebrated as a day of service. How can our country come together to build a better world, Dr. King's philosophy of community building and nonviolence inspired millions of people in his lifetime and continues to inspire us to this day. Across the globe, activists look to King for inspiration and courage. MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”

For Martin Luther King, Jr's. Day of Service, the following websites encourages people to think of the holiday as “a day on, not a day off” by volunteering for local causes. Days of Service help to raise awareness, mobilize volunteers, and provide individuals with an opportunity to engage and build new connections, and help nonprofits find support for their programs. 

How do you plan to build community and empower your neighborhood?

https://thekingcenter.org/

https://thekingcenter.org/2026-mlk-day-service-project/

https://ysa.org/campaigns/mlkday/

 

Hoops, Hopes, and Dreams Premieres on Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday

 

On January 19, 2026  Hulu will premiere Hoops, Hopes, and Dreams.  This is the untold story how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a team of civil rights activists took to basketball courts to connect with young voters, and how their strategy echoed in politics through President Obama's historic campaign.