Union City, NJ – On February 21, the William V. Musto Cultural Center on 15th Street hosted a vibrant Black History Month celebration featuring poetry and a free movie screening. Organized by Mayor Brian Stack and the Board of Commissioners, the event showcased local talent and thought-provoking cinema.
The evening opened with a reading by KeyNote, the Poet, who debuted an original piece titled “My Culture Be Strength Beyond Belief.” KeyNote described her work as a reflection on Black culture, saying, “It’s about what defines and enriches our culture—elements familiar to those who grew up like I did. My culture be more than skin deep, evolving as we speak, breaking boundaries and dancing to your own beat.”
The event, one of two held in late February to mark Black History Month, was supported by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated’s Sigma Zeta Zeta Chapter and its Archonettes youth group, led by Youth Coordinator Keisha O’Neal. “This is part of our youth’s Black history initiative,” O’Neal said, emphasizing the importance of engaging high school students aged 14-18 in cultural education.
Local sponsors Las Chicas Bakery and Poetry Unfold, a series founded by Washington Park Association Poet in Residence Yetvart S. Majian, also contributed. Majian, who has run Poetry Unfold for three years, noted, “We’re plugged into the broader Hudson County and New York City poetry scenes, bringing that energy here post-Covid.”
Following the reading, attendees enjoyed a free screening of “Origin,” a film based on Isabel Wilkerson’s research into racism and the caste system. O’Neal praised its relevance: “Wilkerson argues it’s not about race but who holds power and money. It’s a vital perspective for our youth, especially given today’s political climate.”
Reactions to the film varied. Nia Glasco, a junior at North Star Academy in Newark, said, “I’m on the fence about the narrative, but it educates people of color and anyone interested in our culture. I just think that it capsizes into what history will actually teach you if you dove into your books.”
The celebration highlighted Union City’s commitment to cultural dialogue, blending art and education to honor Black history.
Sherry Karabin reports for Hudson TV from Union City.