Black History Month events around Trenton showcasing the heritage and accomplishments of African Americans

As Black History Month rolls on, Trenton continues to celebrate pioneers who have contributed to the culture. Through these events, which consist of exhibits, lectures and dance performances, to name a few, the city also celebrates its many Black Trentonian residents. Take a look the list of events below:

· City Hall will feature a Black History Month Display in the Atrium, which will highlight historic African-American landmarks, inventions and a few of Trenton’s unknown heroes. This display will be available for visitors until February 28th.

· The Trenton Public Library on 120 Academy St. will be presenting Storytelling Events in which Trenton African-American authors will have the chance to meet with visitors. On February 8th at 4 p.m. visitors can catch Dr. Adela M. Ames-Lopez, author of “It Hurts (From a Child’s Perspective).” At 5 p.m. on February 8th, Teska Frisby, author of “Different, Just Like You” will be presenting.

· On February 18th at the West Ward Recreation Center on 451 Prospect Street, Black History: A Celebration presented by Egun Omode will honor Trenton’s rich African-American heritage through historical interpretation, music and dance.

Gov. Phil Murphy lifts statewide school mask mandate due to declining COVID numbers

This week, Gov. Murphy announced that the statewide mask mandates that were put into effect within New Jersey schools and childcare settings will be lifted effective March 7th. The governor extended the new COVID public-health emergency, which was put into place last month to counter the coronavirus surge, for another month, as it is scheduled to expire this week. The extension will continue the mandate for another month. As COVID numbers continue to decline in the state, the governor backs up his decision noting that the virus isn’t going anywhere, but is on a “continued decline”. "We have to learn how to live with COVID as we move from a pandemic to an endemic phase of this virus,” Murphy explained during a press conference. Although his decision has been met with mixed reactions, Murphy also explained that he is not against reimposing the mandate in the future, if needed.

NowPow connects Henry J. Austin Health Center patients find non-medical, community-based resources in Trenton

Providers at Henry J. Austin Health Center (HJAHC) see many patients that need assistance beyond what they can provide, such as food, transportation, caregiver services, and housing. NowPow is an easy-to-use online tool that offers providers a way to locate organizations that meets their patients’ needs. The tool allows providers to make and track referrals to any agencies they may reach out to on behalf of their patient. HJAHC dietitian/nutritionist, Susan Jones says, “NowPow connects our medical clients to other services that help them overcome obstacles that adversely affect their wellbeing…my biggest need is access to better education for residents and healthy food sources for them after I am done with my sessions. NowPow connected me to two programs that are relatively new in the community.” Knowing that she can count on the reliability of these services, allows providers at HJAHC to truly help their patients in all areas of their lives. Providers looking to offer NowPow should contact Trent Health Team’s Jessica Burnett, Population Health Program Manager.

Trenton Downtown Association welcomes five new board members and is actively seeking more

Trenton Downtown Association (TDA) recently announced its newest board members and elected officers to the nonprofit organization, which supports businesses in downtown Trenton. TDA welcomes, Raoul Momo, Terra Momo Restaurant Group; Eric Poe, CURE Auto Insurance; Liad Onitiri, iPutOn Agency; Wayne Downing, Success Barbershop; and William “Butch” Osterman, owner of 113 S. Warren Street. Also appointed to the Board was the new representative from the mayor’s office, Andres Lomi, Real Estate Manager at The City of Trenton. According to TDA Chairman of the Board, Roland Pott, these new additions, “each bring new ideas and a unique perspective, as well as a strong shared commitment to supporting businesses in downtown Trenton.” TDA is also in search of additional members to replace the four that are departing. “We are moving forward with a number of goals for 2022, which include further broadening and deepening our board of directors and supporting Commercial District Services (CDS) in the implementation of a new, vital downtown work plan,” Potts further explained. The CDS is currently implementing new streetscape enhancements throughout the district. The TDA hopes that the new Board members will help with their plans to expand the district’s beautification and public safety efforts. If you’re interested in serving on the TDA board, send an email, brief bio and resume to info_trenton-downtown.com. For more information on the TDA, visit here or call (609) 337-8439.

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