Community Forum: Segregation and Reparation in Montclair

Join The Jersey Bee, Montclair History Center, and Friends of Howe House at the Montclair Public Library for a conversation about something that shapes daily life in Essex County: segregation.

New Jersey was known as the “slave state of the North” for its role in maintaining the institution. The Klu Klux Klan marched through nearby streets before the federal government began redlining Black communities in the 1930s – deeming them investment risks. But nearly forty years after the passage of the Civil Rights and Fair Housing acts, Essex County is still one of the most segregated areas in the United States.

Join us on Oct. 17 at 6:00 p.m. at the Montclair Public Library to learn about segregation in New Jersey and the movements working toward reparation.

You’ll learn how systemic discrimination impacts housing, healthcare, education, and other basic needs and connect with your neighbors to share your experiences and guide The Jersey Bee’s reporting.

Light refreshments will be provided.

A limited number of stipends are available for people who cannot attend this event because of a financial burden like having to pay for childcare, moving a work shift, purchasing a bus ticket, etc.

Stipends can be requested during registration.

The Jersey Bee is dedicated to building respectful, inclusive community spaces. We ask attendees to be considerate of others in speech and actions and refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior. Inappropriate behavior should be reported to a member of our team.

For the health and safety of our community, we ask anyone experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms not to attend this event. Attendees are welcome to wear a face mask as needed. Face covering may become required if facility managers or public health officials advise it at the time.

The Jersey Bee is a nonprofit, public service news provider that works with the people we serve to produce news and reporting that meets local information needs, inspires civic participation, and improves the quality of life in our community.

Montclair History Center is a nonprofit museum, archive, and micro-farm that shares stories of Montclair’s diverse and complex history through research, education, and programs.

Friends of Howe House is a nonprofit organization committed to preserving the historic house of James Howe, a formerly enslaved man freed in 1817, through education, community, and reflection on the past, present, and future of African American experiences in New Jersey.

Montclair Public Library is one of Montclair’s oldest community institutions. Their vision is to provide unlimited opportunities for lifelong learning, discovery, and community engagement.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Montclair Public Library, 50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, United States