Virtual Black History Month Event For 2021 In West Orange

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange African Heritage Organization will hold a virtual Black History Month program on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 5 p.m.

“Our guest speakers will provide contextualization to current and long-standing issues facing the African American community, yesterday, today and tomorrow,” organizers stated in a news release.

The virtual program will be moderated by Brent Scott and Kathy Lisenco. Learn more here.

Guests scheduled to speak include:

Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker – “As a member of the New Jersey state legislature, Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker brings a unique perspective to legal, legislative and social issues and changes facing the African American community and the larger community of New Jersey.”

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens – “Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens, will cover legal issues including the real meaning and application of ‘bail reform,’ Black Lives Matter and goals, police body-cameras and accountability in policing from arrest to prosecution and incarceration.”

Dr. Teri Lassiter, Rutgers School of Public Health – “The global COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the troubled history between the American medical profession and the African American community. Dr. Teri Lassiter of the Rutgers School of Public Health will discuss this troubled history, health care disparities/outcomes for African American women and men and how to proceed from here.”

Kamani Jefferson, CEO of NorthStar Liberty Group – “Mr. Jefferson's company represents (lobbies Congress) Black entrepreneurs in the cannabis/marijuana industry. He will provide context to the growing marijuana legalization in states, issues of equity for African Americans who have bore the brunt of U.S. drug criminalization policies and the economics of the cannabis industry.”

The West Orange African Heritage Organization (WOAHO) is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that promotes the cultural distinction of West Orange residents of African descent. Founded in 1999, the group is “dedicated to preserving quality of life, promoting academic achievement, and advocating for equity and justice.”

This story is part of Patch's Headlining Hope series, which profiles local nonprofits and charitable organizations in need of volunteers and resources. If you know about a local organization that should be profiled, contact eric.kiefer@patch.com.

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