CELEBRATING BLACK PRINCETONIANS: A free, limited-edition coloring book featuring prominent Black residents of Princeton from history will be available for pick up, while supplies last, at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, on Monday, January 18.

Join the Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) on Monday, January 18 to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

The ACP, in collaboration with the Historical Society of Princeton and neighborhood historian Shirley Satterfield, invites families to learn about the impact and influence of Black Princetonians by picking up a free, limited-edition coloring book featuring prominent Black residents of Princeton from history including accomplished business owners, politicians, educators, and influential women, in addition to Martin Luther King Jr.’s visits to campus in the 1960s.

Coloring books are free and available for pick up while supplies last at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 18. The coloring books are limited to two per household.

A Virtual Community Story Hour begins via Zoom at 11 a.m. on January 18. jaZam’s Jeff and Dean will treat attendees to some favorite new books celebrating stories of social justice, civil rights, and equality for all people, accompanied by ukulele tunes. Longtime Princeton resident and community volunteer Dana Hughes Moorhead and daughter Eme will join the event as special guest readers to share their love of writing and reading with the community. Books featured will include Charlie Parker Played Be Bop by Chris Raschka, I am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, and The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver by Gene Barretta. Save your spot by visiting artscouncilofprinceton.org. This 45-minute program is free and open to all.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day will also introduce the latest in the ACP’s public art presence with the installation of UNTITLED 2017 (FEAR EATS THE SOUL) (WHITE FLAG). The piece, on loan from artist Rirkrit Tiravanija, is a black-and-white adaptation of the American flag, superimposed by the words “Fear Eats The Soul.” Conceived in response to unrest in the political climate, there is equal — if not more — urgency to present Tiravanija’s flag to inspire a sense of community and togetherness resonating in the ever-present issue of racism and prejudice. The Arts Council displays Tiravanija’s flag to bring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life’s work to the forefront in downtown Princeton and will fly the message from the roof of their Paul Robeson Center for the Arts through February 28. Visit artscouncilofprinceton.org to learn more. 

The Arts Council of Princeton’s 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Day programs are made possible by Princeton University, with additional support from Stark & Stark and community partner Princeton Parents for Black Children.