New Jersey holds a unique position in African American history. There are at least 16 underground railroad sites you can still visit in New Jersey, including ones in Jersey City, Boonton, Cranbury, Salem, and Medford. Lawnside in Camden County was a haven for freed and escaped slaves and became the first all-Black community in the North. Black History Month provides an opportunity to honor the lives and legacies of Black New Jerseyans past and present. Shopping at Black-owned businesses is one of the most powerful actions you can take to support the Black community in New Jersey. Not only can your money help small businesses grow, but it puts power directly into the hands of Black entrepreneurs, artists, and creators.
While this is not a comprehensive list, we’ve compiled 50 family-friendly African American historical sites, Black-owned shops, Black-owned restaurants, and Black-owned small businesses in New Jersey. In seeking out these Black-owned businesses, you stand in solidarity and make a difference today—not just for Black History Month, but 365 days a year. Any day is a good day to show your support.
For an at-home way to celebrate the Black experience, bookmark this list of 30+ children's books to celebrate Black History Month—many were written by Black authors.