Black Power! 19th Century: Newark’s First African American Rebellion - Newark Public Library

Black Power! 19th Century: Newark’s First African American Rebellion

Exhibit on view July 9th through August 31st.

Downtown Newark Arts District
Newark Public Library | 5 Washington Street
2nd Floor Gallery and James Brown Room Gallery

Hours: Open Monday – Saturday.

  • Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri the hours are 9AM-5PM (Closed from 12PM-1PM for cleaning).
  • Wednesday 12PM-8PM (closed from 3PM-4PM for cleaning)
  • Saturday 10AM-2PM

Resource downloads:

Press ReleaseFlyer | Gallery Map 

 Virtual Exhibition | Elementary / High School Exhibition Guide

Black Power! 19th and 20th Century Newark Historic Sites Map


Black Power! 19th Century illuminates the courageous and powerful work of Newark’s Black activists and artists in the 19th century. Newark’s 1960s Black Power Movement and 1967 Rebellion dominate discussions about African American activism in Newark. However, many of the powerful ideas about saving Black lives that are evident in Black liberation struggles in the 1960s were dramatically birthed by Newark’s Black artists and activists in the 19th century.

Special thanks to the City of Newark, and artists Adrienne Wheeler, Jillian M. Rock, Janėtza Maria Miranda, Khali Raymond, and Gold Standard Productions.

The New Jersey Beverwyck plantation shackles are graciously on loan from the New Jersey Department of Transportation/State of New Jersey.

Follow us on Instagram #blackpower19thcenturynewark

Newark Public Library has received a project grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.