This week, learn about New Jersey’s rich musical history in a free webinar. Join the New Jersey Historical Commission’s African American History program and panelists for “Follow Me: Preserving New Jersey’s Black Music History and Heritage” on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. This virtual event is free, however, registration is required.
Panelists Vincent Pelote, Institute of Jazz Studies; Jamara Wakefield, In the Wake Media; Jennifer Souder and Yvonne Clayton, Asbury Park African American Music Project; and Melissa Ziobro, The Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music will explore the exciting work New Jersey individuals and institutions are doing to share the history and present day of New Jersey's House, Funk, Jazz, Rock and R&B music and venues.
New Jersey has produced and been the home of some of the world’s most impactful artists and music. Artists, community members, and historians unite to preserve this history in this state and regionally. Part of the New Jersey Historical Commission, the African American History Program champions and partners with universities, historical societies, schools, and other institutions, groups, and individuals in a collaborative statewide effort to develop African American history in New Jersey. The program also stewards the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail.