Who were the Black women suffragists? What challenges did they overcome to win women the right to vote? The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation plans to identify and recognize their contributions on a co-created community public art, Women’s Mural Project: Celebrating Black Suffragists + Achievements of Black Women. The mural will be created on the Women’s Rights Information Center’s (WRIC) building in downtown Englewood, New Jersey, one of the most heavily trafficked districts in Bergen County.
The project recognizes Black suffragists’ groundbreaking accomplishments. Through participatory workshops, the project also captures and elevates the stories of Black women in Englewood. Their voices and accomplishments will also be celebrated in the content of the mural. Furthermore, this piece of public art prompts learning, dialogue, and appreciation for the community and greater Bergen County.
The Black women suffragists mural
Celebrate the Spirit of Black Women
“The mural honors the spirit of the Black suffragists of the past, as well as Black women who currently live and have roots in Englewood. These women will contribute their own stories of perseverance, as content for the mural. This will ultimately become an important reflection of their identities showcased in the city’s downtown,” said Danielle De Laurentis, Associate Director, Northern New Jersey Community Foundation.
The NNJCF plans an open call to professional muralists to select an artist to paint and design the mural. The Foundation and its partners also seek content input from the Black community. The central location of the WRIC’s building helps to generate pride of place. This also offers a sense of connection and belonging to the downtown and community-at-large.
Support the Mural Project
Women’s Rights Information Center
In partnership with the WRIC, Metro Community Center, and the Woman’s Club of Englewood, the Foundation seeks the public’s support. Donors can also help implement the project by making a tax-deductible donation online.
Make checks out to ‘The Northern N.J. Community Foundation’. Enter ‘Women’s Mural Project’ in the memo line. Send checks to the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, 1 University Plaza, Suite 128, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601.
For further information about the project or the NNJCF, call 201-568-5608 or send an e-mail.
