Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2007
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History and More
Black History Month events kick off great February entertainment
As we all know, February marks the beginning of an annual celebration that aims to promote knowledge of Black history. The African-American struggle for civil rights is a key part of that history. A one-of-a-kind tribute to that struggle can be found right here in Atlantic City.
Located a block off the Boardwalk at Pacific Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard is the Civil Rights Garden. The garden honors the Civil Rights movement and includes 11 black African granite columns etched with quotes from famous Americans. The central column features an upraised hand and a large bronze bell over a reflecting pool. The garden is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.
There are also many special events and attractions taking place in February honoring Black History Month. One of those events can be found at the Atlantic City Free Public Library. The library will host a performance by Calvin Earl at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 3. Earl will present “Gifts From My Ancestors,” a concert/lecture about the African-American spirit.
“Gifts From My Ancestors” tells the story of how the African people enslaved in America created an original music that enabled them to secretly communicate with each other, teach their young, record their history and heal their pain. For more information, call 609-345-2269, ext 3119, or visit www.acfpl.org. The performance will take place at the Main Library at 1 N. Tennessee Avenue in Atlantic City.
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey’s Performing Arts Center will host the Underground Railway Theatre as it presents Are You Ready My Sister? on Thursday, February 8. It is the story of Harriet Tubman, the “Great Conductor” of the Underground Railroad, and the Quaker women who helped her bring 300 slaves to freedom. Showtime is 10:30 a.m. and tickets are $9. For more information, contact the box office at 609-652-9000 or visit www.stockton.edu/pac.
February is also a busy month for Boardwalk Hall, and it is when some of the largest public shows hit the Atlantic City Convention Center.
The Atlantic City International Powerboat Show already set sail at the center, Wednesday, January 31, and will run through Sunday, February 4.
Later this month, it’s America’s largest indoor collectible car event, the Atlantic City Classic Car Show, Thursday, February 22 through Sunday, February 25. More than 1,200 classic, custom and collectible cars will go to auction. Select cars will be displayed in the “Car Corral,” and street and hot rods will be exhibited in a special section.
In addition, the show will feature a 750-booth automotive market with hard-to-find special car parts and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $20 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 12. For more information, visit www.acclassiccars.com.
It’s an evening of martial arts with the World’s Best Fighter: USA vs. Asia in the Adrian Phillips Ballroom at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall on Saturday, February 3. The first fight takes place at 7 p.m. and ticket prices are $25, $50, $100 and $150. For more information, visit www.boardwalkhall.com or call 609-348-7021.
Also at Boardwalk Hall, top-notch cheerleading and dance teams from across the nation will compete in the Spirit Unlimited Cheerleading and Dance Nationals on Saturday, February 10. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. and concludes at 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 6 to 10 and seniors ages 65 and over. Tickets can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office on the day of the event. For more information, visit www.spiritunlimited.com or call 888-737-2221.
Last but not least, one of the most colorful and celebrated traditions returns to Atlantic City when Trump Entertainment Resorts Presents The 2007 Mummers Show of Shows at Boardwalk Hall on Saturday, February 24. Atlantic City audiences can relive the Philadelphia Mummers Parade excitement as 16 string bands perform their New Year’s Day presentations. Performances are scheduled at 12 noon and 5 p.m. Tickets are $25, $21 and $18. They may be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 1-800-736-1420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
