‘Afrofest’ slated at Manalapan library

"Afrofest," a series of programs about African American history celebrated in dance, music, poetry, art, language, drama, storytelling, folklore and film, will be held Feb. 5-26 at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Symmes Drive, Manalapan.

The series will include a guest speaker and a panel discussion on "Black Progress in the 20th Century," sponsored by United Families of African Descent and the library.

Part I will be held Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will feature a program on hair braiding, its history, technique and hands-on instruction; demonstrations and lessons on African languages; and an art display.

There will also be dramatized biographies, poetry readings, folklore, folk music and a fashion show featuring African attire. Light refreshments will be served, including ethnic foods.

Part II will be held Feb. 17 from 1-4:45 p.m. and will include a skit prepared by the American Girl Collection; dramatized biographies; and an address by Rkhty Jones, Egyptologist, linguist and lecturer. Part II will conclude with a panel discussion on "Black Progress in the 20th Century." A sampling of authentic African and Caribbean foods will be served.

Three films will be shown in conjunction with "Afrofest." Amistad will be shown on Feb. 5, Glory will be the feature on Feb. 19, and Nothing But a Man will be shown on Feb. 26.

The final event will be "Tellin’ on Tradition: Storytelling by Momma Sandi" on Feb. 23 from 2-2:45 p.m. This program is recommended for families with children ages 5 and older.

All programs are free. For more information, call (732) 431-7242.