Black history celebrated at libraries

Throughout February, the Ocean County Library will celebrate Black History Month and the many contributions, achievements, experiences as well as the impact made by African Americans in the United States.

A series of special programs will be held in all the library branches in observance of the month. The following is a small sampling of the 42 programs that will be held at the different Ocean County Library branches.

The Lakewood branch will have three special musical performances for the family. Antonio Lawrence and the Anointed Sons of Jersey will be in concert Feb. 9 and perform gospel music. Lakewood will host a café night with local artist Mike Webb on Feb. 20. The branch will end the month with an evening of music, dance and the spoken word on Feb. 25.

Soul Food chef Delilah Winder will share recipes from her book "Delilah's Everyday Soul: Southern Cooking with Style" at the Toms River branch Feb. 11.

Since giving up a successful career as a business analyst and opening a food stand in Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market, Delilah has expanded to six Delilah's Southern Cuisine stands and the Bluezette restaurant in Philadelphia, as well as having television talk show host Oprah Winfrey name her macaroni and cheese the best in America.

Copies of Winder's book will be available for purchase and an autograph session will follow her presentation.