Your Spirit is Forever in Lincoln Park

In Memory of the Late Amiri Baraka
1934 - 2014

A beloved member of our community who made a difference in everyone of our lives—whether you were an artist, family member or friend, he was the driving force behind the cultural revitalization of Newark especially in the Lincoln Park.

Mural Dedication in Lincoln Park

DEDICATION OF NEWARK PUBLIC ART PROGRAM MURAL “EMANCIPATION OF MUSIC” IN LINCOLN PARK NEIGHBORHOOD

May 10, 2013

PRESS RELEASE

Newark Central Ward Council Member Darrin Sharif and Deputy Mayor of Economic and Housing Development Adam Zipkin joined with dignitaries from Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District and Rutgers University to dedicate an outdoor mural on Friday at the South Presbyterian Church Façade located at 1033 Broad Street at Lincoln Park.

The mural entitled “Emancipation of Music” was produced by the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District, Rutgers University, Integrity House, the Newark Public Art Program and Yendor Arts with lead artist Armisey Smith and supporting artist Malik Whitaker and students from Rutgers University. The mural was painted onto the side of a residential building operated by Integrity House. The mural will complement Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District’s transformation of The Façade, a historic eight-story high Greek Revival blue sandstone facade on a half-acre site, into a 615 person outdoor performance venue and urban farm to become the center of the emerging artist movement in Newark and the cultural revitalization efforts in Lincoln Park. The mural also marks the first collaboration between the Newark Public Art Program and Rutgers University in which the mural was attached to an undergraduate American Studies course entitled “Murals, Street Art & Graffiti: Power and Public Art in Contemporary Urban America,” and the mural was designed with the help of Rutgers students enrolled in the course.

The mural’s theme is the history and contemporary culture of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, epitomized by African American music. The Lincoln Park area, once referred to as the Barbary Coast, was an African American business district that became a hub for jazz clubs and nightlife.  “When people think of the hottest cities of the Jazz Age and Swing Era, New York, Nashville, New Orleans, Memphis, Kansas City, and Chicago immediately spring to mind. But Newark, New Jersey was just as happening as each of these towns. On any given evening, you could listen to a legendary singer like Sarah Vaughn or laugh at the celebrated comedy of Red Foxx. Newark was a veritable maze of theaters, clubs, and after-hours joints where people like to have a good time. Many entertainment careers were launched in the City of Newark” (from the book “Swing City: Newark Nightlife 1925-1950” by Barbara Kukla.) Lincoln Park is now home to the Lincoln Park Music Festival, which attracts over 50,000 visitors and is one of Newark’s largest cultural events. The Festival has been a driving force in the revitalization of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, which is becoming a thriving area for arts and culture.

The mural celebrates Lincoln Park’s past and present by featuring images of a choir, musician Billie Holiday, who performed in Newark and of Sarah Vaughn and James Moody, who were from Newark and began their career here. The mural includes an image of a blues player to represent that genre and an image of a disc jockey (DJ) to represent the music genres of House and Hip-Hop which are the mainstays of the Lincoln Park Music Festival. The mural also depicts images referring to Africa and to slavery, a reference not only to African American people but specifically to the South Presbyterian Church which was once an abolitionist church.

“By far the most gratifying part of my job is having the privilege of working with so many incredible residents and community-based organizations. Newark’s greatest strength lies in its diversity, and its ability to create partnerships that change the community in profound and lasting ways. The Newark Public Art Program is one such partnership.” Councilman Darrin Sharif said.  “The beautiful mural that we are celebrating today is the result of a partnership between an incredibly talented group of stakeholders. This mural represents yet another important investment in a neighborhood that has transformed this part of the Central Ward.” 

The final artwork was developed collaboratively with input from the partnering organizations, Rutgers students, a community meeting where residents and other stakeholders attended and the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission, which had to approve the design of the mural because it is in a Historic District.

The mural is one of twenty that have been completed over the last four years by the Newark Public Art Program in partnership with City Without Walls, Groundswell Community Mural Project and Yendor Arts. Each mural is produced by professional artists and Newark youth from designs developed in collaboration with community-based organizations and residents. Each mural takes a specific approach to the theme “THIS IS NEWARK,” highlighting the landmarks, history, and spirit of the City’s neighborhoods. Organizations and property owners that offer wall space participate in the design and must agree to maintain the artwork for 10 years.  

 “The Newark Public Art Program is not just about beautiful works of art but about collaborative partnerships that strengthen communities. The beauty of this public piece of art and the message behind it is a reflection of the richness of a partnership that brought many different voices into one song. Newark’s healthy growth and development is predicated on strong partnerships. This mural will contribute to the vitality and regional appeal of the Lincoln Park neighborhood for many years to come and it will be a constant reminder of the what is possible when community stakeholders come together to improve their neighborhoods” Deputy Mayor Zipkin said. 

 The Newark Public Art Program is an initiative of the Newark  Planning Office to create public works of art and design that manifest the spirit and pride of Newark in its public spaces. It aims to bring public art and design into each of Newark’s neighborhoods, cultivating civic and community pride, bringing unexpected visual pleasure to the urban landscape, empowering residents and other stakeholders, and connecting Newark’s youth to community-based artists.

“This is a great community story on creative place making.   Through our collaborative efforts, we capitalized on our local assets, inspiration and potential.    Ultimately, creating a good public space that promotes health, happiness and well being.” Anthony Smith, Director of Communications and Community Affairs for Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District.

“Rutgers-Newark is truly thrilled to partner on this initiative and introduce our students to the phenomenal talent and leadership within our city, the rich history and heritage of Lincoln Park and tenets of community organizing that center on the many assets and resources within Newark.  Because of this project, our students are more committed to Newark’s success and, with deep pride, see themselves as part of the city’s fabric” said Maren Greathouse, Director of the Rutgers LGBTQ and Diversity Resource Center.

“We are pleased to partner with the City of Newark, LPCCD, Rutgers Newark, Yendor and all of the community stakeholders.   We’ve been in the area since 1968.  This is a step in the right direction as we collectively restore our community” said Robert Budsock, President & CEO of Integrity House. 

LPCF Year #2

It’s that time again! The Lincoln Park Community Farm (LPCF) is gearing up for its second year of providing fresh, affordable produce to the community. Our foods have not been covered with pesticides or any harmful chemicals. Our freshly grown vegetables will be ideal for those looking to lead a healthy lifestyle, for vegetarians, and for those who simply enjoy the quality and taste of nutrient-rich foods.

This summer we’ve expanded the list of herbs and vegetables that we’ll be providing. Expect more root vegetables such as potatoes, yams, and horse radishes. Our CSA members will be able to choose from among a variety of herbs like lemon balm, mint, and basil just to name a few to include in their share bundle package. We also have kale, chard, tomatoes, mustard greens, and much more. Click here for a complete list of what we produce.

Other new initiatives we are starting this season is a drop off delivery option which will be available to Lincoln Park residents only. Plus we will have cooking demonstrations among other exciting communal activities. It is our hope that you will enjoy the array of produce we’ve been working hard to grow for you.

5th Annual Music Festival Press Release

5th Annual Music Festival Press Release

The 5th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival Draws Over 50,000 People to Newark

NEWARK, N.J., August 3, 2010 – The 5th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival, presented by SEIU, Razac, Verizon Wireless and Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District (LPCCD), attracted over 50,000 people to Newark from national and international locations as far away as Japan, London, and Spain.  The free three-day festival offered a one-of-a-kind experience for revelers to enjoy four genres of world-class African American music and dance in Lincoln Park’s green space; learn about the affordable health, wellness and green lifestyle options available to them; and participate in activities designed for seniors and children. Anthony Smith, Executive Producer of the Lincoln Park Music Festival says that, “The festival has evolved to become a cultural ambassador for the city.  People come from around the world for this unique Newark, New Jersey experience.” Baye Adofo-Wilson, Executive Director of LPCCD adds that, “The 5th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival was truly an experience with outstanding performances throughout.  We started off a special anniversary weekend with the All-Star Newark Jazz Arkestra produced by Amiri Baraka and ended with hip-hop legend Kurtis Blow. This is one of the best festivals I’ve been to in New Jersey”

View 2010 Festival Photo Gallery – LPMF 2010

“I congratulate all of the organizers and sponsors of this year’s Lincoln Park Music Festival, which has grown into the largest three-day outdoor concert series celebrating Newark’s great musical past, present, and future.  Each year the music festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors who enjoy world-class performances of jazz, gospel, house, and hip-hop music. This year’s festival featured so many talented artists and musicians. I am proud that this annual tradition continues to manifest the cultural diversity of our great city,” Mayor Cory A. Booker said.

The festival has a companion photography exhibit titled “Reflections” Music Speaks on view now at the Russell Aldo Murray Gallery through October 2, 2010. Curated by Tony Graves and Akintola Hanif, Reflections is a retrospective exhibit about the last four years of the festival and features works by Tamara Fleming, Tony Graves, Akintola Hanif, Jaecyne Howell, and Stafford Woods and a priceless collection of photos by Vincent Bryant taken from 1972-1978 at Newark’s legendary Zanzibar nightclub.

The spirit of “Ticker’s Town” returned to Newark on Friday, July 30, when the All-Star Newark Jazz Arkestra hosted by Amiri Baraka opened the annual festival by paying tribute to Newark’s great jazz composers James Moody, Wayne Shorter, Woody Shaw and Larry Young.  Friday’s highlights included activities for seniors and children sponsored by WellCare and Newark Community Health Centers, the 6th Annual Newark Idol competition and a gospel showcase with “How Sweet the Sound” A Verizon Experience. On Saturday, July 31 thousands gathered in the park to dance to performances by icons Loleatta Holloway, DJ Joaquin “Joe” Claussell and Newark’s own Kenny Bobien.  For the grand finale on Sunday, August 1, hip-hop pioneers Kurtis Blow, Big Daddy Kane and Eric Sermon of EPMD and many more gave tremendous performances before a record-breaking audience to celebrate the 33rd Anniversary of The Rock Steady Crew.

Other free attractions in the park from July 30, 31, to August 1, included the following:

·       Essex County Division of Aging distributed free organic produce to the senior attendees;

·       WellCare Health Plans engaged seniors in “Silver Sneakers” activities including line

dancing, Zumba, foot massages and free raffle drawings;

·       Newark Community Health Centers and Health First co-sponsored the Health Pavilion

and provided free health screenings, blood pressure, diabetes, glucose, and body fat

index, and mental health information;

·       Newark Community Health Centers, Inc. and Health First co-sponsored “Reach Out and

Read” fostering childhood literacy, health and wellness;

·       Doctor Khalil Carmichael led mini exercise boot camp sessions;

·       Caryl Lucas led Mind, Body & Spirit “Positive Thinking” sessions;

·       Lotus Yoga Newark held Yoga classes at 460 Washington street, #1, Newark;

·       LPCCD hosted a youth skateboard and golf clinic; and

·       Americhoice sponsored “Work Those Hips” Hula-Hoop contests

The 5th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors:  SEIU, Razac, Verizon Wireless, The City of Newark, The County of Essex, PSEG, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, YOPAT, WellCare Health Plans, The Benefit Providers, The Ingerman Group, Health First, Newark Now and Super Summer, PNC Bank, Newark Community Health Centers, Fedway, State Farm, AmeriChoice, Wyndham Hotel, Continental Airlines, Newark International Airport Marriott, Bacardi Gold, 1800 Tequila, Red Bull, The Star Ledger, FEMWORKS, Cablevision, and GlocallyNewark.com.

About Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District

Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District is a non-profit 501c(3) organization with a mission to plan, design and build a comprehensive arts and cultural district in the Lincoln Park/Coast area of the City of Newark, New Jersey.   LincolnPark Coast Cultural District (LPCCD) is transforming a low-income neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey from blighted lots into an urban eco-village. Leading the revitalization of an emerging arts and cultural district, LPCCD is one of the nation’s best practices in sustainable urban development. The project includes 125 LEED United States Green Building Council certified units, music festivals, historic restoration projects and the Museum of African American Music, a Smithsonian Affiliate.

Music Speaks – Moody’s Musical Notes

Russell Aldo Murray Gallery       

460 Washington Street, Newark, NJ

Music Speaks – Moody’s Musical Notes – A Celebration of the Life of James Moody through photography by Stephanie Myers with musical performances by trumpeter James Gibbs and Gene Ghee and special Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District presentation “Shadows” A day in Newark with “James Moody” by photographer Tony Graves

Presented by
Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District in conjunction with Smithsonian Institute Affiliate Program, National Portrait Gallery, Newark Arts Council and Remy Martin