On Saturday, February 20, at 1:00 p.m., the Bayonne Public Library will host a presentation and concert for Black History Month. The event will honor two senior members of Bayonne's African-American community, Dorothy Adams and John McQuilla. They will receive the Kiongozi Community Service Award, which is named after the late, local jazz musician, Mtawa Kiongozi, who was also known as Doc Watson. The event will take place in the O'Connor Gallery, which is on the second floor of the library at 31st Street and Avenue C.
Mayor Mark A. Smith said, "I would like to thank the members of the Watson family for organizing this event at the library. The library is also hosting displays about Mrs. Adams and Mr. McQuilla for Black History Month. I hope that many people will come out to enjoy the program on February 20 and to see the displays in the library."
In addition to being known for his music, Doc Watson had a strong interest in Black history in both Africa and the United States. His son, Dave Watson, will join other jazz musicians in concert. Dave Watson is a former music teacher at Bayonne High School, and has played at concerts around the world with singer Alicia Keys. Judy Watson Khalifa, Doc Watson's daughter and a teacher at Woodrow Wilson School, will also take part in the program. There will be other presentations as well. Light refreshments will be served.
There are additional displays for Black History Month at both the library and in the lobby in the front of City Hall.
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