Black History Month 2006,
Miller Branch Hosts Guest Speaker Sandra Bolden-Cunningham, February 9, 2006, Picture Gallery

                   A woman whose presence was definitely felt when she served as Jersey City’s first African-American first lady, Sandra Bolden-Cunningham has always felt comfortable in front of a microphone and with children. She would accompany her husband, Jersey City Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham, and participate during his routine morning readings to the city’s schoolchildren. Started before the Mayor’s untimely death in 2004, Sandra Cunningham’s ongoing role in caring and mentoring children is seen in the continual development of the Glenn D. Cunningham & Sandra Cunningham Foundation. This joint foundation emphasizes the need to encourage college attendance to those students at the grade ‘C’ level by giving scholarships and guidance. Her professional stature in the community is recognized by her name and her many invitations to speak to groups such as ours. She knows her subject. And anyone who has met ‘Lady One’ knows that Sandy is a woman of integrity and tact, wisdom and warmth.

                 For Black History Month 2006, Sandra Bolden-Cunningham chose four of the library’s five regional branches where she would be Guest Speaker, presenting “What Black History Month Means To Me.” The photographs below chronicle her first appearance, at the Miller Branch, on Thursday, February 9th. The other engagements were as follows: Tuesday, February 14th – Cunningham Branch; Tuesday, February 21st – Greenville Branch; and Tuesday, February 28th – The Heights Branch.

 

THE STAGE IS SET – The Cultural Arts Auditorium at the Miller Branch Library never looked so good, with its professional set designed and created by Reneé Moody, Miller’s branch manager, which was then embellished with just the right touch for Black History Month.

ANTICIPATION – Miller Branch Manager Reneé Moody took to the podium to introduce the illustrious guest speaker, Sandra Bolden-Cunningham.

A WARM WELCOME – With Branch Manager Reneé Moody leading the applause, Sandra Bolden-Cunningham takes the podium for her presentation.

HITTING HER STRIDE – Former Jersey City First Lady Sandra Bolden-Cunningham demonstrated her warm speaking style by leaving the podium, taking the mic, and speaking directly to the audience.

THE DIASPORA – Though the audience was scattered throughout the seating provided at the Miller Branch auditorium, over 25 people attended Mrs. Cunningham’s speech, “What Black History Month Means To Me.”