By: Richard L. Smith
Englewood historian Mr. Thomas "Moose" Monroe will present a talk on the "History of African-Americans in Bergen County: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly" at the Englewood Public Library on Tuesday, February 28, at 7 p.m.
According to library officials, the program will take place in the library's Mackay Room. Registration is not required but recommended at bccls.libcal.com/event/10164817
Englewood Library officials said Bergen County has often been at the forefront of the black experience in America.
Although Monroe's talk will concentrate on Englewood, Hackensack and Teaneck, officials said he will also cover other areas as well. The conference will cover the extraordinary achievements and the infamous in the area.
Thomas E. Monroe spent 31 years in the Englewood Public School System and is a former Dwight Morrow High athletic coach. He was also a counselor for several Englewood youth service programs.
Thomas, or "Moose," as he's known locally, played on Englewood's State Championship football (1959) and basketball (1960) teams. He has spent the last 40 years documenting Englewood's rich black history.
Officials said more recently, he has expanded his research to include key national and New Jersey historical and civil rights events that still resonate with us today.
Thomas is a member of the City of Englewood Historic Preservation Advisory Committee and Englewood's Historical Society. He also continues to serve as a dedicated community activist/organizer.
Monroe has been recognized with numerous awards, including a Civil Rights Award from Bergen Freeholders and an award from the Dwight Morrow alumnae.
In 2015, Mr. Monroe was actively involved in highlighting the role of Englewood sports legends in the Mackay Park Gatehouse plans.
For further information on the program, please e-mail programming@englewood.bccls.org. The Englewood Public Library is located at 31 Engle Street, Englewood, NJ.