Shabazz & Weequahic High Schools Open Newark Museum Celebration

[NEWARK, NJ – February 23, 2018] The Malcolm X Shabazz and Weequahic High School marching bands performed as the opening act at the official reopening of the Front Doors at the historic Newark Museum on Wednesday. The opening ceremony and ribbon cutting celebrated the opening of the front doors of the museum for the first time in 20 years. The renovation of the new grand entrance includes a welcome reception area and art designed by an African artist, entitled, “Gateway.”

Interim Superintendent of Schools Robert Gregory said, “Art and culture play an important role in Newark and in any city. Bringing youth together around the arts is essential. Today is a special day because our bands performing together marks a new era of focusing on the arts in Newark Public Schools. I want to thank Margaret El, Special Assistant for the Arts, for creating a bridge from Malcolm X Shabazz and Weequahic High Schools to the Newark Museum. We have a longstanding relationship with the Museum and we look forward to furthering it even more.”

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said, “Today is a special day, not just because of the opening of the front doors of this beautiful edifice, but also because this is the first time I have seen the Shabazz and Weequahic marching bands perform together. Thank you to all of the students.”

Various Newark Public School marching bands will also perform at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 16 from 1 – 3 p.m.