WATCH. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center has joined forces with over 60 arts centers across the U.S. to participate in a national watch party for John Lewis: Good Trouble, celebrating the life of the revered politician and civil rights activist. On Monday, September 21, at 7 p.m., audiences are invited to join a live, interactive online panel discussion about Lewis’s history and impact on the social justice struggles of today. Panelists include director Dawn Porter; Ras J. Baraka, mayor of Newark NJ; Khalil Gibran Muhammad, professor of history, race and public policy at Harvard Kennedy School and director of the Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project; and Lonnie G. Bunch III, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution who worked extensively with Lewis to establish the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. US Senator from New Jersey Cory Booker will provide opening remarks. The free virtual conversation takes place on Zoom. Registration is available here. The discussion will also be broadcast on NJPAC’s Facebook Live feed.

People are encouraged to rent the film which is available for $12.00 prior to joining the national discussion which will take place on Sept. 21. Rent at https://bit.ly/3c1ncsh  or log on to NJPAC.org. Bonus: $5 of every film rental is donated to the arts centers participating to offset debt caused by the pandemic.

SHOP. NiLu is a Black-owned retail store and e-commerce website located in Harlem, N.Y. NiLu’s co-owners/husband and wife Mark Pinn and Katrina Parris have lived and worked in Harlem for the past 20 years. Recognizing the need for a retail store where people could shop for elegant, eclectic, beautiful gifts above 96^th street, the Parris’ opened NiLu in 2015.  NiLu’s product assortment is an eclectic array of home décor, art, jewelry and gifts made by Black and multi-cultural creators. Named after their two sons Nigel and Luke, NiLu functions not only as a retail store but also as a community center for local artists and designers.  NiLu has offered a space/platform for local and multicultural designers to present their work to the community. Shop now!

LIGHT. Did you know that September is officially candle month? We’ve discovered Cali Vibes. They are all-natural soy wax and hand-poured in Orange County, California. These rich fragrant candles have me California dreaming and our home smelling beachy. Shop local and support these lovely candlemakers. 8oz candles are just $18.00. Us the code “CALIVIBES20” for 20 percent off your next online purchase.