Arc Mercer Celebrates Black History Month

On Friday, February 20, 2026, the Team Atmosphere Committee’s Black Culture Advisory Group delivered a powerful tribute to heritage and community progress. The event, held both in-person and virtually, served as a cornerstone of the agency’s commitment to cultural awareness and staff engagement.

This year’s program was a great place to celebrate the mission of the Black Cultural Advisory Group to build a strong infrastructure for black individuals and families with special needs, focusing on recreational, vocational, educational, residential, and healthcare services.

A Community-Focused Program

The afternoon opened with a call to reflection from Bruce Points, Lead Trainer and Chair of the Black Cultural Advisory Group. His opening remarks set a tone of reverence and celebration that carried through the entire ceremony.

Executive Director Steve Cook, alongside board members Geoff Morris and Rick Koreyva, followed with remarks emphasizing the agency's dedication to honoring the diverse backgrounds of its staff and the individuals they serve.

"We Are Black History"

In one of the most moving segments of the day, the TAC spotlighted the voices of the people at the center of the Arc Mercer mission. Consumers from the Campus Day Program, Jordan, Ebony, and Marvin, presented a segment titled “We are Black History.”  Their presentation reminded the audience that Black history is a living, breathing narrative. It is a story that continues to be written through the triumphs and daily lives of the African American community today, rather than a collection of events relegated to the past.

Local Heritage and Living History

The committee invited Carolyn Watson-Johnson, founder of the Watson-Johnson Dance Theater, to provide a localized perspective on the Black experience. As a lifelong Ewing resident who recently turned 69, Johnson offered a firsthand look at the township’s evolution since the mid-1950s.

Watson-Johnson shared the personal story of her family being the first African Americans to move onto 13th Street in 1955. She noted that while the transition was difficult, she has witnessed significant, positive change in the community over the decades. She also highlighted her own 36-year legacy as the owner of the first Black-owned dance school in Ewing.

A Call for Awareness and Inclusion

During her address, Watson-Johnson emphasized that Black history is American history and should be recognized every day. She praised local trailblazers like Bonnie Coleman Watson and celebrated the success of her son, who became the first Black business owner on Olden Avenue.

She concluded with a plea to protect history from being erased through the removal of books or displays. She urged the audience to remain cognizant of their neighbors and to spread love across all identities, including the LGBTQ community.

The event ended with a spirit of gratitude, proving that for the Team Atmosphere Committee, history is something to be honored and carried forward.

The Spirit of the TAC

The event concluded with the Team Atmosphere Committee’s signature blend of community and appreciation. Beyond the historical tributes, the TAC celebrated the modern-day stars of Arc Mercer. Johnny Jean was honored as the Rising Star of the Month for his vocational progress, while Wonsehleay W. Jessey was named Employee of the Month for his four years of dedicated service.

The event was a resounding success, proving that at Arc Mercer, history and excellence are shared and honored daily. We encourage all staff to keep this momentum going, join a culture group to help shape our next celebration!