Let’s talk about the Black Tom explosion, the first terrorist attack on America Updated Feb 03, 2021; Posted Feb 03, 2021 Pictured: the aftermath of the 1916 Black Tom Explosion in Jersey City. A free virtual panel discussion about the event will take place on Sunday, Feb. 7, at 3 p.m. EST on Zoom. Facebook Share Art House’s recent adaptation of Martin Casella’s “Black Tom Island” has been released to the public. Now it’s time to talk about it. A free virtual panel discussion about the actual historical event on which the play is based will take place on Sunday, Feb. 7, at 3 p.m. EST on Zoom.