Happy Black History Month, everyone!
While we celebrate Black history each and every day, February brings with it the extra opportunity to do— and that's no exception around here in the DMV area. From in-person events to virtual discussion, art exhibits to dance parties, we’re so excited to be able to join our community in finding ways to elevate Black voices and laud the contributions of Black leaders throughout our history.
Below you’ll find some of the incredible events going on around our Montgomery and Prince George’s County neighborhoods in Maryland. We can’t wait to hear how you'll be learning, discovering, and celebrating this month.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND
- Alma Thomas Art Studio for Kids
Saturday, Feb. 3, 11am to noon
White Oak Library
Art professor Michael Hilliard will bring celebrated artist Alma Thomas, the first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, to life after which participants will create their own works of art in the artist’s style. - Black History Month Family Day
Saturday, Feb. 10, 11am to 3pm
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
Enjoy story time and hands-on activities celebrating African American heritage and accomplishments. This year’s theme is “African Americans and the Arts.” - Soul in Motion: African Drum and Dance
Saturday, Feb. 10, 2pm to 3pm
Kensington Park Library
Enjoy an incredibly dynamic and always popular performance by the local, and award-winning Soul in Motion Dancers and Drummers Company. - “Black Ballerina” Screening & Panel Discussion
Saturday, Feb. 10, 2:30pm
Maryland Youth Ballet
Join us for a discussion about the film as well as the topic of “A Seat at the Table and a Place on the Stage” regarding whether or not the recent shift by many companies to have discussions about DEI has translated into real action. - History Happy Hour: Slavery in the President’s Neighborhood
Friday, Feb. 16, 6:30pm to 8pm
Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860
This speaker series seeks to identify and share the stories of the enslaved workers who built, lived in, and worked at the White House. Tickets include snacks and wine to enjoy throughout the program. - Separate but UNequal: the History of School Segregation in Montgomery County
Saturday, Feb. 17, 1pm to 2pm
Virtual (Zoom)
Ralph Buglass from Montgomery History's Speakers Bureau presents this powerful discussion on a painful part of Montgomery County’s past. - African Folktales with Bright Star Touring Theatre
Saturday, Feb. 24, 11am to noon
Marilyn J. Praisner Library
Join a variety of characters from a wide range of cultures in stories that celebrate the various folk tale traditions of the continent of Africa. - When the Stars Align: Celestial Navigation and the Underground Railroad
Saturday, Feb. 25, 11am to 12:30pm
Josiah Henson Museum & Park
11410 Old Georgetown Road
North Bethesda, MD 20852
A family-friendly program exploring the crucial role of the night sky in guiding and empowering freedom seekers on their journeys north along the Underground Railroad. Observe the stars from another point of view with special guest speakers: historian Dr. Sylvea Hollis, astronomer Dr. Lou Strolger, and PhD candidate Sophie Hess. - African American Genealogy for Beginners
Sunday, Feb. 25, 2pm to 3pm
Rockville Memorial Library
Learn how to get started with your family research, where to access free research tools and how to organize your research findings. - Griot Storyteller: Renee Emanuel
Sunday, Feb. 25, 2pm to 3pm
Quince Orchard Library
An interactive storyteller who involves her audience in the storytelling experience, Emanuel specializes in family-friendly folktales, tall tales, and wisdom tales.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND
- Wings of Legacy: Stories of Black Aviation
Saturday, February 3, 10am to 4pm
College Park Aviation Museum
Celebrate stories of Black aviation, past and present. Get a sneak peek at updates coming to the Columbia Air Center gallery, be inspired during a Black Aviators tour, and celebrate pioneering spirits with Black History Month arts and activities for all ages. - Celebrating Black Women’s Voices in Fiction
Saturday, Feb. 3, 2:00pm to 3:00pm
South Bowie Branch Library
Explore the transformative power of inspiration as a panel of local authors share the profound impact Black women writers have had on their literary journeys. - Taking Center Stage: Black Musicians and Prince George’s County Music Venues from the Chitlin’ Circuit to the Present
Opening Reception: Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, 2 pm to 5 pm
Exhibition Dates: Saturday, Jan. 27 – Sunday, March 31, 2024
Harmony Hall Arts Center
10701 Livingston Rd
Fort Washington, MD 20744
Taking Center Stage explores the history of musical venues in Prince George’s County during the Jim Crow era when black musicians were regularly excluded from performance venues that catered to white audiences. - Aisha Rice Presents "My Kinky, Coily Hair"
Monday, Feb. 5, 4:30pm to 5:30pm
Hillcrest Heights Library
Get ready for a delightful time with local author Aisha Rice as she brings her book to life exploring the wonderful themes of hair diversity, race, and uniqueness. - Does Your Zip Code Impact Your Whole Life? Redlining and Environmental Justice
Monday, Feb. 5, 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Virtual
Join Dr. Carlton Waterhouse as he examines redlining - a discriminatory practice of holding services and financial investment in neighborhoods classified as "hazardous" (typically low-income or with a majority of minority residents) – and its ongoing impacts throughout our area. - The Legacy of Harriet Tubman: A One-Woman Performance
Saturday, Feb. 10, 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Hyattsville Library
Step into the remarkable life of Harriet Tubman with this one-woman show that unveils the true spirit of the legendary pioneer. - Annual Black History Month Family Day Festival
Saturday, Feb. 17, 10am to 4pm
Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex
Join us for a day that includes 20 county entrepreneurs vending selling African and African American goods and products, food from local chefs serving both southern and Caribbean (African) cuisine, and local elementary students, performers, and speakers rounding out a full day of fun. - Book Discussion: "The Other Wes Moore: Two Names, Two Fates" by Wes Moore
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Virtual
Join as we discuss the story of two boys with the same name born blocks apart, and the journey of a generation. - Kids Create: Beautiful Blackbird
Saturday, Feb. 24, 10:30am to 11:30am
Laurel Library
Families will enjoy Ashley Bryan’s award winning tale “Beautiful Blackbird” and create their own blackbird art. - Beat the Drum for Black Storytelling with Sista' Martha
Thursday, Feb. 29, 4:30pm to 5:30pm
Joe's Movement Emporium
3309 Bunker Hill Rd
Mt Rainier, MD 20712
Journey through Black history with Sista' Martha as she weaves lively tales, songs, and poems connecting Africa, the Caribbean, and Black America. Come, be a part of the story, and join in the fun by playing drums, shakers, and other musical instruments.
