Filtering by: Black History Month

Heroes in Action: A Black History Celebration
Feb
28
6:00 PM18:00

Heroes in Action: A Black History Celebration

  • Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

For this dynamic and inspiring showcase of young talent, we are seeking kids (ages 6-13) to transform into their favorite Black historical heroes. We will be selecting 20 children to dress as their hero and givea 2-3 minute presentation. Consider a Black history hero in one of the following fields: Sports, Inventors/Science, Activists, Movies, Arts (dance, song, poetry, etc). Think outside the box! To register your chld please send an email to Chayla.Ortiz@pgparks.com or call 301-586-2687 by 2/7/25. The program is FREE but family and friends must register to attend the presentation.

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When They See Us: A 4-Week Exploration of the Central Park 5
Feb
27
6:00 PM18:00

When They See Us: A 4-Week Exploration of the Central Park 5

  • Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Shows: Thursdays, Feb 6-27, 6pm-9:30pm

Join us for a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of racial injustice and the criminal justice system. Each Thursday in February, we will watch a part of the critically acclaimed Netflix documentary, "When They See Us." After each screening, we will engage in open and honest discussions about the impact of this case on our community and society as a whole. Light refreshments will be served. No Registration Required.

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The Legacy of Harriet Tubman: A Performance by Cortenia Smith
Feb
26
6:00 PM18:00

The Legacy of Harriet Tubman: A Performance by Cortenia Smith

Step into the remarkable life of Harriet Tubman with this one-woman show featuring Cortenia Smith. Known for leading enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad, Tubman’s legacy also includes her work as a spy during the Civil War and as a suffragist, tireless in her advocacy for justice and equality. This performance brings to life her strength, determination, and commitment to freedom.

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Out of the Vineyard at Prince George's Community College
Feb
23
to Feb 26

Out of the Vineyard at Prince George's Community College

  • Center for Performing Arts at Prince George's Community College (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Performances: Feb 19-26, various hours.

Out of the Vineyard (OOTV) is written by esteemed playwright Psalmayene 24, who masterfully adapts the groundbreaking historical work "A Question of Freedom: The Families Who Challenged Slavery from the Nation’s Founding to Civil War" by historian William G. Thomas III, for the stage. 

Directed and choreographed by Tony Thomas, Out of the Vineyard highlights the families, names, and places, illuminating stories of quests for freedom and opportunity against systematic racism. By exploring how slavery has shaped our societies and encouraging audiences to think critically about the legacy of hiding historical details, Out of the Vineyard promotes a deeper understanding of the issues facing us today. The play inspires audiences to work toward a more just and equitable future.

Unraveling over seven decades, the enslaved families of Prince George’s County, Maryland, including the Butlers, Queens, Mahoneys, Bells, and more, embarked on a relentless legal quest for freedom. These brave families confronted formidable slavery within the court system, leading their crusade to the highest echelons of justice: the Supreme Court.

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Voices From the Past: Hazel Scott
Feb
23
4:00 PM16:00

Voices From the Past: Hazel Scott

Classical and jazz pianist and singer Hazel Scott (1920–1981) was the first person of African descent to host their own network TV show in America (The Hazel Scott Show). The Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) explores Scott’s life, legacy, and music. Journey with curator Professor Nevilla Ottley as you hear songs played and loved by Scott, with narration exploring and highlighting the life of the musician, who was also an outspoken critic of racial discrimination and segregation.

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When They See Us: A 4-Week Exploration of the Central Park 5
Feb
20
6:00 PM18:00

When They See Us: A 4-Week Exploration of the Central Park 5

  • Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Shows: Thursdays, Feb 6-27, 6pm-9:30pm

Join us for a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of racial injustice and the criminal justice system. Each Thursday in February, we will watch a part of the critically acclaimed Netflix documentary, "When They See Us." After each screening, we will engage in open and honest discussions about the impact of this case on our community and society as a whole. Light refreshments will be served. No Registration Required.

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When They See Us: A 4-Week Exploration of the Central Park 5
Feb
13
6:00 PM18:00

When They See Us: A 4-Week Exploration of the Central Park 5

  • Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Shows: Thursdays, Feb 6-27, 6pm-9:30pm

Join us for a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of racial injustice and the criminal justice system. Each Thursday in February, we will watch a part of the critically acclaimed Netflix documentary, "When They See Us." After each screening, we will engage in open and honest discussions about the impact of this case on our community and society as a whole. Light refreshments will be served. No Registration Required.

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The Legacy of Harriet Tubman: A Performance by Cortenia Smith
Feb
11
6:30 PM18:30

The Legacy of Harriet Tubman: A Performance by Cortenia Smith

Step into the remarkable life of Harriet Tubman with this one-woman show featuring Cortenia Smith. Known for leading enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad, Tubman’s legacy also includes her work as a spy during the Civil War and as a suffragist, tireless in her advocacy for justice and equality. This performance brings to life her strength, determination, and commitment to freedom.

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When They See Us: A 4-Week Exploration of the Central Park 5
Feb
6
6:00 PM18:00

When They See Us: A 4-Week Exploration of the Central Park 5

  • Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Shows: Thursdays, Feb 6-27, 6pm-9:30pm

Join us for a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of racial injustice and the criminal justice system. Each Thursday in February, we will watch a part of the critically acclaimed Netflix documentary, "When They See Us." After each screening, we will engage in open and honest discussions about the impact of this case on our community and society as a whole. Light refreshments will be served. No Registration Required.

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Black History Month Book Discussion: “The Water Dancer” by Ta-Nehisi Coates - Part 1
Feb
4
7:00 PM19:00

Black History Month Book Discussion: “The Water Dancer” by Ta-Nehisi Coates - Part 1

Ta-Nehisi Coates’ lyrical novel “The Water Dancer” weaves tasker Hiram’s inhuman separations, fear, toil, and the supportive African American community on Lockless plantation into a quest for freedom. His mastery of spiritual conduction, work with Harriet Tubman, and determination triumph! Join Dr. Karen Arnold for a deep dive into history.

This is a two-part discussion, happening on Feb. 4 and 11. Please register for both Part 1 and Part 2.

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Freedom Songs
Feb
4
10:00 AM10:00

Freedom Songs

This performance is part of our Education on Stage Series and is recommended for Grades 3-6 (Ages 8-11). From the work songs of the fields of people who were enduring the bonds of slavery, to Ragtime, Jazz, R&B, and the inspired spirituals of the Civil Rights movement, this play follows the compelling story of the role that music played in the history of Black Americans. Meet incredible Americans like Scott Joplin, Billie Holiday, Little Richard and more in a tale that is sure to intrigue your students! Please note, the 11:15 am show on Feb 4 has been canceled; the 10am performance is still on as scheduled. Please note, everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age. Schools can call 301-277-1710 for Group Sales.

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Afro Blue: A Black History Month Celebration
Feb
1
2:00 PM14:00

Afro Blue: A Black History Month Celebration

  • Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex (SAARC) (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Kick off Black History Month with Howard University’s premiere jazz ensemble, Afro Blue. Voted “Best A Capella Group” five years in a row by the Washington Area Music Associaion, the ensemble has been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered, Tiny Desk Concert, and has shared the stage with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Pops, and reached the top four on The Sing-Off on NBC. Join us for a special celebration for Black History Month as this virtuosic ensemble showcases black excellence in a one of kind, intimate concert experience at SAARC!

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Panel Discussion: "Lift!" Music and Black Labor
Feb
1
1:00 PM13:00

Panel Discussion: "Lift!" Music and Black Labor

Throughout the centuries, Blacks have endured the struggles of work, labor, stage performances, employment, and labor legalities in their lives. From enslaved Africans who worked for free and used music to endure to the main stages of today’s major opera houses, we still see labor practices that are unfair, unjust, and discriminatory toward Black people. Based on the 2025 Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s (ASALH) annual theme, the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts’ (CAAPA) experts explore Music and Black Labor, featuring moderator Patrick D. McCoy and panelists Michele Cober, Grayland Snead, and Keenan McCarter.

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Annual Black History Month Exhibition
Jan
27
to Feb 28

Annual Black History Month Exhibition

  • Montpelier Arts Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Exhibit: Jan 27 - Feb 28.

Open daily, 10am-5pm | Artist Reception: Feb 2, 2pm-5pm

The M-NCPPC Black History Program returns to Montpelier Arts Center with its annual exhibition in honor of Black History Month. For more than 40 years, the Black History Program has worked to preserve, honor, and celebrate Prince George’s County’s rich African American heritage. Come out and explore stories from our county’s past that highlight the challenges and triumphs of the African American community.

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“A Good Government Job”: A History of Black Civil Servants [Black History Month Exhibition]
Jan
27
to Feb 28

“A Good Government Job”: A History of Black Civil Servants [Black History Month Exhibition]

  • Montpelier Arts Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Exhibition: Jan 27 - Feb 28 | Public Reception: Feb 2, 2-5pm

Exhibit Hours: Daily, 10 am - 5pm (except holidays)

Since the era of emancipation, black migration to the Washington, D.C. region has been fueled by the promise of economic opportunities, especially those opportunities afforded by employment with the federal government. For generations of African Americans, careers in the federal civil service have paved the way for professional advancement and economic security, expanding the ranks of the middle black class. However, this path has also been fraught with obstacles born of the nation’s dark history of segregation and racism. This exhibit explores this complicated history, focusing on how Black federal employment has shaped Prince George’s County.

This exhibition is curated by the M-NCPPC Black History Program. For additional information, email blackhistory@pgparks.com or call 240-264-3415. 

To RSVP for the opening reception, email blackhistory@pgparks.com

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Black History Month Exhibition
Mar
30
10:00 AM10:00

Black History Month Exhibition

Exhibit: January 27 – March 31, 2024 ; Mon-Fri : 8:30am-5pm; Sat : 9am-4pm

Public Reception: Feb 4, 2-5pm

The M-NCPPC Black History Program returns to Harmony Hall Arts Center with its annual exhibition in honor of Black History Month. For over 40 years, the Black History Program has worked to preserve, honor, and celebrate Prince George’s County’s rich African American heritage. The annual exhibition is part of this tradition. Come out and explore stories from our county’s past that highlight the challenges and triumphs of the African American community.

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Beat the Drum for Black Storytelling with Sista' Martha
Feb
29
4:30 PM16:30

Beat the Drum for Black Storytelling with Sista' Martha

Journey through Black history with Sista' Martha as she weaves lively tales, songs, and poems connecting Africa, the Caribbean, and Black America. Through engaging narratives, experience the vibrancy of characters like Anansi, Alex Haley, and Sojourner Truth. Come, be a part of the story, and join in the fun by playing drums, shakers, and other musical instruments.

Martha Ruff is a founding member of the Griots' Circle of Maryland, Inc. and the National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. She is the current host and performer on the Griots' Story Circle, a public access television show produced in Laurel, MD. Her lively performance and resonating voice captivate audiences as she shares African-American folktales and songs, Caribbean stories, African legends, and modern fables.

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 Carbon-ATE : An Afro-Future—Artists Talk
Feb
27
7:00 PM19:00

Carbon-ATE : An Afro-Future—Artists Talk

Carbon-ATE: An Afro-Future exhibition is work from regional artists that are re-imagining and creating the narrative around Blackness as they see fit. In their work, they are choosing to create visual representations of an optimistic outlook on the present and future concepts about Black culture and aesthetic. These artists—though in different points in their career—have one major thing in common, their conscious decision to create and archive Black identity—and they ate.

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Excellence in Black Dance - The Collective
Feb
23
to Feb 24

Excellence in Black Dance - The Collective

  • Bowie University Fine and Performing Arts Center, Mainstage Theater (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Performances: Feb 23 & 24

Photos by Single Eye Photography/Joseph Edwards

Excellence in Black Dance is a production by The Collective, the pre-professional dance company of Bowie State University's Fine and Performing Arts Department. The production celebrates the impact of dance artists of African descent on the field of dance. In 2022, the production included student performances and was part of Bowie State University's celebration of Black History Month. 

The 2024 production of Excellence in Black Dance will take place on February 23–24 at 7:30 PM at the Mainstage Theater.

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Classically Dope: Konshens the MC
Feb
23
6:00 PM18:00

Classically Dope: Konshens the MC

  • John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Millennium Stage (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Classically Dope is a classical blend of poetry, hip hop, soul, and jazz created by award-winning poet/hip hop artist and U.S. Cultural Ambassador, Konshens the MC.

Standing at the intersection of social justice and positive influence, Classically Dope tackles subjects such as the power of self, belief, inequalities, and being a change agent in the world.

This fusion purposely brings diverse communities together by exemplifying a shared love through music that transcends beyond ethnicity, geography, and status.

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