Calling ALL AFTH Families!! Check out these great Black History Month events in your area!
Greater Philadelphia Region
Arden Theatre Company
Through March 1st
A world premiere of the play “My General Tubman” by Philadelphia author Lorene Cary. The play highlights all of the trials and tribulations of Harriet Tubman and her impact on society.
Art X History Freedom Posters for Teens
Teen Center at Parkway Central Library
Thursday, February 6, 2020, @ 3:00 PM
Teens ages 12-18 can come to reflect on global oppression and rejoice in the legacy of Black Freedom fighters through art. There will be cultural music, a short documentary, and a graphic design lesson.
AAMP Family Fun Day: Black History is Now!
African American Museum in Philadelphia
Saturday, February 8, 2020, from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of African-American culture and culinary traditions. The first 250 people will get free admission to the museum and can participate in Black History Month trivia, a scavenger hunt, and watch a drum procession and performance. Plus, stop by Reading Terminal Market at 11 am and 1 pm for cooking demos! Perfect for ages 5 and up.
African and Diasporic Cultures Celebration
Penn Museum
Saturday, February 15, 2020, from 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM
A celebration of traditions from places throughout the African continent and passed along through the African Diaspora. Gather with family and friends to explore cultural connections and continuities through art-making, mask making, live performances, drumming and other musical demonstrations, film screenings, a storytelling circle, an African-inspired marketplace, and workshops for all ages.
Sundays on Stage: Freedom Stories by TAHIRA
Parkway Central Library
Sunday, February 23, 2020, @ 2:00 PM
Gifted storyteller TAHIRA shares tales of freedom fighters in this dramatic performance. A compelling look at the people who took extraordinary risks, focusing on the Underground Railroad and including freedom songs like “John the Rabbit,” which contained coded messages used by enslaved Africans to devise a plan of escape.
Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Late seating is at the discretion of the library.
Children, teens, families, and adults are welcome!
Connecticut (statewide)
Via Eventbrite , New Haven Public Libraries, Hartford Public Library
Black Doctors Day: If our children can see it, they can achieve it!
Dunkin’ Donuts Park
1214 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Saturday, February 8, 2020, @ 12:30 PM
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month by honoring the Black Physicians in our community and highlighting other important medical professions. Black Doctors Day is produced by Francine Austin of Francine Entertainment & Marketing, hosted by Senator Douglas McCrory and sponsored by Trinity Health Of New England, along with UConn Health, Department Of Public Health, Wheeler Clinic, Harriott Home Health Services, Connecticut Health Association, NAHSE CT and many more.
Black Doctors Day will feature some of the area’s most notable Black Physicians and is. intended to inspire and engage young people from the Greater Hartford community to consider careers in healthcare. The day will be filled with motivational speakers, panel discussions, educational resources, and networking. There will also be interactive activities for children of all ages and a special guest appearance from Doc McStuffins.
Hartford Public Libraries (Multiple Locations)
Various dates
Learn about the African American heritage, notable figures, culture, art, science, and music using library resources and create a craft to take home with you.
Africa Is Me: Black History Month Edition
Stetson Library
Saturday, February 15, 2020, from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
African history lesson, drumming, dancing and crafts-Facilitated by Hanan Hameen.
Delaware (statewide)
The Language of Quilts: Harriet Tubman, Delaware, and the Underground Railroad
Claymont Public Library
Saturday, February 8, 2020, from 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Discover how secret messages in the form of quilt patterns helped slaves escape captivity before and during the Civil War. Includes an interactive participatory activity for children.
Bear Library
Sunday, February 23, 2020, from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Ashley Cloud of Quaker Hill Historic Preservation Foundation tells of Wilmington, Delaware’s pivotal role in Underground Railroad history. Discover how Quaker Hill’s Thomas Garrett assisted 3,000 Freedom Seekers alongside Harriet Tubman, William Still, and other UGRR luminaries. Ages 12 & Up.
Copeland Hall
Wednesday, February 26, 2020, @ 9:30 AM ; 12:00 PM
While the rhythms of rock and roll were shaking the social fabric of the country, in Montgomery, Alabama, a determined activist refused to give up her seat on a city bus. The resulting uproar launched the Civil Rights movement. Walk On: The Story of Rosa Parks weaves together music and drama to tell her story from childhood in rural Alabama to her famous decision to “sit down and be counted.” Recommended for children 9 & Up.
Virginia (statewide)
Via Virginia.org
Harriet Tubman And The Underground Railroad
The Children’s Theatre At Willow Lawn
Now till Sunday, March 1, 2020
Various performance times
Developed at Virginia Rep, this stirring drama with music shares in the joys, sorrows, and challenges Harriet Tubman faced while courageously freeing herself and hundreds of others from the bonds of slavery. As Harriet and her friend, Sarah Bradford, narrate her adventurous life, we get a closer look at this brave woman whose determination changed the world.
African American Read-In + Family Day
Piedmont Arts
Saturday, February 22, 2020, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Danville-based storyteller Fred Motley will perform at 11:30 am and 12:15 pm. A modern-day griot, Motley has traveled to festivals and other venues to teach African-American history, music, and dance for over 30 years. His performances will include classic folktales, songs, and stories from around the world. Community members will also read excerpts from books, stories, and poems by their favorite African American authors.
Attucks Theatre
Friday, February 28, 2020 – Saturday, February 29, 2020, various performance times
In honor of Black History Month, Ballet Virginia will be tapping into the diverse cultural roots of the Hampton Roads community. This series of dances will focus on the struggles, soul and spirituality of the African-American community with choreography by Ballet Virginia’s own Lydia Roberts Coco, a former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Principal Dancer.
Original new works of historical significance on the subjects of the Central Park Five, along with soulful music and dance. The message of the evening is one of unification and healing. By coming together and sharing our stories we hope to bring about understanding and empathy.
Central Pennsylvania Region
Via LancasterOnline.com & PennLive.com
Hershey Public Library
Sunday, February 16, 2020, @ 2:00 PM
Playing the black cowboy Nat Love, Rochel Garner Coleman treats the audience to the life and times of this ex-slave who joined thousands of others like him to explore and settle the West. Based on stories from Love’s autobiography, this one-man show was written by Rochel and underwent development at the Langston Hughes Center for the Arts in Seattle. From Love’s birth into slavery to his walk to freedom and how he won his name, the performance recreates that special period in American history that has captivated generations ever since. This Friends Children’s Program is suitable for children in grades K-5. Registration is not required, and everyone is welcome.
Family Day- Textiles and African Brilliance
Palmer Museum of Art
Saturday, February 22, 2020, from Noon -3:00 PM
Explore the woven, embroidered, and beaded textiles in African Brilliance and create your own raffia weaving. Don’t miss a performance at noon by the community ensemble group Roots of Life. Visitors to Family Day events at the Palmer can enjoy brief, family-friendly guided tours and art activities designed for all ages.
Lift Every Voice and Sing-A Concert of African American Composers
The Ware Center
Sunday, February 23, 2020, from 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
In honor of Black History month, this concert will feature songs, poetry and prose by 20th and 21st Century African American composers and authors often under-recognized by the general public, but who earned esteemed accolades including the Pulitzer Prize and the Guggenheim Fellowship. Featuring Helena Brown – soprano, Kristina Lewis – mezzo-soprano, Jordan Weatherston Pitts – tenor and Rocky Sellers – bass. This event is being presented by Penn Square Music Festival.
Greater Pittsburgh Area
Via WPXI News
Pittsburgh Negro League: Hall of Fame
The lobby of the City-County Building in downtown Pittsburgh
Now through Friday, February 28, 2020, From 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
The “Pittsburgh Negro League: Hall of Fame” will showcase Pittsburgh’s many Negro League Hall of Famers through the display of photos, artifacts, and memorabilia. The exhibit spotlighting individual players, teams and owners will include photos from Crown Antique & Collectibles and negroleaguehistory.com, reproductions of a dozen portraits by artist Graig Kreindler, books, cards, and other collectibles. The display also will include a continuous screening of the award-winning documentary “Kings of the Hill: Baseball’s Forgotten Men,” which spotlights the Pittsburgh Crawfords and Homestead Grays.
Black History Month Movie Night- “42”
Community Engagement Center in Homewood
Monday, February 10, 2020, from 5:30 PM-8:00 PM
Come and watch the biopic about one of the greatest baseball players of all time, Jackie Robinson. Notable stars are Chadwick Boseman (Jackie Robinson) and Harrison Ford (Branch Rickey). Calling all students, youth, and community members! In collaboration with the Community College of Allegheny County(CCAC) Homewood Brushton Center, we will be having a free screening of “42” in honor of Black History Month. Free Popcorn will be provided during the screening!
Anqwenique presents a Musical Performance Celebrating Black History Month
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Saturday, February 15, 2020, from 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Join musician Anqwenique and celebrate Black History Month with music and hands-on activities designed for your whole family. Children of all ages, teens, and adults are welcome to listen and participate in this very special program. Meanwhile, the event will take place in the North Wing Reading Room.
New Jersey (statewide)
Via MommyHoodCentral.com , NJMonthly.com
Black History Month Kickoff Celebration
Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion
Friday, February 7, 2020, from 5:30 PM-7:30 PM
Celebrate Black History Month at Ellarslie Museum. Be entertained by jazz, poetry, and art created by African American artists as we enjoy light refreshments.
Universal African Drum & Dance at the Garden State Discovery Museum
Garden State Discovery Museum
Saturday, February 8, 2020. from Noon- 2:00 PM
Universal African Drum & Dance Ensemble will deliver a powerful and electrifying performance at the Garden State Discovery Museum, including song, dance, and drum! Performances at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, included with general admission.
African American History at Historic New Bridge Landing
Sunday, February 9, 2020, from 1:00 PM- 5:00 PM
There will be two talks taking place in the Steuben House. At 1:15 pm Gary McGowan co-author of Breaking Ground, Breaking Silence will be giving a talk on Exploring Ethnicity through Archaeological Investigation, a study of the African burial ground in New York City and other archaeological sites. At 3 pm Dr. Evelyn McDowell president of the Sons and Daughters of the United State Middle Passage will be giving a presentation on The Cost of Ending Slavery in NJ: The Gradual Abolition Act of 1804.
Freedom Songs: The Music of Black History
North Plainfield Library
Wednesday, February 19, 2020, from 7:00 PM-7:45 PM
The performance includes work songs of the people who were enduring the bonds of slavery, Ragtime, Jazz, R&B, and the inspired spirituals of the Civil Rights movement. In addition meet incredible Americans like Scott Joplin, Billie Holiday, Little Richard, and more. Presented by Bright Star Touring Theatre.
