Black History Month
Celebrating African American Heritage 2012
Discovery Theater, Smithsonian’s Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr., S.W., Washington, D.C. www.discoverytheater.org. Box office: 202-633-8700 Single tickets can be purchased online through their website or www.residentassociates.org. You may also call the Resident Associates office at 202-633-3030.
Tales from Mother Africa, Thursday - Friday, February 2-3, 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m, Ripley Center, Smithsonian, for ages 3-8. Kenyan poet, singer, storyteller, and dancer Anna Mwalagho weaves old tales to inspire and delight young ears. Her interactive programs are one-of-kind experiences. Come laugh, dance, and sing together with this "Mama Africa."
How Old Is a Hero? Wednesday., February 22 and Friday, February 24 at 10:15 and 11:30, in the Warner Brothers Theater, American History Museum, National Mall, Washington DC. For ages 6-11. A chance to see one of their most popular touring shows! Meet Ernest Green of the Little Rock Nine, the first black student to graduate from an integrated high school; Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her bus seat before Rosa Parks; and Ruby Bridges, who won equal rights before she could read. Learn about their compelling experiences and be inspired by the courage and hope of our youngest citizens. The show also features moving archival Civil Rights recordings.
African American Heritage Film Series, Wednesdays, beginning February 1, 4-6 pm, Columbia Park Community Center, 1901 Kent Village Drive, Landover MD 20785. Free for all ages. Come every Wednesday in February as they highlight the lives of African Americans throughout history. Families will receive a word search, crossword puzzle and even get a coloring sheet to help them remember who they learned about. It will be a fun learning experience for all. No one under the age of 9 will be permitted without a parent or adult guardian. For more information call 301-341-3749 or see www.pgparks.com.
The QUIZZZ, Friday, February 3, 7-9 pm, Vansville Community Center, 6813 Ammendale Road, Beltsville MD 20705. Free, for ages 10 and up. Get ready to test your knowledge of black history on Vansville’s NEWgame show, “The QUIZZZ!” This quiz game challenges you mentally and pushes participants to complete physical feats. Prizes will be awarded to the QUIZZZ champion. For more information call 301-937-6621 or see www.pgparks.com.
Nimbaya! Women Master Drummers of Guinea, Saturday, February 4, 8 pm, Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly MD 20784. For all ages. Formerly called “Amazones,” the world famous women’s drum and dance company returns on their first US tour in several years. These talented, brave women break ancient traditions by playing the instruments, singing the songs, and doing the dances, that for centuries, were only performed by men, and doing it better than the men! Their energy driven performances have won international awards and made them role models throughout Africa for women trying break through age-old social barriers to independence and economic freedom Tickets are $20/person, $15/seniors, students & DancePass. For more information call 310-277-1710 or see www.pgparks.com
A Walk in Father Henson’s Footsteps, Saturdays, February 4, 11, and 18 between 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm. and on Saturday, February 25 tours will be offered between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm with a poetry reading from 3-4pm, at Josiah Henson Special Park, 11420 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda MD. Learn about the extraordinary life of Reverend Josiah Henson, whose autobiography inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe’s famous novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, during free guided tours of the Josiah Henson Special Park. Visitors will also retrace the footsteps of Reverend Henson from enslavement to escape on the Underground Railroad to freedom in Canada, and walk the grounds where Henson toiled as a slave on the Isaac Riley plantation. On Saturday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm will be a special poetry event, “Lyrical Rhythms: The Sounds of Freedom.” Poets are invited to create their own "sounds of freedom" in the form of original poetry focused on topics related to the African American experience. During the event, poets will read their original works. A reception with light refreshments will immediately follow. For more information see www.JosiahHensonSite.org or call 301-650-4373.
Black Historic Site Tour, Saturdays, February 4, 11, 18 & 25, 12 noon-3 pm, Palmer Park Community Center, 7720 Barlowe Road, Landover MD 20785 For ages 5 and up. Take a journey to more than 17 local black historic sites. Visit the former home of Booker T. Washington’s daughter, the former home of Doswell Brooks (the first black superintendent of Prince George’s County black schools), Chapel Oaks Fire Station (one of the first, all-black fire companies in the US), and two Rosenwald schools - The Ridgely School and Highland Park Elementary School. The tour begins with a light brunch and features a short descriptive narrative of each site. Tickets are $20 for PG County residents and $24 for non-residents. For more information call 301-773-5665 or see www.pgparks.com
Black History Month Family Day, Saturday, February 4, 11:30am – 3pm, American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard, 8th and F Streets, NW Washington, DC Celebrate the start of Black History Month with a day of craft activities and live music for the whole family. Come for a day of music, dance, a special tour of the related exhibition, and hands-on activities. Included are Family books, Silhouette making, Contemporary pop art cereal box collage workshop (free gift for participants) , Photo booth, Artlab+ teens conduct interviews (Portrait Gallery Education Center) and Book signing. For more information see www.si.edu.
History of Hip-Hop, Tuesday, February 7, 10:15 am & 12 noon, Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly 20784 For all ages. Illstyle & Peace Productions, Philadelphia’s young multicultural hip-hop dance company, travels worldwide bringing a positive message of individual expression. They present the history of hip- hop with jaw-dropping dance, audience participation and a compelling Q&A session. Tickets are $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more. Call 301-277-1710 or see www.pgparks.com.
Smithsonian Associates Discovery Theatre: The Greatest Stories Never Told: How Old is a Hero? Young People of the Civil Rights Movement, Wednesday, February 8, 12:30-1:30 pm, Glassmanor Community Center, 1101 Marcy Avenue, Oxon Hill MD 20745. Free, for all ages. This inspiring play features African American heroes of the twentieth century. Explore the power of youth and meet three courageous heroes who helped shape history during the civil rights movement. Hear the compelling experiences of Ernest Green (the first black student to graduate from an intergrated high school), Claudette Colvin (who months before Rosa Parks, refused to give up her seat on the bus), and six-year old Ruby Bridges (who won equal rights before she could read.). For more information call 301-567-6033 or see www.pgparks.com
The Satchel Paige Story, Thursday, February 9, 10:15 am & 12 noon, Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly MD 20784 Recommended for grades 3-12. Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s ArtReach touring company presents an engrossing performance about the man who legends claim could throw a ball so fast that it would disappear into thin air before it ever reached the catcher’s mitt. His pro career began in the Negro Leagues in 1926, and he joined the Major Leagues in 1948. Along the way, he effected major changes in the history of sports and government. Tickets are $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more. For more information call 301-277-1710 or see www.pgparks.com
Capoeira Angola, Saturday, February 11, 2-3:30 pm, Bladensburg Community Center, 4500 57th Avenue, Bladensburg MD 20710. Free, for all ages. Learn about the African roots of the Capoeira art form that combines dance movements, acrobatics, fighting moves, music, history and philosophy. Call 301-277-2124 or see www.pgparks.com
Family Day: African American Pioneers in Aviation, Saturday, February 11, 10am – 3pm, National Air and Space Museum, National Mall, Washington DC. Throughout the museum. Free. Repeats February 25 at the Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly VA. Learn about the accomplishments of African American aviation pioneers of the past and present. Meet a distinguished panel of local Tuskegee Airmen, who will discuss their struggles and the history of the African American World War II fighter group. Enjoy hands-on activities, book signings, and appearances by current scientists, pilots, and engineers in aerospace. For more information see www.nasm.si.edu
Tuskegee Airmen, Saturday, February 11, 2 pm, College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park MD 20740. For all ages. Stop by the museum and meet a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military aviators in the United States Armed Services during World War II. Learn about the history of the group and about the current Tuskegee Airmen organization. FREE with museum admission: $4/adult; $3/seniors ages 60 & up; $2/ages 18 & under. For more information call 301-864-6029 or see www.pgparks.com
The Evolution of African American Hair, Saturday, February 11, 10 am, Rollingcrest-Chillum Community Center, 6120 Sargent Road, Chillum MD 20782. Free, for all ages. Did you know that in the 1800s, African slave women in America had to fix their hair with butter, bacon grease, and the carding combs of sheep? So much history is woven into the traditions of African American hair, and much is to be learned about how it shaped the culture of the black community. Registration is required by February 8. For more information call 301-853-2005 or see www.pgparks.com
Expressions of a People, Sunday, February 12, 1 – 6 pm, Arts/Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Road, Ft. Washington MD 20744 For all ages. You’re invited to a FREE Black History celebration featuring musical performances, children’s activities, workshops, and entertainment for the entire family. Past performers at this popular event have included gospel singer Robert Pearson, The Oxon Hill High School Gospel Choir, Baba Jamal Koram, The Smooth & EZ Hand Dance Performance Troupe, a cappella singing group Nu Era, and storyteller Very Oye Yaa-Anna Auntie Oye. Children will enjoy mask-making, face painting and a caricaturist. Call 301-203-6070 or see www.pgparks.com
Soul in Motion Ensemble, February 12 at 3pm at the Twinbrook Library, 202 Meadow Hall Drive, Rockville MD 20851 and on February 19 at 3pm at the Germantown Public Library, 19840 Century Blvd, Germantown, MD 20874. “Reflecting Africa” Program highlights rhythms, dances and folklore songs inspired by the West African culture of Guinea. The ensemble will perform on the following traditional instruments: djembes, djundjuns and shekeres. For more information see www.visitmontgomery.com
African Heritage Family Affair, Monday, February 13, 6-8 pm, Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover MD 20785. For all ages. Come for a fun, family night celebrating the ethnicities of Africa. Enjoy music, dancing, mask making, beading and storytelling. Admission is $3/ages 4 & up, FREE/ages 3 & under. Call 301-583-2582 or see www.pgparks.com
GEICO Gecko Series: Rosa’s Ride, Wednesday, February 15, 10:15 am & 12 noon, Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly 20784 Recommended for grades 2-8. Using jazz, blues and gospel music and drama, Flying Ship Productions from New York creates a powerful theatrical experience that follows the struggles of a young girl through the indignities of prejudice, as she gains the strength of conviction to work for basic human rights. Rosa’s simple act of civil disobedience of sitting on a bus gave birth to the civil rights movement, eventually becoming secretary of the NAACP. Tickets are $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more. To make it easier for Prince George’s County Title I schools to have the cultural experience of attending professional theatre productions, GEICO is providing FREE tickets for a series of five wonderful, educational musicals. Call for more information, 301-277-1710 or see www.pgparks.com
Smithsonian Associates Discovery Theatre: "The Greatest Stories Never Told: How Old is a Hero? Young People of the Civil Rights Movement", Wednesday, February 15, 10:30 am, Arts/Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Road, Ft. Washington MD 20744. For all ages. This inspiring play, created for the nation's Museum on the Mall, features African American heroes of the twentieth century. Explore the power of youth and meet three courageous heroes who helped shape history during the civil rights movement. Hear the compelling experiences of Ernest Green (the first black student to graduate from an integrated high school), Claudette Colvin (who, months before Rosa Parks, refused to give up her seat on the bus), and six-year old Ruby Bridges (who won equal rights before she could read). Tickets are $5 each. Call 301-203-6070. For mofe information see www.pgparks.com
Family Night, Thursday, February 16, 6-9 pm, Deerfield Run Community Center, 13000 Laurel-Bowie Road, Laurel MD 20708. Free, for all ages. Celebrate Black History Month! Bring the whole family and learn about African cultures through games, mask making and a movie. For more information call 301-953-7882 or see www.pgparks.com
African Dance and Drum Performance, Friday, February 17, 5 pm, Beltsville Community Center, 3900 Sellman Road, Beltsville MD 20705. Free, for all ages. Since the beginning of human history, dances have been used to tell stories, express and communicate emotions, and bring individuals and communities together. In Africa, life’s vitality, simplicities, and complexities are expressed through this art form. Come for century old tribal tales, inspiring songs and traditional dance. Audience participation is strongly encouraged! For more information call 301-937-6613 or see www.pgparks.com
Black History Gospel Tribute and Bazaar, Saturday, February 18, 3-6:30 pm, William Beanes Community Center, 5108 Dianna Drive, Suitland MD 20746. Free, for all ages. Pay tribute to black history through music, poetry, sports and dance. This event features Negro League baseball player Luther “Luke” Atkinson, and a wide assortment of Negro League memorabilia. Vendors will be on site selling an assortment of jewelry, clothing, African art, fragrances and more. Doors open for the bazaar at 3 pm. Gospel tribute is from 4-6:30 pm. For more information call 301-568-7719 or see www.pgparks.com
African American History Month Family Day, Saturday, February 18, 12 – 3pm, Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Ave., NE Washington, DC. Free. Discover the struggles and achievements of African Americans in the postal service with family activities. Design a stamp honoring your heritage hero and sort mail in the Railway Post Office. For more information see http://si.edu/Museums/postal-museum.
African American Amazing Race, Saturday, February 18, 12 noon-4 pm, Good Luck Community Center, 8601 Good Luck Road, Lanham MD 20706. For all ages (Children 9 & under must be accompanied by an adult.) Come one, come all and compete in a scavenger hunt that will educate and get your adrenaline going! Be the first to visit select African American heritage sites in the county using clues provided, and collect specific items to bring back to the judges. To participate, you will need transportation, a team of two or more persons, and a digital camera. Prizes and refreshments will be available at the finish line. Registration is required by February 11. Fee is $10 per team for PG County residents and $12 per team for non-residents. For more information call 301-552-1093 or see www.pgparks.com
High School Step Show Challenge, Saturday, February 18, 7-10 pm, Bowie Community Center, 3209 Stonybrook Drive, Bowie MD 20715 Experience the true essence of stepping at the 3rd Annual Black History Month High School Step Show Competition! This year’s theme is Kujichagulia, which means self-determination and is the second principle of Kwanzaa. Fee is $10/ages 14 & up; $5/ages 13 & under. For more information call 301-464-1737 or see www.pgparks.com
Frederick Douglass, Wednesday, February 22, 10:15 am & 12 noon, Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly MD 20784 Recommended for grades 3 and up. Bright Star Theatre of North Carolina presents the leader of the abolition movement, and one of our nation’s most vibrant figures. From his escape from a Maryland plantation to his days as a newspaper publisher and his role as a presidential advisor, Douglass promoted education as the key to success, always bravely fighting to make America a better place for all. Tickets are $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more. For more information call 301-277-1710 or see www.pgparks.com
Baba Jamal Koram, the Story Man, Thursday, February 23, 4 pm, Berwyn Heights Community Center, 6200 Pontiac Street, Berwyn Heights MD 20740. For ages 6-12, free. Master storyteller Baba Jamal brings storytelling alive with history, humor, music, and teachings of African American cultures. Blending contemporary and traditional storytelling techniques with drumming and call-and-response wit and wisdom, his stories encourage children to make intelligent choices and improve their character. For more information call 301-345-2808 or see www.pgparks.com
Harlem Nights, Friday, February 24, 7-9 pm, Vansville Community Center, 6813 Ammendale Road, Beltsville MD 20705. Free, for all ages. The spirit of the Harlem Renaissance comes alive with a showcase of performances including acting, dancing, poetry and live music! At the conclusion of the showcase, they’ll open the stage for a talent show. Auditions for the showcase will be held on Friday, February 17 and Saturday, February 18. Call for audition times, 301-937-6621. For more information see www.pgparks.com
African American Family Day Festival, Saturday, February 25, 9 am-4 pm, Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover MD 20785. For all ages. Free admission. Enjoy African dance classes, workshops, performances, storytellers and more! Vendors will be on site selling a variety of reasonably-priced items. For more information call 301-583-2582 or see www.pgparks.com
Free African American Family Festival: Carnivale of Cultures, Saturday, February 25, 10am – 4pm, The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Celebrate the African influence on cultures from Cuba to Brazil and beyond! Join us as we explore the rich diversity of art, music and dance of African Latin Americans. Learn about poets, artists and heroes of Latin American and African American history. Create your own colorful artwork and discover local Afro-Latin communities. Learn a few new dance steps and be amazed by exciting performances all day! Come early for a special giveaway. Visit the special exhibition, Exploring Art of the Ancient Americas: The John Bourne Collection Gift, for FREE today. Contact (410) 547-9000, ext. 300 or www.thewalters.org for more information.
Celebrating the African American Dancer, Saturday, February 25, 3-5 pm, Patuxent Community Center, 4410 Bishopmill Drive, Upper Marlboro MD 20772 and Upper Marlboro Community Center, 5400 Marlboro Race Track Road, Upper Marlboro MD 20772. For all ages. Come pay special tribute to the African American dancers of the past and present. The afternoon includes an African dance performance, craft project, music and dancing. Fee is $5 for PG County resident and $6 for non-resident. For more information call 301-780-7577 or see www.pgparks.com
Harriet Tubman – Meet the Amazing Woman, Saturday, February 25, 4 pm, Surratt House Museum, 9118 Brandywine Road, Clinton MD 20735. For all ages. Free. Known as the “Moses of Her People,” Harriet Tubman led slaves to freedom, served as both spy and scout for the Union during the Civil War, and was a nurse for fugitive slaves. Join Gwendolyn Briley-Strand as she discusses the life of this remarkable woman. Very limited seating on first-come basis. One show only! For more information call 301-868-1121 or see www.pgparks.com
PRAISE! Sunday, February 26, 4 pm, Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly MD 20784. For all ages. The popular annual liturgical dance festival features performances by several exceptional dance troupes from area churches including the exceptional gospel singer Cora Harvey Armstrong of Richmond. Tickets are $12/person, $10/person in groups of 15 or more, seniors & students. For more information call 301-277-1710 or see www.pgparks.com
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