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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
FEB. 4 - 10, 2016 BH-1
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Five Docs to Kick Off Black History Month
Remember the Times through Film By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer @dreamersexpress Documentaries are a great source of information and entertainment especially for Black History Month – a time of reflection and celebration. Here are a
few time capsules put together on film to illustrate an era in American history where the Black experience reached momentous lows and historic highs. The Nine Lives of Marion Barry: Get an inside look into one of the District’s most beloved politicians even after sex, drugs and prison. Released in 2009, filmmaker Toby Oppenheimer follows the Ward 8 councilman during his run for reelection while getting insight from the man himself on his storied past. The Black Power Mixtape: From 1967 to 1975, Swedish journalists stationed in America documented through their own lens the Black Power movement.
The film features rare footage and interviews with the likes of Stokely Carmichael, Angela Da-
vis and Kathleen Cleaver. Released in 2011, it can currently be streamed on Netflix. 4 Little Girls: Produced by filmmaker Spike Lee in 1997, this riveting story gives context and background to the murders of four African-American girls attending Sunday school in Birmingham, Ala. in September of 1963. This feature went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for “Best Documentary.” Venus and Serena: Two sisters from Compton, Calif. have made tennis history while breaking glass ceilings. Follow their story from the beginning in Compton as they share the good, bad and the unpredictable. Now streaming on Netflix see how the Williams girls dominated the highly affluent sport paying the
ultimate price. Eyes on the Prize: The ever popular always relevant 14-hour documentary developed into a two-part series for PBS continues to be a teaching tool about the American Civil Rights Movement. The feature explore historic actions such as Brown v. Board of Education, the March on Selma and the Freedom Riders. Editor’s Note: Add one more must see film during Black History Month with the 10-episode miniseries, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, which premiered on television on the FX channel on Tuesday, Feb. 2. Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding, Jr. 48, tackles the role of the fallen gridiron legend, Simpson. WI
Informer Prepares for Visit to Baltimore 6th Annual Heritage Tour Continues a Tradition By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor It’s hard to believe that almost a year has passed since several busloads of District residents enjoyed a fact-filled motor-coach and walking tour to Annapolis to learn more about the many contributions Blacks have made to the historic Maryland city nestled along the Chesapeake Bay for more than 350 years. But once again, final plans are being made for the sixth annual Washington Informer African American Heritage Tour – switching the venue this year from Annapolis to Baltimore. The tour will depart from THEARC in Southeast on Saturday, Feb.13 at 8 a.m. Ron Burke, Washington Informer advertising and marketing director, said the tour’s importance rests in its goal of connecting the community to its culture. “We often take people to places right in their own backyards that have a rich history – a history that a lot of folks don’t know,” he said. “When we started the tour six years ago we wanted to help make those connections so that our community would learn more about our culture and the contributions we’ve made here in the Greater Washington Area. In addition, the tour allows our sponsors to interact at the grassroots level with people with whom they do business.” Empowerment Temple Church will be the first stop on the tour. As the day continues, eager history buffs will visit the Reginald Lewis Museum, the Great Blacks in Wax Museum, the Billie Holiday Monument and even follow the Baltimore Heritage Trail. Tour guides will be on hand to tell the story of life in Baltimore and how Blacks have long shaped that proud history. Washington Informer publisher, Denise Rolark Barnes, said today’s youth need even more opportunities to learn Black history. “The city of Baltimore has a lot to offer and with the racially-charged issues that residents there have recently faced and continue to face, we thought it particularly important to take our tour there,” she said. “When I was in school America was in the heat of the civil rights movement and children learned about Black history in classes and at home. That’s not the case anymore. In a sense, the Washington Informer fills in that blank for youth and adults and we do it 365 days a year,” Rolark Barnes added. WI
BH-2 FEB. 4 - 10, 2016
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
February 2016
Jurnee Smollett-Bell
Join us this February as we salute rising icons of African American culture at
Best known for her award-winning performance in The Great Debaters, and for her role on the critically acclaimed series, Friday Night Lights. Jurnee has appeared in numerous films and television shows, and her newest project, Underground, debuts on WGN America this spring!
MACY’S METRO CENTER WOMEN’S ON 3 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11 AT 5:30PM Join us “In Conversation” with JURNEE SMOLLETTBELL, BEVERLY BOND and EUNIQUE JONES GIBSON for an entertaining look at the next wave of African American cultural luminaries and taste makers! Then enjoy a special reception following the discussion
Beverly Bond Founder of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! this TV producer, writer and philanthropist not only works to empower youth, but has also been at the front lines of the changing cultural landscape.
where you’ll get a chance to meet our panelists and snap a photo with all of them!
Eunique Jones Gibson
RSVP and check out our exclusive content at
Social activist, photographer and mother, Eunique launched “Because Of Them We Can”, one of the most prolific and successful Black History campaigns of all time.
macys.com/celebrate
Event subject to change or cancellation. *Qualifying purchase must be made during the event. 50757_N6010343.indd 1
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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
1/25/16 4:54 PM
FEB. 4 - 10, 2016 BH-3
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Ballerina Misty Copeland Makes D.C. Appearance By Eve M. Ferguson WI Contributing Writer She came into town quietly with no fanfare or media alert. She came to play her part in her company’s production of “The Sleeping Beauty.” But the preponderance of young Black girls in the audience made it clear that this was not your usual performance by the American Ballet Theatre in Washington. It was a rare opportunity to see the great Misty Copeland dance. And while she didn’t appear until the final act of the three-act ballet, with iconic music by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky, the African-American community came out for the Sunday matinee, her last of three appearances at the Kennedy Center by the ABT, to support their ballerina. She didn’t disappoint gliding
and twirling effortlessly across the stage, hitting her signature unwavering and lengthy arabesques as Princess Florine in the Wedding Scene of the muchloved fairytale. Misty Copeland’s story is one that has endeared her to the entire nation. A young Black girl, living in a motel room with five siblings and a single mother, makes the grand leap to a place where her talent, excellence and discipline have paid off. Her sculptural, muscular physique landed her on the cover of Time magazine and Essence magazine last year. Then, on June 30th, the American Ballet Theatre promoted her to the role of principal dancer, making her the first African-American woman in the company’s 75-year history to ever hold that title. Her 2014 autobiography, “Life in Motion” has been optioned by
New Line films, and a documentary about her life, “A Ballerina’s Tale,” was released last fall. She also announced that she will team up with writer Tracy Oliver to create a drama about aspiring dancers. And that is not to even mention the ads she did for Under Armour, showing that a 5’2” woman can be as strong as a football player. “Every time I dance, I’m trying to prove myself to myself,” Copeland has said. “The way that dance came into my life was very unexpected. I was 13-years-old living in a motel with my single parent, my mother, and five of my siblings. I never thought I could make a career out of something I enjoyed doing, something that I was passionate about, something that gave me a voice.” But she has been able to make a career, and a mark in history, dancing classical ballet. She has
been more than generous sharing her story with little girls across the country, with children in Rwanda and with Americans who might not have any commonalities with her background or her struggles. “There’s just been a whole slew of African-American women who have just really pushed me and motivated me during those times that I didn’t know if I could do it,” Copeland said in her Time mini-documentary. “It’s important for me to set an example of what a healthy image is, what a ballerina can be – that she doesn’t have to be a White
woman that is real thin. That she can look like the world. I hope to see more diversity on the stage when I am 60-years-old watching from the audience.” The 33-year-old dancer, who was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and grew up in San Pedro, California, continues to inspire young audiences. And as they watched her, wide-eyed in rapt silence as she spun in her blueand-orange tutu, accompanied in her pas-de-deux by Gabe Stone Shayer, they hoped to become yet another Misty Copeland, now that the stunning dancer has flung open the doors for them to enter. She demonstrated to them with gracefulness and flair, that just like in a fairy tale, their dreams too, could come true. WI
G E T YO U R T I C K E T S N OW
90th ANNUAL ASALH Black History Luncheon & Featured Authors’ Event Saturday, February 20th, 2016
THE NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY THEME “Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories” Featured Authors Event*: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Luncheon 12:15 p.m.
Ke y n ot e Sp e ak e r D r. K a r s o nya W h i te h e a d
A s s o c i a te P ro f e s s o r o f A f r i c a n a n d A . A . S t u d i e s , L oyo l a U n i ve r s i t y, M D
Washington Renaissance Hotel 999 9th Street, NW | Washington, DC * book signing is free and open to the public
Mi s t re s s of C e re m o ny M s . A’ L e l i a B u n d l e s
G re a t G ra n d d a u g h te r o f M a d a m C . J . Wa l ke r Author and Journalist
TICKETS
General $100 | Silver $125 | Gold $150 | Platinum $300 Tables of 10 and Sponsorship Opportunities available
“Every time I dance, I’m trying to prove myself to myself.”
Come meet the authors! | Purchase tickets: asalh100.org/black-history-luncheon | 202.238.5910
BH-4 FEB. 4 - 10, 2016
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Kool & the Gang Still Waiting for Award What’s Holding Up Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? By Timothy Cox WI Contributing Writer BALTIMORE – More than 4,000 hardcore R&B fans filled the RamsHead Theater at the Maryland Live Casino in suburban Baltimore recently to witness the legendary sounds of Kool & The Gang. With more than 80-million records sold worldwide, one would casually assume that this successful band that spans six decades would have already been thrust into rock royalty – as members of the illustrious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Unfortunately, that’s not to be. And during a post-concert interview with bassist/bandleader Robert Earl “Kool” Bell, he confirmed that the 52-year-old band has yet to achieve hall-of-fame status. He also seemed a bit disappointed and unclear as to why his group has yet to achieve such an honor. The group’s original drummer, “Funky” George Brown, who also helped found the group in 1964 in their hometown of Jersey City, New Jersey, seems equally unclear and despondent as to why the band has yet to be so honored within the ranks. In October, the band was honored with its very first Hollywood Walk of Fame – an achievement that “Kool” Bell says is a very welcome honor. “After all, we wrote a song called “Hollywood Swingin’,” so, it’s sort of appropriate that we would achieve this honor,” he said. In 2015, the group was also honored with a Soul Train Legend Award while being inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Along with his brother and tenor saxophonist, Ronald “Kahalis” Bell, a 10-year-old Kool Bell, along with their parents, Bobby and Mabel Bell, moved from their original hometown of Youngstown, Ohio, to Jersey City, “I was 10 when we moved from Ohio,” Kool confirmed after the Maryland show, while reflecting on a popular inner-city attraction known as Idora Park. In the early 1960s, the James Brown Revue would perform at the Idora Park Ballroom. Incidentally, as native Ohioans, the Bell brothers are part of an esteemed Ohio R&B fraternity. Such groups include The Ohio Players, The Isley Brothers, The O’Jays, Lakeside, Zapp and Roger
Troutman, Bootsy Collins, Phelps “Catfish” Collins, Howard Hewitt (Shalamar), Bobby Womack, the Ingram brothers, James (Quincy Jones) and Philip (DeBarge), Ruby and the Romantics, Phillipe’ “Soul” Wynne (Spinners), MidnightStar, Heatwave, Faze-O, Dayton, and New Horizons featuring the Thomas brothers. During their 90-minute casino performance on Jan. 17, the Kool Gang provided a nonstop 18-song set list that featured a diverse selection of the plethora of hits that have made them extra hall-of-fame-worthy. Especially significant were “Ladies Night,” “Celebration,” “Reggae Dancin,” “Jungle Boogie,” and the syncopated funk-retro tune from their early years, “N.T.” Fortunately, the show was booked exactly one week ahead of the blizzard. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame lists the following criteria for induction: “To be eligible for induction as an artist (as a performer, composer, or musician) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the artist must have released a record, in the generally accepted sense of that phrase, at least 25 years prior to the year of induction; and have demonstrated unquestionable musical excellence. We shall consider factors such as an artist’s musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation and superiority in style and technique, but musical excellence shall be the essential qualification of induction.” Cecil Willingham, a longtime road manager for the band, noted that the group is “the most sampled band in R&B history,” topping even the Godfather of Soul James Brown. Willingham also said the group is currently “in talks” with hall of fame authorities and that an induction could possibly occur within the upcoming year. In an online video from 2013, group members visited the hall of fame facility, and following the tour, Kool Bell called the experience “beautiful,” adding, “We got to get up in here. They’ve got to show us some love.” Let’s hope Cleveland’s officials soon realize how much of an injustice that they are serving up by refusing to admit Kool and the Gang into the hall. WI
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5 Kool & the Gang’s original members are Dennis Thomas (from left), George Brown, Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald Bell.
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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
FEB. 4 - 10, 2016 BH-5
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The Black History Calendar is the brainchild of Mr. Black History, Charles “Chuck” Hicks and the DC Black History Celebration Committee which strives to recognize, celebrate and educate people about the contributions of African Americans in the arts, literature, politics and education not only in the U.S., but throughout the world.
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Black History Live With Culture Queen!
Story Hour at The African American Civil War Museum
Black History is World History and Culture Queen sure knows how to make it fantastically fun! http://www.pgcmls.info/website/event/1615242 PG County Memorial Library System - Spauldings Branch - 5811 Old Silver Hill Rd, District Heights MD - 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Is The Voting Rights Act of 1965 in Jeopardy?
Join us for an enlightening lecture by Jeffrey Rosen about the impact of the Court’s ruling on minority participation in the democratic process. http://dclibrary.org/node/51069 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library - Central Library - 901 G St., NW - 6:30 PM
Humanitini: National Symbol, City of Neighborhoods
Humanitini is an exciting happy hour featuring conversations with panels of academics, culture curators, musicians, or experts for lively conversation and intellectual debate. http://www.wdchumanities.org/humanities-programs/humanitini-happy-hour/ Busboys & Poets - 5th & K Streets, NW - 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Film & Discussion: Rosenwald: A Remarkable Story of a Jewish Partnership with African American Communities
This program is for our youngest visitors and illuminates the Civil War to Civil Rights. http://afroamcivilwar.org/index.php - RSVP to education@afroamcivilwar.org African American Civil War Museum - 1925 Vermont Ave, NW - 11 AM
Exhibit: Carnaval: Celebrations Of The African Diaspora
The artists interpret this theme using their media. You don’t have to be African American to exhibit. http://www.pepco.com/community-commitment/be-a-good-community-partner/Pepco Edison Place Gallery - 702 Eighth St., NW - 12 - 4 PM - Tuesday through Friday
Opening Reception: Carnaval: Celebrations Of The African Diaspora
http://www.pepco.com/community-commitment/be-a-good-community-partner/pepco-edison-placegallery/community-calendar/ Pepco Edison Place Gallery - 702 Eighth St., NW - 5 - 8 PM
Free Folger Friday: Crime Writers on Shakespeare
Join authors James DeVita and Quintin Peterson in conversation about their Shakespeare-inspired novels “A Winsome Murder” and “Guarding Shakespeare.” RSVP to http://www.folger.edu/events/free-folger-friday-crime-writers-shakespeare Folger Shakespear Library - 201 East Capitol St., SE - 6 PM
http://www.archivesfoundation.org/event National Archives - William G. McGowan Theater - Constitution Ave., NW - 7 PM
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Ben’s Chili Bowl DC Black History Classes
DC’s rich, extensive and diverse Black history is offered every Saturday morning free of charge. Ben’s Chili Bowl - 1213 U St., NW 10 AM - 12 PM
Get the Word Out and March!
A collection of guided family activities and story time will be provided to help young children understand themes of the Civil Rights movement. National Museum of American History - 1400 Constitution Ave., NW - 10 AM - 2 PM
African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space
Rock Creek Civil War Roundtable: Black History Month Salute Video Presentation: “Aunt Betty and Ft. Stevens” by Marvin Jones. Rock Creek Park Nature Center - 5200 Glover Road, NW - 9:30 AM
Exhibit: Narrative in Black Identity Public Reception
Antonio McAfee, Tiffany Jones and Stephen Towns share their insights about painting and photography. http://arts.pgparks.com/page66681.aspx Montpelier Arts Center - 9652 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel MD - 1 - 3 PM
Portrait Story Days: George Washington Carver
Listen to a story about inventor and botanist George Washington Carver, then complete an art project. http://npg.si.edu/event/currentevents.html National Portrait Gallery - 8th & F Streets, NW - Education Center, Room E151 - 1 - 4 PM
Enjoy presentations, hands-on activities, and the chance to meet astronauts, fighter pilots. http://airandspace.si.edu/events National Air and Space Museum - 600 Independence Ave., SW - 10 AM - 3 PM
Science in Early & Medieval Africa
Genealogy Basics
Author Talk and Book Signing: Amina Hassan presents “Loren Miller, Civil Rights Attorney and Journalist”
Learn how to start your family tree journey with this introductory genealogy clinic. RSVP at http://aacwmgenbasics.eventbrite.com African American Civil War Museum - 1925 Vermont Ave., NW - 11 AM - 12:30 PM
Frederick Douglass/Harriet Tubman: Parallel Lives From the Eastern Shore
http://www.pgcmls.info/website/event/1172670 South Bowie Branch - 15301 Hall Road, Bowie MD, 20721 - 2 PM
Dr. Amina Hassan presenting her biographical work: “Loren Miller, Civil Rights Attorney and Journalist”. http://www.sankofa.com/bookstorecafe/calendar/ Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - 2714 Georgia Ave, - 2 - 3:30 PM
Jamie Stiehm discusses how Frederick Douglass worked by day under the sun and Harriet Tubman worked by night under the stars. DC Public Library - Georgetown Library - 3260 R St., NW - 1 PM
Searching for your Civil War Ancestor
Author Talk and Book Signing: March: A Discussion Featuring Congressman John Lewis and co-author Andrew Aydin
“Haiti” Children’s Book, “The First Black Republic” with Frantz Derenoncourt, Jr.
http://nmaahc.si.edu/Events/calendar? National Museum of American History - 1400 Constitution Ave., NW - 2 - 4:30 PM
BH-6 FEB. 4 - 10, 2016
To RSVP at http://aacwmgenbasics.eventbrite.com African American Civil War Museum - 1925 Vermont Ave., NW - 2 - 3:30 PM Author Frantz Derenoncourt, Jr. will present his first children’s book on the Haitian Revolution. http://www.sankofa.com/bookstorecafe/calendar/ Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - 2714 Georgia Ave. - 4:30 - 6 PM
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH
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Exhibit: Quotable Quilts: Artwork Promoting Peace
This Open House event will have an emphasis on celebrating African American History and will feature an exhibition of quilts created by John Eaton Elementary School 4th graders. info. sumnerschool@dc.gov Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives - 1201 17th St., NW - 9 AM - 5 PM
Museum’s 30th Anniversary Year Open House Kick Off
ACM Twelve Years to Treasure Tour
Families sign up for a tour of the exhibition Twelve Years That Shook and Shaped Washington, 1963-1975. http://anacostia.si.edu/Events Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum - 1901 Fort Place SE, 1st Floor - 11 AM & 12 PM
Magical Mirrors Children’s Book Fair Event: Storytelling with Yasmin http://www.sankofa.com/bookstorecafe/magical-mirrors Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - 2714 Georgia Ave. - 9:30 AM
Open House event will have an emphasis on celebrating African American History. info. sumnerschool@dc.gov Charles SUmner School Museum and Archives - 1201 17th St., NW - 10 AM - 3 PM
Author Talk: “The Righteous Sin” - Book Launch w/ Author G.I. Berry http://www.sankofa.com/bookstorecafe/calendar/ Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - 2714 Georgia Ave. - 2 - 4 PM
Author Talk and Book Signing: Patsy Flectcher, Historically African American Leisure Destinations Author Patsy Fletcher discusses her new book. http://www.anacostia.si.edu/Events#/?i=2 Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum - 1901 Fort Place, SE - 2 - 4 PM
Portrait Story Days: George Washington Carver
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“Haiti” Children’s Book, “The First Black Republic” with Frantz Derenoncourt, Jr.
Listen to a story about inventor and botanist George Washington Carver. http://npg.si.edu/event/currentevents.html National Portrait Gallery - 8th & F Streets, NW - 2 - 5 PM Author Frantz Derenoncourt, Jr. will present his first children’s book on the Haitian Revolution http://www.sankofa.com/bookstorecafe/calendar/ Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - 2714 Georgia Ave. - 4:30 - 6 PM
Exhibit: Little Rock Nine—Selected Objects
The Museum presents “Little Rock Nine—Selected Objects” in its American Stories Exhibition Space, Feb. 8 through May. http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/heritage_month/index.html National Museum of American History - 1400 Constitution Ave., NW - 10 AM - 5:30 PM
Reading Ranger Program
Join National Park Service Rangers every Monday for a fun and educational story time and craft activity. Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site - 1318 Vermont Avenue, NW - 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Magical Mirrors Children’s Book Fair Event: Book signing & Reading w/ Cheryl Tilghman
Bring the little ones and explore the largest collection of African-American children’s books in DC! http://www.sankofa.com/bookstorecafe/magical-mirrors Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - 2714 Georgia Ave.
2/9 Through Lincoln’s Words: the Target Oratory Festival
Sudents from 3rd through 8th grade classrooms across the metro DC area perform a selection of his most historic speeches on the Ford’s Theatre stage. http://www.fords.org/event/through-lincolns-words Ford’s Theatre - 511 Tenth St., NW - February 9 and 10 - 10 AM - 12 PM
The Legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Rev. Dr. Calvin Morris, a contemporary of King, will preach at Oxnam Chapel. Lunch discussion will follow. www.wesleyseminary.edu Oxnam Chapel - 4500 Massachusetts Ave., NW - 11 AM
Magical Mirrors Children’s Book Fair Event: NSAA West African Dance Ensemble
The Social Life of DNA: Race, Reparations, and Reconciliation After the Genome Alondra Nelson
Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - 2714 Georgia Ave.
Dr. Amina Hassan discusses biography about Civil Rights Attorney Loren Miller
Join us with Amina Hassan, Ph.D. as she presents her new book, Loren Miller: Civil Rights Attorney and Journalist. http://dclibrary.org/node/51026 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library - Central Library - 901 G St., NW - 6:30 PM
Alondra Nelson speaks on how the double helix fits into contemporary social issues around race. Register at www.archivesfoundation.org/events/ National Archives - Constitution Ave., NW [between 7th & 9th St.] - 12 PM
Discussion: Being Black And...Educator
DC Legendary Musicians
www.wesleyseminary.edu Oxnam Chapel - 4500 Massachusetts Ave., NW - 5:15 - 6:15 PM
Ben’s Chili Bowl - 1213 U St., NW - 6:30 PM
Artist Talk: Rik Freeman
A Matter of Justice: Mass Incarceration and Its Effects on African American Families C. R. Gibbs will deliver a presentation from his African American History and Culture Series. Capitol View - 5001 Central Ave., SE - 7 PM
Artist Rik Freemandiscusses his residency in Brazil and the influence Afro-Luzon culture on his work. anacostialibrary@dc.gov Anacostia Neighborhood Library - 1800 Good Hope Road, SE - 6:30 - 8:30 PM
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The History of the Addison Family
The Long Emancipation: The Demise of Slavery in the United States
African American Dressmakers & Designers,1860-Present
Join us as Christian Addison discusses the history and legacy of his family. http://dclibrary.org/node/50860 Benning (Dorothy I. Height) Library - 3935 Benning Road, NE - 7 PM
Ira Berlin offers a framework for understanding slavery’s demise in the United States. Register at www.archivesfoundation.org/events/ National Archives - Constitution Ave., NW [between 7th & 9th St.] - 12 PM
Artist Talk: Jay Coleman
Jay Coleman discusses the impetus for painting his Mayor 4 Life mural of Marion Barry in Anacostia. Anacostia Neighborhood Library - 1800 Good Hope Road, SE - 6:30 - 8:30 PM
The Art of Face Painting with Corey Morgan
Face painter Corey Morgan will give a talk on this art form from an African American perspective. http://dclibrary.org/node/50684 Capitol View - 5001 Central Ave., SE - 6:30 PM
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http://www.pgcmls.info/website/event/1423671 Greenbelt Library - 11 Crescent Road, Greenbelt MD - 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Is It a Challenge Today to Discuss Race in America, Publicly?
Chris L. Jenkins, Assistant Local Editor at The Washington Post, will discuss the topic and barriers to racial dialogue. http://dclibrary.org/node/51086 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library - Central Library - 901 G St., NW - 6:30 PM
John Henrik Clark: High Priest of Black History Woodridge Library - 1790 Douglas St., NE - 7 PM
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
FEB. 4 - 10, 2016 BH-7
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
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Black History Live With Culture Queen!
FRINGE Music in the Library: Mind Over Matter Music Over Mind
Discussion: #BlackLivesMatter and How Dr. King’s Dream is Still Being Lived Today
http://www.sankofa.com/bookstorecafe/calendar Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - 2714 Georgia Ave. - 6 - 7 PM
Join Culture Queen, a Teaching Artist as she engages your children in motivating music, marvelous movement and super storytelling activities inspired by the Kings and Queens of Black History! http://www.pgcmls.info/website/event/1615243 Prince George’s County Memorial Library System - 9601 Capital Lane, Largo MD - 10:30 - 11:30 AM
The Rev. Heber Brown, III and the Rev. F. Willis Johnson will join the discussion. www.wesleyseminary.edu Wesley Theological Seminary - 4500 Massachusetts Ave., NW - 4 - 5 PM
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The Underground Railroad in Washington, DC
Historian C. R. Gibbs will deliver a presentation from his African American History and Culture Series. http://dclibrary.org/node/46342 Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library - 3935 Benning Road, NE - 7 PM
Author Talk and Book Signing: On Art and History: The Coming – A Conversation with author Daniel Black http://nmaahc.si.edu/Events/calendar? American Indian Museum - 4th St & Independence Ave., SW - 7 - 9 PM
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No Fear Book Signing with author Marsha Coleman Adebayo
DC film screening and discussion
The twenty-minute video, Landscape of Power: Freedom and Slavery in the Great Dismal Swamp. http://www.sankofa.com/bookstorecafe/calendar/ Church of Scientology Fraser Mansion - 1701 20th St., NW - 6 - 8 PM
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Black History Month Quilt Making
Quilt making in the African- American tradition by embarking on a 2-week quilt making experience. http://dclibrary.org/node/50886 Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Library - 115 Atlantic St., SW - 10 AM
Ben’s Chili Bowl DC Black History Classes Ben’s Chili Bowl - 1213 U St., NW - 10 AM - 12 PM
Artist Studio Tour
Portrait Story Days: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Listen to a story about Martin Luther King, Jr., then complete an art project. http://npg.si.edu/event/currentevents.html National Portrait Gallery - 8th & F Streets, NW - 1 - 4 PM
Princess Planet Craft Day
Make your own Valentine’s Day Cards with characters from Princess Planet. http://www.sankofa.com/bookstorecafe/calendar Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - 2714 Georgia Ave., - 2 - 3 PM
Black History Live With Culture Queen! @Expressions of a People Festival
Join Culture Queen as she engages your royal children in motivating music, movement and sustorytelling. http://www.culturekingdomkids.com Harmony Hall Regional Center - 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD - 2 PM, 3:15 PM & 5 PM
African American Men Sing Songs of Praise We are sponsoring this city-wide Black History event. http://www.culturekingdomkids.com
http://anacostia.si.edu/Events? Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum - 1901 Fort Place SE - 10 AM - 3 PM
Talk and Discussion: Community Organizing and Its Impact activism. http://anacostia.si.edu/Events#/?i=1 Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum - 1901 Fort Place, SE - 1 - 3 PM
Project Create’s Family Art Day with Culture Queen!
Culture Queen is featured at February’s Family/Art Day! http://projectcreatedc.org Project Create Studio - 2028 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE 2nd Floor - 1 - 4 PM
Like Men of War: Maryland & The U.S.Colored Troops in the Civil War http://www.pgcmls.info/website/event/1172672 South Bowie Branch - 15301 Hall Road, Bowie MD, 20721 - 2 PM
Michael W. Brookins and Friends in Concert
2/15
http://dclibrary.org/node/46377 Capitol View - 5001 Central Ave., SE - 2 PM
Film and Director Q&A: Fly By Light
Reading Ranger Program
Park Service Rangers every Monday for a fun and educational story time and craft activity. http://home.nps.gov/mamc/learn/historyculture/places.htm Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site - 1318 Vermont Ave., N.W. - 10:30 AM
2/16
Abstract Art Project
Children will be able to make their own art of bright patterns and shapes. http://dclibrary.org/node/51004 Rosedale Library - 1701 Gales St., NE - 4 PM
Discussion: Being Black And...Artist (Music)
www.wesleyseminary.edu Oxnam Chapel - 4500 Massachusetts Ave., NW - 5:15 - 6:15 PM
American Slavery As It Really Was: Voices of the Ancestors http://www.pgcmls.info/website/event/1423672 Greenbelt Library - 11 Crescent Road, Greenbelt MD - 7 - 8:30 PM
BH-8 FEB. 4 - 10, 2016
MOM², is an intrepid trio of improvising musicians each performance is an indescribable journey. http://dclibrary.org/node/51486 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library - Central Library - 901 G St., NW - 12 PM
http://anacostia.si.edu/Events#/?i=1 Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum - 1901 Fort Place, SE - 4:30 - 6 PM
23rd Black Love Relationship Ceremony, Peace and Love Summit The event features Music, Poetry, Videos and much more to heal relationship pain. info@AfricanAmericanHolidays.org
2/17
Film, Discussion, and Tour: Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution
http://www.anacostia.si.edu/Events#/?i=4 Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum - 1901 Fort Place, SE - 12 - 2 PM
Crime Prevention in the District of Columbia http://dclibrary.org/node/50685 Capitol View - 5001 Central Ave., SE - 6:30 PM
Black Explorers: 2300 BC To the Present http://dclibrary.org/node/51006
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH
2/18
2/20
Community and Collection Talk: The Spiral Collective
Annual Black History Month Featured Author’s Event
Thurgood Marshall Social Justice Resource Center Black History Lecture
Ben’s Chili Bowl DC Black History Classes
Poetry Open Mic Night At Annie’s Art Gallery
African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space
Josh Gorman gives an overview of the museum’s Spiral Collective exhibition then leads a tour and Q&A. http://www.anacostia.si.edu/Events#/?i=6 Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum - 1901 Fort Place SE - 10:30 - 11:30 AM http://tmcsh.org The Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage - 1816 12th St., NW - 6 - 9 PM
The monthly Open Mic Poetry Night is a family-friendly, free. www.Anniesartgallery.net
90th Annual ASALH Black History Month Luncheon & Featured Authors Event http://asalh100.org/authors-book-signing/ - https://www.facebook.com/ASALH.BlackHistory/ Renaissance Hotel - 999 Ninth St., NW - 10 AM - 12 PM DC’s rich, extensive and diverse Black history is offered every Saturday morning free of charge. Ben’s Chili Bowl - 1213 U St., NW - 10 AM - 12 PM
Annie’s Art Gallery - 5814 Allentown Way - 6 - 9 PM
Enjoy presentations, hands-on activities, and the chance to meet astronauts, fighter pilots. http://airandspace.si.edu/events/heritage-days/african-american/ National Air and Space Museum - Independence Avenue at 6th Street SW - 10 AM - 3 PM
Film & Discussion: Black Panthers: Vanguard Of The Revolution
Black History Live With Culture Queen! @ African American Family Festival Join Culture Queen as she engages your royal children in motivating music, movement and super storytelling activities inspired by the Kings and Queens of Black History! http://www.culturekingdomkids.com Deerfield Run Community Center - 30000 Laurel Bowie Rd, Laurel, MD - 11 - 11:45 AM
Film,Food & Conversation. https://bp-dc.eventbrite.com/ Busboys and Poets - 14th & V Sts, NW - 6:30 PM
Grand Theft Africa: The Original Scramble for the Black Continent
C. R. Gibbs will deliver a presentation from his African American History and Culture Series. http://dclibrary.org/node/46342 Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library - 3935 Benning Road, NE - 7 PM
SWERV Magazine Celebrates the Jan/Feb 2016 Issue
Exhibits Discussion: DISTRICT & Twelve Years that Shook and Shaped Washington: 1963-1975 http://www.dchistory.org/events/district-12yrs-panel/ Carnegie Library - 801 K St., NW - 12 - 2 PM
Annual Mardi Gras Family Festival
http://swervmagazine.com/events/ The Bachelors Mill - 1104 8th St., SE - 7 - 9 PM
Enjoy live entertainment, face painting, mask making, storytelling, coconut art, parasol painting and more! http://anacostia.si.edu/Events#/?i=2 Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum - 1901 Fort Place, SE - 12 - 4 PM
2/21
Portrait Story Days: Maya Angelou
Learn about author, poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, then complete an art project. http://npg.si.edu/event/currentevents.html National Portrait Gallery, Education Center - 8th & F Streets, NW - 2/20 @ 1 - 4 PM - 2/21 @ 2 - 5 PM
Artist Talk with Barbara Frank and Cynthia Bickley-Green
Join influential artists Barbara Frank and Cynthia Bickley-Green as they talk about their careers. http://anacostia.si.edu/Events#/?i=2 Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum - 1901 Fort Place, SE- 2 - 4 PM
African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space
Enjoy presentations, hands-on activities, and the chance to meet astronauts, fighter pilots. http://airandspace.si.edu/events/heritage-days/african-american/ National Air and Space Museum - Independence Avenue at 6th St., SW - 10 AM - 3 PM
Dr. John Henrik Clarke: High Priest of Black History
C. R. Gibbs, reveals the rich, but little known histories of African Americans and the African continent. http://www.pgcmls.info/website/event/1172669 South Bowie Branch - 15301 Hall Road, Bowie MD, 20721 - 2 PM
“The Greene Family Farm” Children’s Book with Author David Miller
Culture Queen’s Album Release & Music Video World Premiere Party
The Black Love Experience (Part Trois)
The Black Love Experience is a conglomerate of artistry and inventiveness geared towards natives, travelers, and fearless visionaries featuring performance artists, visual artists, independent creatives. blacklovedc.splashthat.com Anacostia Arts Center - 1231 Good Hope Road, SE - 7 - 11 PM
2/22
Join us for the release of Culture Queen’s first children’s album “I Like The Me I See!” RSVP at www.culturekingdomkids.com Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site - 1318 Vermont Ave., NW - 5 - 7 PM
This children’s book promises to be a wonderful experience for your child. http://www.sankofa.com/bookstorecafe/calendar/ Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - 2714 Georgia Ave. - 3 - 4 PM
Reading Ranger Program
Join National Park Service Rangers every Monday for a fun and educational story time. http://home.nps.gov/mamc/learn/historyculture/places.htm Carnegie Library - 801 K St., NW - 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Author: Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Award-winning author Dolen Perkins-Valdez will read from her latest novel. http://dclibrary.org/node/51521 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library - Central Library - 901 G St., NW - 6:30 PM
Science in Early and Medieval Africa
C. R. Gibbs will deliver a presentation from his African American History and Culture. http://dclibrary.org/node/46342 Capitol View - 5001 Central Ave., SE - 7 PM
A Literary Celebration with the Birmingham Jail Players Birmingham Jail Players will recite works by notable black authors. http://dclibrary.org/node/50705 Palisades Library - 4901 V St., NW - 7:30 PM
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
FEB. 4 - 10, 2016 BH-9
2/23
BLACK HISTORY MONTH Intelligence As A Career Path: A Black History Month After-School Program http://www.spymuseum.org/calendar - International Spy Museum - 800 F St., NW - 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Discussion: Being Black And...LGBT http://dclibrary.org/node/51521 Oxnam Chapel - 901 G St., NW - 5:15 - 6:15 PM
African American Teens in the Civil Rights Movement http://www.pgcmls.info/website/event/1423673 Greenbelt Library - 11 Crescent Road, Greenbelt MD - 7 - 8:30 PM
2/24 This Black History Month, Save Your Own History
In celebration of Black History Month, we invite families to attend this special presentation on preserving your history through personal archiving. Learn why personal archiving matters for Black History, and learn how to save: http://dclibrary.org/node/51569 Mt. Pleasant Library - 3160 16th St., NW - 6:30 PM
Panel Discussion: Black Georgetown Remembered
Black Georgetown Remembered chronicles and celebrates the rich but little-known history of the Georgetown black community from the colonial period to the present. Drawing on primary sources, including oral interviews with past and current residents and extensive research in church and historical society archives, the authors record the hopes, dreams, disappointments, and successes of a vibrant neighborhood as it persevered through slavery and segregation, war and peace, prosperity and depression. http://guevents.georgetown.edu/event/black_georgetown_remembered#.VpLm2jb8hfU Georgetown University - 37th and O St., N.W. - 7 - 9 PM
2/25 Thurgood Marshall Social Justice Resource Center Know the Law Series in Partnership with Coleman & Hearns http://tmcsh.org The Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage 1816 12th St., NW - 6 - 9 PM
2/27 Ben’s Chili Bowl DC Black History Classes
DC’s rich, extensive and diverse Black history is offered every Saturday morning free of charge. Ben’s Chili Bowl - 1213 U St., NW - 10 AM - 12 PM
Portrait Story Days: Langston Hughes
Listen to a story about Langston Hughes, influential poet and leader of the Harlem Renaissance, then complete an art project. http://npg.si.edu/event/currentevents.html National Portrait Gallery - 8th & F Streets, NW - 1 - 4 PM
Great Black Women
http://www.pgcmls.info/website/event/1172671 South Bowie Branch - 315301 Hall Road, Bowie MD, 20721 2 PM
Rhythm Cafe: The Life & Times of Sammy Davis Jr.
Local operatic talent Aaron Reeder will present the life and music of Sammy Davis, Jr. http://anacostia.si.edu/Events#/?i=2 Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum 1901 Fort Place, SE 2 - 4 PM
Son Little
Son Little makes his Millennium Stage debut, performing his distinctive genre-blending songs. http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/schedule. html?promotionno=217967 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 2700 F St., NW 6 PM
Film and Discussion: Ashes and Embers: A Screening and Discussion Featuring Ava DuVernay and Haile Gerima
http://nmaahc.si.edu/Events/calendar Natural History Museum - 10th St. & Constitution Ave., NW 7 - 9 PM
Behind the Scenes with Elizabeth Keckley
Lillian Garland will portray Elizabeth Keckley, a former enslaved woman who became a dressmaker and confidante of Mary Todd Lincoln. http://www.historicalfairfax.org/events Blenheim - 3610 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA - 2 PM
BH-10 FEB. 4 - 10, 2016
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
2/28 African Attire Day and “Taste of All Nations”
www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church - 2001 North Capitol St., N.E. - 11 AM
Black Inventions Party
Come in any day in the month of February, randomly choose an invention by an African American from our inventions bowl, and bring that invention or a photo of that invention to our Black Inventions party. http://dclibrary.org/node/51010 Woodridge Library - 1790 Douglas St., NE - 2 PM
Author Talk and Book Signing: Keith Clark: The Radical Fiction of Ann Petry
Ann Petry, American novelist, became the first black woman writer with book sales topping a million copies. http://anacostia.si.edu/Events#/?i=3 Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum - 1901 Fort Place, SE - 5 - 7 PM
Portrait Story Days: Langston Hughes
Listen to a story about Langston Hughes, influential poet and leader of the Harlem Renaissance, then complete an art project. http://npg.si.edu/event/currentevents.html National Portrait Gallery - 8th & F Streets, NW - 2 - 5 PM
60s African Liberation Movement
2/29
Bringing Together Conscious Afrikans Across Generations. This multi-generational community event is held every fourth Sunday. http://adinkrastudios.com Adrinka Cultural Arts Studio - 3808 34th Street, Mt. Rainier, MD - 2 - 6 PM
Reading Ranger Program
Join National Park Service Rangers every Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site for a fun and educational story time and craft activity. Reading Ranger programs are geared toward children under 5 years old and their caregivers. We hope you can join us for this celebration of individuality, diversity, and laughter. These events are free and are open to the public. All children must be accompanied by an adult. On-site parking for these events is limited. http://home.nps.gov/mamc/learn/historyculture/places.htm Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site 1318 Vermont Ave., NW - 4:30 - 5:30 PM
A Season of Remembrance: A Survey of African American Sacred Places and Spaces
In celebration of 2016 African American History Month, noted historian C. R. Gibbs will deliver a presentation from his African American History and Culture Series. http://dclibrary.org/node/46342 Capitol View - 5001 Central Ave., SE - 7 PM
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
FEB. 4 - 10, 2016 BH-11
BH-12 FEB. 4 - 10, 2016 CELE
HISTORY M BRATE BLACK
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ISSUE 24
IN PROFILES CE EXCELLEN
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
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