Celebrating Black History Month in Chocolate City
As February, the month that is dedicated to the celebration of black history comes to an end, it is not too late to attend the many events throughout DC that celebrates the rich history and culture of African Americans! Check out a few events that are happening in Chocolate City this week:
Tuesday, February 25
Twilight Tuesday – Black History Month Family Art Workshop Artist educator, Alma Robinson, will be leading this family friendly art workshop to celebrate Black History month. This program is a part of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum’s Twilight Tuesday’s series. More information
Wednesday, February 26
Black History Month – Environmental Justice: 2020 & Beyond join Black Millennials 4 Flint in partnership with other organizations to celebrate the legacy of environmental justice in the African American community. More information
Thursday, February 27
Black History Month Film Screening & Discussion of ‘What Happened 2 Chocolate City’ a documentary which examines how gentrification is changing black communities. The screening will take places at the Xfinity Store in Chinatown. More information
A Black History Month Closing Event located at Busboys & Poets presented by the DC Commissions of the Arts and Humanities and the DC Black History Month Celebration Committee. Admission is free and there will be a musical performance from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. More information
DC Professionals: Black History Month Social Mixer mingle at a Happy Hour and Networking event to celebrate Black History Month, hosted by the NSBE DC Professional Chapter and the National Black MBAs DC Chapter. More information
Friday, February 28
Black History Month Celebration Sip and Paint by Muse on U sip and paint at this creative experience with friends and family. More information
African American and Black Art History Tour at the Smithsonian attend an early evening guided art and history tour featuring both lesser-known and well-known works presented in the context of African American/Black history themes such as diaspora, slavery, the underground railroad, emancipation, the great migration, the Harlem renaissance, civil rights, black lives matter, and more. More information
Saturday, February 29
Black History Month Scavenger Hunt an interactive program to commemorate Black History Month held at the National Museum of African American History & Culture. All ages are welcome, and a prize will be awarded to the first-place group. More information
Sunday, March 1
Black History, Our History! Open Mic Event an open mic event located at Busboys & Poets. This event is presented by Bloom, Firstbase Inc., and Faithful Activity LLC. A percentage of the funds will go to the local homeless population.
Check out other places to visit to learn and celebrate Black History throughout the year!
The National Museum of African American History and Culture look out for events and exhibits. You will need several trips to see the entirety of this museum. The current exhibit is The African American Experience in World War I that closes June 14, 2020.
Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum check out the current exhibit, A Right to the City. This exhibit is located at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum and runs until April 20, 2020. This deep and heavy exhibit explores the history of six neighborhoods in the nation’s capital and the major battles that neighborhood residents fought for equal rights and protection against segregation and displacement from urban development since the mid-twentieth century.
Benjamin Banneker Memorial Park, a self-educated astronomer, farmer, mathematician, and urban planner that helped plan and survey Washington, DC among many other accomplishments.
U Street stroll through U street which was once known as “Black Broadway”, one of the nation’s earliest centers for African American art and culture. Places to visit include Howard Theatre, Lincoln Theatre, and Twin Jazz.
Blues Alley Jazz attend a live show at the nation’s oldest continuing jazz supper club.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
African American Civil War Memorial Museum
Also check out the African American Heritage Trail which consists of over 200 sites.