Celebrate the Last Week of Black History Month with These Events
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is wrapping up its lineup of Black History Month festivities with an event focused on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Known as “A Stone of Hope: The Little-Known Writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr,” the event celebrates the activist by shining a light on the lesser-known writings and speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Actor, narrator, orator, writer and social commentator, Keith Snipes, will lead the occasion as the writings will be sung and recited as poetry.
It will be held at the Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex on Feb. 27 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will cost $5 per person with kids 12 and under entering free.
Here are some other events to celebrate Black History Month before February ends:
Black Bodies, Part II: Race Norming in the NFL (Virtual): This virtual event by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the nonprofit organization that helped create Black History Month, focuses on this year’s theme, health and wellness. The discussion will revolve around the health and wellness of Black athletes in the NFL, including topics such as mental health and race norming. It will be led by now-retired players and medical experts in the sports medicine field.
The event will be held virtually on Feb. 27 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and will cost $65 to attend.
Black History Month Concert (New York City): Held by the Brooklyn Public Library and sponsored by the American Opera Project, the concert will feature classical performances by the Harlem Chamber Players. They’ll honor both the important Black composers of the 20th century and the Black modern composers making waves today. The setlist includes “Lyric Quartette” by William Grant Still, one of the most impactful musicians during the Harlem Renaissance as well “Strum” and “Three Movements” by modern composers Jessie Montgomery and Nkeiru Okoye.
The event is free and will be held on Feb. 27 from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Celebrating Black Women in Business (Virtual): Hustle + Charm, a Black-led company dedicated to helping women get into business, is holding an online event to honor Black women who have become entrepreneurs. Through empowerment, the celebration also aims to encourage the Black women who are hesitant about starting their own businesses. The event will revolve around a discussion with therapist and creator of Level Up Therapy Practice Shanise Burgher as well as creators of NOIR Professionals, Oyíndàmólá Áláká and Akosua Tiwaah Bonsu.
The women will discuss their experiences and answer questions in the free virtual event on Feb. 27 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Harriet Tubman, An Introductory Timeline (Philadelphia): Held by the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, otherwise known as OACCE, the exhibit focuses on Harriet Tubman’s lifelong achievements.
The event teaches attendees about Tubman’s birth, her work in the Underground Railroad and her role in the women’s suffrage movement. Attendees will also be given information about other ways to honor her during Black History Month such as visiting the Harriet Tubman, Journey to Freedom sculpture that will be moving from city to city after leaving the City Hall in Philadelphia.
The display will be available throughout March at City Hall for free.
Black Joy Parade (California): Taking place in downtown Oakland, the parade will celebrate the Black community with marching bands, dances and floats. Drinks and food from Black-owned vendors will be available to buy from. The organizers of the parade will also be holding a competition amongst the people involved in the procession. The winners of “Best Ride,” “Best Outfit,” “Best Choreography” and “Best in Flow Overall” will be given grants worth $2,500.
The event will be an all-day event from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is free to attend.
