Washington,
DC Black History Month
Location: Various locations in Washington, DC
Time: Varies by location
Cost: Varies by performance
Overview
The celebration of Black History Month started in 1926 because an illustrious African American man by the name of Carter G. Woodson saw the need to record the history of his people. Until that time, there was no record of it.
Several institutions celebrate the history of the African-American community in Washington, DC. The Anacostia Museum, The National Portrait Gallery, The Museum of African American Art and others have planned special events for earmark this occasion.
Events
February 1-June 12
In Celebration of Black Men
Description: A quilt with the intent of preparing young black men for adulthood.
Location: Anacostia Museum
Time: During Museum hours
Cost: FREE
February 1-June 12
Self-Taught African American Artists
Description: A presentation of six celebrated artists.
Location: Anacostia Museum
Time: During Museum hours
Cost: FREE
February 5
The Language You Cry In
Description: A film about the links that African Americans retain to
their roots.
Location:
National
Museum of African Art
Time: 2pm
Cost: FREE
February 9, 16
Special Tour: African American Artists in the Collection
Description: A special tribute to the artists in the museum's permanent collection.
Location: Renwick Gallery
Time: 11am
Cost: FREE
February 12
Exploratory Post: African Americans on Stamps
Description: Come celebrate the lives of famous
African Americans featured on U.S. postage stamps. Read
stories and try your hand at activities highlighting art, music, and
history.
Location:
National Postal Museum
Time: 1pm - 3pm
Cost: FREE
February 12, 19
Word and Symbol in Contemporary African Art
Description: A public discussion that explores the issues
facing the African artists at the beginning of this new century
Location:
National
Museum of African Art
Time: 2pm
Cost: FREE
February 12
Sweet Chariot
Description: Part of the celebration of Black
History Month, this show combines stories and music in honor of the
heritage of African Americans.
Location:
National
Theatre
Time: 9:30am & 11am
Cost: Free
February 15
Bab el-Oued City
Description: Merzak Allouache’s award-winning drama.
Location:
National
Museum of African Art
Time: 7pm
Cost: FREE
February 18-19
James Carter Quintet: "Gardenias for Lady Day"
Description: The incredible saxophonist performs a
tribute to Billie Holiday, including "More Than You Know," and "Strange
Fruit."
Location:
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Time: 7:30pm & 9:30pm
Cost: $25
February 19
To Be a Drum
Description: Daddy Wes tells Mat and Martha about the
accomplishments of African Americans. Ages 4 to 8.
Location:
National
Museum of African Art
Time: 10:30am
Cost: FREE
February 22
Pop-Up Book Workshop
Description: Join artist Carol Burton and construct
your own "black community" pop-up book, for ages 9 and up. Part of the
Black History Month Program.
Location:
Anacostia
Museum
Time: 10:30am
Cost: FREE
February 26
Paul Laurence Dunbar: From Dawn to Sunset
Description: Presented by Bob Smith, portraying Dunbar
in this recital of the great African-American's poems.
Location:
National
Theatre
Time: 9:30am & 11am
Cost: FREE
February 26
Let's Read About Africa: To Be a Drum
Description: Presented in celebration of Black
History Month, this story time for ages 4 to 8 is based on the book
written by Evelyn Coleman. Bring a coffee can or other round box so you
can drum along.
Location:
National Museum of African Art
Time: 10:30am
Cost: FREE
February 26
African American Pioneers in Aviation
Description: A chance to meet local Tuskegee
Airmen, who discuss the history of the World War II fighter group that
pioneered the skies for African Americans. Also take part in the story
times for children ages 4-7, and try a hands-on activity.
Location:
National Air and Space Museum
Time: 10am - 3pm
Cost: FREE
Use Washington, D.C. kids and make Washington, D.C. fun for the kids...and you!