Enslavement began in North America when the White Lion landed in 1619 with Africans taken from Angola by English pirates and traded in Jamestown for supplies. The achievements of the descendants of those Africans have been nothing short of remarkable given their continued struggle for economic, political and social justice.
Black History Month is a memorialization of those who were enslaved, as well as a celebration of their descendants, whose resiliency and determination contributed to the creation and growth of the United States of America. This annual recognition was started by Carter G. Woodson, who founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in 1915. This year’s theme, as chosen by ASALH, is Black Health and Wellness. The Greenbelt Black History and Culture Committee added Finance, because one’s health and wellness are often determined by one’s financial reality.
See the Negro League Baseball Museum Exhibit Saturday, February 5 and Sunday, February 6 at Springhill Lake Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Artful Afternoon features Dr. Schroeder Cherry’s hands-on mixed media story books for all ages at the Community Center. Maryland is one of the few states that passed a Health Equity Law. Learn about the importance of using that law to maintain health and wellness on Thursday, February 10 at 7 p.m. from Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk. On Saturday, February 12, mobile buses, one from Luminis Health and the other from Kaiser Permanente, will offer free health screenings from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Beltway Plaza and in front of the Aquatic & Fitness Center. Marvin-Alonzo Greer will speak about foodways and medicines of enslaved people on Zoom on Saturday, February 19 starting at 2 p.m. Greenbelt’s own Derrick Faison will offer a virtual exercise class and nutrition information on February 19 at 3:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, February 15 and Tuesday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m., two panel discussions with local Black entrepreneurs will discuss business startup and how to maintain your business, while promoting generational wealth. Dr. Otis Williams from the Department of Counseling at Bowie State; Darren Stephenson of Greenbelt CARES; Rev. Ray Raysor of Constituent Services for County Council Chair Calvin Hawkins; Camille Butler, founder of the Journey to Happiness Sickle Cell Trait organization; and Crystal Beck, Luminis Health, will focus on self-care, Black women’s health, mental health challenges of youth and adults, the sickle cell trait and disability services on Saturday, February 26 at 2 p.m.
Delegates Nicole Williams and Alonzo Washington will share the history and impactful purpose of Black sororities and fraternities and entertaining cultural offerings via Zoom on Sunday, February 20 at 2 p.m.
On Monday, February 21 at 7 p.m. in collaboration with the Peace and Justice Coalition, the monthly Reel and Meal
presents A Passion for Justice, a film about Ida B. Wells Barnett, the pioneering journalist and anti-lynching crusader. Following the film, Nicki Mayo, the multimedia journalist who created Nicki Mayo News, LLC, will lead a discussion about Ida B. Wells Barnett.
All program and registration listings are available on Greenbelt Recreation’s website at greenbeltmd.gov, at facebook.com/greenbeltmdrecreation and the Greenbelt News Review website, greenbeltnewsreview.com.
The Greenbelt Black History and Culture Committee hope Greenbelt residents will learn and acknowledge Black American achievements through their support of these various enriching programs. To share in the celebration of Black History Month in Greenbelt, register promptly to improve your health and wellness as you exercise your mind and body. The Committee thanks Greenbelt Recreation for their continued assistance and support.
Lois Rosado is chair of the Greenbelt Black History and Culture Committee.