The theme for this year’s Black History Month programs is African Americans and the Arts. Black Americans, Caribbeans and Africans have contributed to fashion, literature, spoken word, dance, visual and performing arts, painting/fine arts, architecture, music and many other artistic forms that have influenced America and preserved cultural traditions through the arts. This year, in collaboration with other Greenbelt organizations, a variety of programs are being presented to enlighten and entertain residents during this historical anniversary month. Black history is examined, discussed and celebrated 365 days a year. February is considered the anniversary month, by this writer, and an acknowledgement of Carter G. Woodson’s goal of advancing knowledge about the contributions Americans from the African diaspora have made to American society, culture and history.
Programs organized by the Greenbelt Black History and Culture Committee are dedicated to the memory of Ricardo “Ric” Gordon, a valued member of our committee and beloved city council member.
Thursday, February 1 – City Art Exhibitions: The Greenbelt Black History and Culture Committee will host an art exhibition curated by Shaymar Higgs, founder of The SPACE, at the New Deal Café, located at 113 Roosevelt Center.
An exhibit of Uhuru Quilts and fashion by Venue Staton, curated by Nicole DeWald, will be displayed at the Community Center, 15 Crescent Road.
Sunday, February 4 – Opening Art Reception and Artists’ Market will be held at the New Deal Café from 1 to 3 p.m.
Sunday, February 4 – Artful Afternoon: Create no-sew quilt block wall art with Karen
Arrington, artist in residence. This activity will take place on the Community Center Ground Floor East space. Sign up for one of the two seatings, 1 to 2 p.m. or 2 to 3 p.m. Reserve enough “slots” for everyone, even if working together. Learn more and sign up to register at bit.ly/3RH2cgP. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows.
Saturday, February 10 – Health Screening: The Kaiser Permanente mobile bus will provide free health screenings and flu shots at Beltway Plaza, near the TJ Maxx entrance, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, February 10 – A Collage Art family activity will be held at The SPACE – Second floor at Beltway Plaza, from noon to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, February 14 – at their weekly meeting at the Community Center in Room 201, at 11 a.m., the Golden Age Club will host FREED (Female Re-Enactors of Distinction).
Sunday, February 18 – Black History Month Cultural Program emphasizes youth and features Nana Malaya in The Dancing Diplomat; spoken word artists Jefe of Greenbelt and Whiskey Girl, a mental health advocate; Kalen Wright will salute 50 years of hip-hop through his award-winning dance performance; Eleanor Roosevelt High School students will entertain with Jazz music; and De’Jah Taylor from the Suitland High School Performing Arts department will engage the audience through an interpretive dance selection. This program will be held at the Community Center gymnasium, 15 Crescent Road, at 2 p.m.
Monday, February 19 – The Peace and Justice Coalition’s monthly Reel and Meal program will show the documentary, Invented Before You Were Born, at the New Deal Café, at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 24 – The Greenbelt Reparations Commission presents Exploring Black History in Prince George’s County and Greenbelt, featuring Megan Searing Young, director of the Greenbelt Museum, and Artura Jackson, historian for the Black History Program of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The program will be held in the auditorium-ground floor at the Greenbelt Library, 11 Crescent Road, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Come out and view the art exhibitions and support the various programs presented by Greenbelt organizations as we observe Black History Month. All programs are free and sponsored by the Greenbelt Recreation Department, RUAK, The SPACE, Beltway Plaza, the New Deal Café and the Greenbelt Black History and Culture Committee.
