A Guide for Black History Month Events in Montgomery County

February offers many ways to honor Black History Month.

Much like last year, organizations in the county plan to host programs and events commemorating both the history and the prominent role of African Americans in the community.

Below are some of the various events that will take place during Black History Month throughout Montgomery County:

“Family Day: Black History Month” at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park (Feb. 8, 12-3 p.m.)

This family-friendly event will include hands-on activities for children to learn about and celebrate the culture and history of African Americans.

Event is for ages 6 and up. Tickets cost $5 for children, $7 for adults. Register here. 

 

Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park | Montgomery Parks

 

“Portrayal of Josiah Henson by Kelvin Fowler” at Sandy Spring Slave Museum (Feb. 8, noon)”

Kelvin Fowler will portray Josiah Henson, an enslaved person from Rockville in Montgomery County who escaped and found freedom in Ontario, Canada. He would later become an author, abolitionist, and minister.

Tickets cost $10. Purchase here<. 

 

“River Road, Bethesda: A Short History of Black and White 1850-1963″ at Chevy Chase Library (Feb. 8, 2-4 p.m.) 

A flourishing African American community once lived in the commercial section of River Road, Bethesda. In a special presentation by L. Paige Whitley, from the Montgomery County Historical Society, she will highlight the history of the community from before the Civil War to after Desegregation.  

Click here for more information.  

 

“Black History at the Museum” at Gaithersburg Community Museum (Feb. 15, 10 a.m.) 

Join the Gaithersburg Community Museum as they show the documentary “The Quince Orchard Project” showcasing the memorable Quince Orchard community. Kisha Davis, who was involved in the making of the movie, will be there to answer questions.

Click here for more information.

 

“Segregated Schools in Montgomery County 1866-1961″ at Sandy Spring Slave Museum (Feb. 15, 12-1:30 p.m.) 

The presentation will highlight the history of education for African American children in Montgomery County, followed by a panel discussion.

Tickets cost $10. Purchase here.  

 

Sandy Spring Slave Museum and African Art Gallery | Sandy Spring Slave Museum

 

“Tracking the Footprints of Black Elected and Appointed Officials Voting Paths” at Kensington Park Library (Feb. 15, 1-2 p.m.)  

Anita Neal Powell, president of the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation and Leroy E. Neal African American Research Center, will discuss the role of African Americans in politics. The presentation will also look into the black voting rights movement and its path towards equality. 

Click here for more information.  

 

“Thurgood Marshall: A Trail-Blazing Civil Rights Victory in Montgomery County” at White Oak Library (Feb. 15, 2 p.m.) 

Thurgood Marshall, civil rights activist and U.S. Supreme Court Justice, accomplished equal pay for African American teachers in Montgomery County in 1937. The little-known-case is seen as a first step towards his success in desegregating school 17 years later. The discussion will focus on the local story and, ultimately, its national significance.  

Click here for more information.  

 

“The Underground Railroad: Montgomery County Local History” at Long Branch Library (Feb. 19, 3-4 p.m.) 

The Montgomery County Historical Society will cover and present the local history of the Underground Railroad in the county.  

Click here for more information. 

 

Long Branch Library | Photo | MCPL

 

“The Rocky Twyman Chorale” at Twinbrook Library (Feb. 22, 4-5 p.m.) 

Join the Rocky Twyman Chorale as they perform music, including traditional spirituals and songs, to celebrate Black History Month.  

Click here for more information.  

 

“Local Legends” at Sandy Spring Slave Museum (Feb. 22 and Feb. 23, 4 p.m.) 

The museum comes alive for their third annual event, allowing participants to go back in time and meet historical figures who paved the way for freedom.  

Tickets cost $15. Purchase at the door. Click here for more information.  

 

“Lyrical Rhythms: The Sounds of Freedom” at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park (Feb. 22, 5-7 p.m.) 

Participants can share poems, songs, or other original forms of expression that showcase reflections of freedom and hope.  

Event is for ages 16 and up. Tickets cost $8. Register here.  

 

“Black History Month Winter Walking Tour” at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park (Feb. 29, 10 a.m.-noon) 

Take part in this guided tour, where enslaved labor played a part on the 19th century farm. The tour includes outdoor space and a natural trail, to explore how nature became a resource for escape for the enslaved as they sought freedom.  

Event is for ages 8 and up. Tickets cost $8. Register here.