A Guide on How You Can Celebrate Black History Month in the County

What started out as “Negro History Week” turned into a month long celebration to recognize the significant role of African Americans in U.S. history. Since 1976, Black History Month , or National African American History Month is an annual celebration during the month of February to  honor the achievements of Black Americans.

To celebrate Black History Month, many organizations across Montgomery County will host events for residents to learn more about African American history:

Schedule of Events:

Feb. 3 M-NCPPC Presents Voices in the Dark
 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is celebrating Black History Month with a stage production that is written, staged and performed by its staff. Two performances of Voices in the Dark will be held at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland on Friday, February 3.

Tickets cost $10 each and admission is free for M-NCPPC employees.

Click here for more details.

 Feb. 4 Early Days of Public Education
A series of programs to commemorate Black History Month will take place at several branches of Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) during February. The series “Black History Month – Our Heritage: From the Civil War to Education in Montgomery County” is presented by members of the Montgomery County Historical Society (MCHS) Speakers Bureau.

• One- and Two-Room Schoolhouses in Montgomery County and the Stories They Tell about the Early Days of Public Education.
• Marilyn J. Praisner, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville: 2 p.m.

Speaker: Ralph Buglass
All programs at MCPL in regards to Black History Month are free for suitable adults.

Click here for MCPL’s entire list of Black History Month events.

Feb. 6 Black History Month Movie and Discussion
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. In observance of Black History month, Montgomery County Recreation will have a discussion on history and culture. They will also watch the award-winning movie “The Help” on Thursday, Feb. 2 and meet again on Monday, Feb. 6 to discuss it.

• Holiday Park Senior Center
• 3950 Ferrara Drive, Wheaton, MD 20906 240-777-4999

Feb. 13   Tuskegee Airmen
The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segregation and prejudice in a time of war to become one of the most respected fighter groups serving in World War II. They included pilots, navigators, bombardiers, maintenance and support staff, instructors, and the personnel who made it possible for the planes to fly and the crew to succeed.

• Rockville Senior Center: 10:15-11:15 a.m., course #57698
• Lincoln Park Community Center: 1-2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 13, course #57926

Free for residents; $11, nonresidents.

Click here for the City of Rockville’s entire list of events and to register.

Feb. 16  2017 Black History Celebration 

11:30 a.m. at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville Civic Center, 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville.

Feb. 22 Mini Trip to National Museum of African American History and Culture
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Montgomery County Recreation will take a trip to the newest museum in Washington D.C. It will be a place where everyone can explore the story of America through the lens of the African-American experience. No refunds on trip payments. Cost $10 for transportation.

• 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20904 240-777-6944
• White Oak Senior Center

Click here for more details about this trip.

Feb. 27 African-American Women
This presentation by Joan Adams, a history professor from Prince George’s Community College, focuses on Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks. Tubman ran an underground railroad; years later, Parks refused to go to the back of the bus. Both women were brave in the face of extreme danger. Threats to their lives were an everyday occurrence. Celebrate these exceptional ladies.

• Rockville Senior Center: 10:15-11:15 a.m., Monday, Feb. 27, course #57701
• Lincoln Park Community Center: 1-2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 27, course #58034

Free for residents; $11, nonresidents.
Click here for the City of Rockville’s entire list of events and to register.

February 28:  The Life of Rosa Parks
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. While we celebrate Black History Month and as we get ready to observe Women’s History Month, come to this presentation on an iconic figure that changed the history for generations to come. Presented by Professor A. Smith, Montgomery College.

• Holiday Park Senior Center
• 3950 Ferrara Drive, Wheaton, MD 20906 240-777-4999

About Mitti Hicks

Mitti Hicks is a multimedia journalist and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She is passionate about telling stories that impact our community and may be reached at MHicks@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter @mittimegan.

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