African-American History

June 16, 2021 | Maya Rosenberg

Rockville to Celebrate Juneteenth for First Time

This year, Rockville will officially celebrate June 19, or Juneteenth, for the first time in its history. Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to make sure that all enslaved people were freed. The troops reached Texas two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all slaves […]

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June 6, 2019 | Abigail Brooke

Celebrate Juneteenth at BlackRock!

Montgomery County’s 23rd Annual Juneteenth celebration will be held on June 15th, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts. County Executive Marc Elrich will host the African American Living Legend Awards, followed by a barbecue dinner. This year’s theme, “Sing of the Harmony of Liberty,” will be celebrated by family-appropriate musical and theatrical performances. Events […]

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January 22, 2019 | Deirdre Byrne

Oscar Nominated ‘Green Book’ Has Ties to Maryland History

Peter Farrelly’s film “Green Book,” starring Mahershala Ali, has been nominated for five Oscars, but it’s worth remembering the history the film is based on, has ties to Maryland’s history in the Jim Crow era. In the film, an Italian-American bouncer, Tony Lip (portrayed by Viggo Mortensen) starts working for black jazz pianist Dr. Don Shirley […]

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September 24, 2016 | Phyllis Armstrong

NMAAHC: New Museum Ushers in Moments of Tears & Joy (VIDEO)

A three-day festival kicks off the official opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture on September 24. Thousands of visitors from near and far will join President Obama and other dignitaries for the dedication ceremony on the Mall. Plans for the new museum inspired individual citizens, corporations and foundations to donate […]

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September 21, 2016 | Phyllis Armstrong

A Daring Design Distinguishes the New Museum on the Mall (Photos)

Architectural talents from four design firms came together to create the stunning structure that now stands on the National Mall. The Freelon Adjaye Bond/Smith Group chose to create an exterior for the National Museum of African American History & Culture that is neither granite nor stone. Lead designer David Adjaye developed a design for the […]

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April 4, 2016 | Willie James Inman

National Black Memorabilia, Fine Art & Crafts Show Planned for This Weekend (PHOTO)

The 32nd Annual National Black Memorabilia, Fine Art and Crafts Show will take place this weekend at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg. The event presents an opportunity for members of the public to learn more about African-American history and culture. Vendors from across the country will set up educational booths on a range of topics […]

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February 18, 2016 | Willie James Inman

Lecture with Cheryl LaRoche on Black Communities and the Underground Railroad Planned for Thursday

Silver Spring Town Center will host a lecture with archaeologist and historian Cheryl LaRoche on Thursday, February 18 in Silver Spring. The event will take place at the Silver Spring Civic Building which is located at One Veterans Place. LaRoche is a public speaker who uses archaeology, history, law, oral history and geography to define […]

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February 12, 2014 | Valerie Bonk

Quilting African American History in Silver Spring (Photos)

A group of seniors at a retirement community in Silver Spring decided to take a unique approach this year to honoring African American History. The Riderwood African-American History Club and the Riderwood Quilt Club, two resident-led groups at the Riderwood nursing community held their first quilt show to commemorate Black History Month. Find a gallery […]

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