PHILADELPHIA - Additional events are presented in part 2 on Black History Month. Concerts, dances, lectures, and more are highlighted. Any event is subject to change, so contacting organizers for updates is advisable.
Historic Philadelphia kicks off Black History Month by bringing to life the stories of Octavius Catto, educator, civil rights activist, and martyr, on Saturday, Feb. 4 and Sunday, Feb. 5 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. A free Catto experience and Liberty360 are in store for the first 20 children ages 12 years and under. The Historic Philadelphia Center also has free craft for children in the tradition of African American artist Moses Williams. The Philadelphia Historic Center is located at 6th and Chestnut Streets on Independence Mall in Center City Philadelphia. For more info, visit www.historicphiladelphia.org or call 215.629.4026.
“Annual Freedom Essay Contest Winners Commemorating the 324th Anniversary of the First Protest Against Slavery” is hosted by the Johnson House Historic Site on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Students from grades 3 – 12 are encouraged to write about topics related to the theme. Contest winners get the opportunity to shine by reading their essays before guests at the commemoration and receive prizes of $100 for 3 first place positions and $25 for 3 runners up. The Johnson House is an Underground Railroad station turned museum at 6306 Germantown Ave in Northwest Philadelphia. For more info, visit http://johnsonhouse.org/ or call 215.438.1768.
Lest We Forget Film Productions & Traveling Slavery Museum
Reservations are required to go see artifacts from slavery and the Jim Crow era at 3650 Richmond Street in West Philadelphia or to engage the Lest We Forget traveling museum. Chains, bills of sale, and so much more make up this compelling collection of African American contributions to history. The award-winning film documentary, My Slave Sister Myself is available for screenings and coming soon is the film documentary, Peculiar Relationships, which examines the relationships between enslaved black women and white female slaveholders. For more info, call 215.205.4324 or 856.427.4162 or visit www.lestweforgetmuseumofslavery.com.
Lifeline Music brings jazz to the Woodmere Art Museum (9201 Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill Philadelphia) during Black History Month. “Tribute to Miles Davis: A Kinda Blue Valentine” takes place Friday, Feb. 10. Tony Smith joins the Argpeggio Jazz Ensemble for selections, such as “Milestone,” “Freddie Freeloader,” “My Funny Valentine,” and “Round Midnight.” On Friday, Feb. 17, celebrate “The Role of Jazz in Black History” narrated by upright bassist and composer Warren Oree and performed by the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble. The evening includes songs from jazz greats: Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan and more.
“Tribute to Nina Simone” rounds out the month with vocalist Ella Ghant and her quartet on Friday, Feb. 24. All concerts run from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tickets cost $5 per member and $10 per nonmember. A light fare and wine will be served. For more info, visit www.lifelinemusiccoalition.com or call 215.557.7277.
Marian Anderson Historical Society
Banners waving in the breeze signal that you are entering historic Marian Anderson territory. Her former residence holds National Historic Registry status. Marian Anderson was a star who broke color barriers in opera. Anderson’s residence, birthplace, and former church stand within blocks of each other. The 19th century residence is an understated museum at 762 South Marian Anderson Way (aka South Martin Street in South Philadelphia). Her birthplace is another understated townhouse at 1833 Marian Anderson Place (aka Webster Street). Monday, Feb. 27 marks the late Anderson’s 115th birthday, which will be celebrated with an open house at the residence. Tours of the residences are available year-round by appointment. Call 215.732.9505 or visit www.mariananderson.org to learn more.
Master Street Theater Company
“Once Upon a Hood” portrays how the lives of teenagers can be transformed on stage at the Master Street Theater Company (5931 Master Street in West Philadelphia). Proceeds from the play benefit the ex-offender ministry of Calvin Presbyterian Church and its work with teens and young adults, many of whom have been subjected to violence similar to the type in the play. Admission is $20 per person on Saturday, Feb. 4 for either the 2:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. show. For more info, call 215.877.7711 or 215.772.9325.
Symbolic of the struggle and accomplishments of free blacks in Philadelphia stands Mother Bethel, the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in the world. The museum of Richard Allen, the church’s founder in 1794 and first consecrated black AME bishop, is found in the basement where he and his wife are entombed. Also, a few early church artifacts have survived centuries and are available to view on Tuesdays – Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and after church services on Sundays at 419 So. 6th Street in Society Hill Philadelphia. For more info, visit www.motherbethel.org or call 215.925.0616 or e-mail info@MotherBethel.com.
The NAACP’s annual Unsung Heroes program is underway. During Black History Month nominate unsung African American heroes for 2012. They may be a relative, an unrelated role model, local icon, or anyone’s legacy that is synonymous with the nation’s centuries-long struggle for civil rights and social justice. Also throughout this month, the NAACP will text daily facts about important accomplishments of African-American artists, inventors, teachers, soldiers, and leaders. Text History 62227 for this information. Visit http://action.naacp.org/Unsung-Heroes to learn more.
The local NAACP and the Philadelphia Sunday Sun presents "The Black Love Experience 2012 Relationship Conference on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The event takes place at the Student Faculty Center at the corner of Broad and Ontario Streets on Temple Univerity Health Science Campus. Guest include Patty Jackson, Cappuchino, Kevin Carr, Renee Toppin, and others. It is a free event and lunch will be served. for more information, contact blacklovephilly@gmail.com or 215.848.7864.
The National Constitution Center (525 Arch Street on Independence Mall in Center City Philadelphia) recognizes Black History Month from Wednesday, Feb. 1 – Wednesday, Feb. 29 with the “Breaking Barriers Show,” examining the lives of Thurgood Marshall, Bessie Coleman, Jackie Robinson, and others. Visitors can also view a rare printing of the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by Abraham Lincoln, and learn more about the Civil War, and constitutional amendments granting people of color, particularly men, the rights associated with citizenship. Events run from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. For more info, visit http://consitutioncenter.org/ or call 215.409.6600.
The Philadelphia Chapter of the National Coalition of Blacks in America (N’COBRA) presents Reparations Awareness Day on Saturday, Feb. 25. The day features guest speaker Queen Mother Dr. Delois Blakely, who was instrumental in gaining recognition of the African Burial Ground site in New York City. Guests can join a film screening of Documentary: The African Burial Ground – An American Discovery. Lisa Hopkins of Northwest Neighbors will give an overview of the Queen Lane Ancestral Burial Ground. Cultural vendors and food are available from 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Doors open to Canaan Baptist Church, 5430 Pulaski Avenue in West Philadelphia, at 2:00 p.m. Admission is $10 per adult, $7 per student, and $5 for children age 12 or less. For more info, contact Nabila at 215.849.9139 or Kedrick at 215.850.7292. To learn more about N’COBRA in Philadelphia, visit http://www.ncobraphiladelphia.org/.
The “Imagine Africa” feedback project continues at the Penn Museum (3260 South Street in University City Philadelphia) through January 2013. African artifacts from the museum’s collection are on display to illicit viewer feedback about how they see or imagine Africa. Programming for that exhibit and the Egyptian exhibit are featured throughout Black History Month.
On Saturday, Feb. 4 at 1:30 p.m., the docent-led tour, “Egypt of the Pharoahs” acquaints visitors with 5,000 years of the ancient kingdom using exhibits on 2 floors. This tour is free with museum admission. On Sunday, Feb. 5, the docent-led tour, “An Ancient Egyptian Journey” kicks off at 1:30 p.m. Visitors explore “The Egyptian Mummy: Secrets and Science” and the palace of the Pharoah Merenptah and see the 3rd largest sphinx in the world.
Sunday, Feb. 12 from 1:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., the museum presents “Family Sunday, Egyptian Afterlife” for children. Children can touch objects associated with mummification and sculpt their own shabti figurine, which was placed in tombs. “40 Winks with the Sphinx” is a sleepover for children ages 6-12 with their families or chaperones from 6:20 p.m. – 9:00 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 17 – Saturday, Feb 18. Before going to sleep, interactive games and crafts help take guests on a quest across continents.
Saturday, Feb. 18 is “Imagine Africa Free Community Day” from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. sponsored by radio 100.3 WRNB. The afternoon is packed with special entertainment and activities, such as a docent-led tour of the African Gallery at 1:30 p.m. “Imagine Africa Community Afternoon: Voices of Africa” offers a concert with music that spans the African Diaspora and a workshop starting at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22. “Imagine Africa: Contemporary South African Performance” is part of the “Imagine Africa Lecture Series” at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28. The “Imagine Africa” exhibit remains open until 8:00 p.m. that day. For more info on any Penn Museum event, visit http://penn.museum/ or call 215.898.4000.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
PAFA (at 118 -128 No. Broad Street in Center City Philadelphia) offers significant programming during Black History Month. “Henry Ossawa Tanner: Modern Spirit” presents artwork by this pioneering African American artist through Sunday, April 15 in the Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building. Tanner was the first African American to attend PAFA. All Sunday programs beginning at 2 p.m. are free. This includes “Lecture: Willie Cole’s ‘Deep Impressions’” on Feb. 5; “Performance: From Istanbul to Cairo” on Feb. 12; and “Workshop: As Is Painting, So Is Poetry” on Feb. 26.
“After Tanner: African-American Artists Since 1940” celebrates the fellow artists and creativity Tanner inspired. This exhibit runs through Sunday, April 15 in the Historic Landmark Building. Also, look for extended hours until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesdays during the run of the Tanner exhibit.
Bring lunch to PAFA’s “Art-At-Lunch” on Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Feb. 29 for “Between Shores: Henry Ossawa Tanner and Transatlanticism.” Tanner lived in America and France, but, for example, he never painted a religious scene in America. For more info, call 215.972.2105. Learn more about all events at www.pafa.org or call 215.972.7625.
Pennsylvania Convention Center
The Pennsylvania Convention Center and author Glenn Ellis present “The History of African American Health in Philadelphia 1793-Present” free of charge at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19. Ellis is the author of Information is the Best Medicine. A book signing will follow the presentation at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in room 107 near the entrance at 12th and Arch Streets. RSVP to bdcwrites@gmail.com or call 215.843.2027.
Philadelphia National Action Network
“Unsung Heroes, 2nd Annual Salute to Philadelphia Activists” features keynote speaker Rev. Al Sharpton on Saturday, Feb. 25. The event is hosted by the Philadelphia National Action Network at the View, 800 No. Broad Street in North Philadelphia from 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Philadelphia has been at the heart of the struggle for freedom, equality, and a better America since colonialism in the area. Honored this year are Charles Browser, Esq., C. Delores Tucker, John Allen and Robert Leslie, Cecil B. Moore, Esq., Reggie Bryant, Frances “Mom” Williams, Brother Fred Golden, Herman Wrice, Alphonso Deal, Mattie Humphrey, Esq. and special recognition to Octavius V. Catto. Semi-formal attire is suggested for a reception and the dinner program. Tickets costs $75 each. For more info, visit www.phillynan.org or e-mail phillynanoffice@yahoo.com or call 215.765.6181.
Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists
PABJ sponsors "Race and Media: Cartooning While White; Covering the Race Beat While Black" is scheduled Monday, Feb. 13 at the Inquirer/Daily News Building, 400 No. Broad Street in Center City Philadelphia, in the 1st floor conference center. A discussion about "Occupying Black Philadelphia," a cartoon published in the Daily News on Jan. 3 runs from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Artist Signe Wilkinson of the Daily News and writer Jesse Washington of the Associated Press-Philly will be moderated by Annette John-Hall of The Inquirer. The event is free and open to the public. Get involved in the conversation. Light refreshments will be served. This event replaces PABJ's normally scheduled membership meeting. For more info, visit www.pabj.org.
The Philadelphia University (at 4201 Henry Avenue in Northwest Philadelphia) provides an array of Black History Month programs for both students and the general public. “Multicultural Recognition and Discussion” on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Kanbar 306 is a potluck style heritage celebration. Bring a dish that represents one’s culture. If cooking is beyond an individual’s expertise, he or she can bring some other cultural representation. “Bob Marley’s Birthday Recognition” takes place throughout the Kanbar Campus Center during the day and at Ravenhill in the evening on Monday, Feb. 6. Expect music and take a photo with “Bob Marley” at the info desk.
“Real Women Speak” is 1 of 2 Tuesday events on Feb. 7. This open dialogue engages women to talk about the media’s depiction of women of color from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. in Downs 6. For “Universal Thoughts of a Black Man, Volume 1,” Reggie Walker shares his poetry from his latest book, answers questions, and signs copies of his work from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Kanbar Performance Space. The book costs $7.
“The Effects of Rap and Hip-hop on Stereotypes and the Black Community,” as the name suggests, taps into the ongoing debate about the effects of rap and hip-hop on the African-American community from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb 9 in Kanbar 306. “Alumni Speakers: Men’s Empowerment” explores the paths some alumni used to get where they are today. This runs from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10.
“Valentine’s Day Bake Sale” is hosted by the Black Retail Action Group. Buy candy grams, brownies, cookies and more for loved ones from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at Kanbar Vending Tables. “Black Business Panel” is composed of local business people who share their insights from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16 in Kanbar 306. “Black History Month Dance” is a fundraiser costing $3 per person. The funds benefit Black Student Union programs. Dance from 10 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. in Downs Auditorium.
“Education in Black America” explores the success rate of African-American students in school systems, including rates by gender. The discussion runs from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23 in Kanbar 306.
“Talent Showcase” on Friday, Feb. 24 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. encourages public attendance. Admission to Downs Auditorium is $3 with Philadelphia University ID and $5 without the PhilaU ID.
“Women of Color” will feature various female leaders from the PhilaU campus community and is designed to share experiences and advice. The gathering takes place in Kanbar 306 on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Anyone out and about at PhilaU, check out the schedule for the “Soul Food Luncheon & Dinner Series” throughout the month. The university’s closing event for Black History Month is “Soul Food Café” with African drumming and dancing and open mic night from 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 29. Come and enjoy the fun. Learn more about all the events at www.philau.edu/studentdev/bhm2012.html or call 215.951.2634.
Reelblack is showing support the opening weekend of Exit Strategy, An Un-Romantic Comedy, on Saturday, Feb. 11. Meetup with the group for the 12:20 p.m. matinee in the AMC Theater Loews Cherry Hill 24, 2121 Route 38 in Cherry Hill, NJ (888.262.4386). After the film, meet co-stars Jameel Saleem and Kimelia Weathers for a special discussion and giveaways. To learn more, visit www.meetup.com/reelblack or www.youtube.com/reelblack for exclusive interviews withe the stars of Exit Strategy.
Temple Ambler Campus (at 580 Meetinghouse Road in Ambler, PA) kicks of Black History Month with “Exploring the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection starting at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Come to Bright Hall and learn about the essential contributions of African Americans to the history and culture of this nation. For more info, contact 267.468.8425.
The Temple Black Law Students Association continues celebrating Black History Month with the “Diversity Speakers Series,” running through March. The series include speakers Mayor Michael Nutter on Friday, Feb. 10 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Klein Moot Court Room and former Mayor John Street on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p. m. in Klein K2A. For more info, visit the calendar at www.temple.edu or contact lmcnesse@temple.edu.
The Office of Leadership Development at Temple University presents the “2012 Inclusive Leadership Conference” for undergrad students on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the Student Center Underground. The keynote speaker is diversity educator Marvin Worthy followed by presentations, workshops, dialogues, and panels on an assortment of topics under the umbrella of inclusive leadership and social change. Space is limited, so RSVPs are requested. Admission is $10 per non-Temple students and free for Temple students. For more info, visit www.temple.edu/studentaffairs/.
Visit www.temple.edu or call 215.204.7000 to learn more about all Temple events. Temple University's main campus is locates at 1801 No. Broad Street in North Philadelphia.
Underground Railroad Museum at Belmont Mansion
Historic Belmont Mansion conveys the stories of the Fairmount Park area and an Underground Railroad station that was established on the site by the elite Peters family to help people bondage find freedom. This history is available throughout the year. For more info, visit http://belmontmansion.org/ or call 215.878.8844.
In addition to Penn Museum events, a free day-long celebration of W.E.B. DuBois, one of the most influential Americans of his time, is presented by the Provost Office on Friday, Feb. 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. to mark the posthumous Honorary Emeritus Professorship in Sociology and Americana Studies to be awarded pending approval by the Board of Trustees of the University of Philadelphia on this day. DuBois became an assistant lecturer at U of Penn during his study of Philadelphia’s Seventh Ward, but was not promoted even after publishing 2 notable books within 3 years of arriving here. Panels discussing DuBois achievements convene from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The opening and tour of the art installation, “The Philadelphia Negro Reconsidered: Suite of 18 Silkscreen Prints by Terry Atkins takes place 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. There is a musical tribute, “Art Songs in the Kingdom of Culture,” from 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. For more info, click here.
West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and Historic Paul Robeson House
The Paul Robeson House (4951 Walnut Street in West Philadelphia) is hosting the monthly “Just the Facts Issues Forum” on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 6:00 p.m. Community activist Madaline Dunn will discuss “Voter Registration Training and the Status of PA House Bill 934,” a new state bill which requires voter identification on each Election Day. The 2012 primary election is April 24 and the last day to register to vote is March 26. Light refreshments will be served at this event. Seating is limited, so RSVP is requested. For more info, contact 215.747.4675 or e-mail francesaulton@hotmail.com. Tours of the Paul Robeson House are schedule by appointment Monday – Sunday throughout the year. Visit www.paulrobesonhouse.com or call 215.747.4675 for more information.
Donations to any of the above nonprofit organizations are always welcome. Simply contact the organization of your choice for more details.
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