Various events will honor Black history in Alexandria as this February marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month being nationally observed.
Founded in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month is an observance to preserve and honor Black history as a month-long celebration. Alexandria has its own rich Black and African American history, dating back to 18th century free Black communities to the 19th century slave trading operations and Civil War, to the 1939 library sit-in protest and 2020 protests after George Floyd’s death.
The Office of Historic Alexandria encourages residents to celebrate Black history throughout the month. Along with special events, residents and visitors can stop at these sites: African American Heritage Trails, African American Hall of Fame at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, Alexandria Black History Museum, Freedom House Museum and Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery.
Here are the events planned, according to a city release and the Alexandria Library.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Exhibition
When: Feb. 1-March 1
More than 130 student posters inspired by the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. are on display at the Charles Houston Recreation Center. The posters were created by Alexandria City Public Schools students in grades 2-5.
Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street
Harvesting A Legacy with KaNikki Jakarta
When: Feb. 7, from 1-3 p.m.
Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library will host this event with KaNikki Jakarta, the first African American poet laureate of Alexandria. Jakarta will present a mini writing workshop and open mic in celebration of 100 years of Black History Month. The event is for ages 12 and up.
Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke Street
Tables of Conscience: Banned Books Dinner
When: Feb. 7, from 6-9 p.m.
This book-themed dinner will raise money for scholarships in the names of Joseph McCoy and Benjamin Thomas, the city’s two lynching victims. The dinner’s discussion book is “The Origin of Others” by Toni Morrison, which focuses on the desire for belonging and the impact of race, fear, borders and immigration. Each reservation requires a $125-per-person donation, and books must be purchased separately.
Location provided to participants
Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Concert
When: Feb. 8, from 3-5 p.m.
Washington Revels Jubilee Voices will lead a free concert celebrating African American music, history, and culture in a concert exploring the themes of freedom, resilience, and joy, from the Civil War to the modern day.
The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine & 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic
When: Feb. 12, from 2-3 p.m.
This virtual book talk focuses on feminist philosopher Lindsey Stewart’s book, “The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic.” The book “is a love letter to the real magic Black women used, their herbs, food, textiles, song, and dance, used to sow rebellion, freedom, and hope,” according to the Alexandria Library.
Virtual
Grown-Up Field Trip
When: Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m.
As part of a four-part field trip series for adults highlighting African American history around Alexandria, February’s stop is the Freedom House Museum.
Freedom House Museum, 1315 Duke Street
The National African American Read-In
When: Feb. 21, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
As part of the America250 celebration, participants can sign up and read an excerpt from a work by a favorite African American author, poet or essayist at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Reading times are limited to 3-5 minutes. The National African American Read-In, created in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English, seeks to to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month and has reached millions across the world.
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen Street
Black Life Through the Lens of Elrich Murphy Exhibit Opening and Lecture
When: Feb. 21, 4:30-6 p.m.
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library will host an exhibit opening to honor Elrich Murphy, a photographer who captured African American life in Alexandria. Photos will be on display, and there will be a lecture by local author, historian and genealogist Char McCargo Bah. Elrich Murphy’s daughter, Rita Harris, will attend the event.
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen Street
Black History Poetry Slam & Open Mic
When: Feb. 21, 6-9 p.m.
Poets, rappers, singers and artists are encouraged to sign up and perform for Black History Month at Charles Houston Recreation Center.
Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street
Manumission Tour Company’s Old Town Roots: 250 years of Resilience
When: Feb. 28, at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
This 90-minute bus tour from Councilmember John Taylor Chapman’s tour company will take visitors to Black History sites in Old Town, including Freedom House Museum, the Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery, Parker-Gray neighborhood and more.
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
They Lived Here Too: Work & Slavery at Lee-Fendall
When: Feb. 28, from 11 a.m. to noon
During this tour, visitors will learn about enslaved and free African Americans who lived and worked at the Lee-Fendall House from 1785-1969. Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance.
Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco Street
‘Fight for the Right to Read’ Program
When: Feb. 28, 11 a.m. to noon
Authors Jeff Gottesfeld and Michelle Y. Green along with illustrator and Howard University graduate Kim Holt will host a family program on their new book, “Fight for the Right to Read: Samuel Wilbert Tucker and the 1939 Sit-Down Strike for Library Reading Equality.”
The book focuses on the 1939 sit-in protest that happened at an Alexandria all-whites library. The event is intended for families with children in second grade and above. Light refreshments will be served, and the authors and illustrator will be available to sign books.
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Photo via Washington Revels/Facebook.
