Maishah and I hit up Alero for some nice eats before we hit Lyrics and Lace for their special edition v-day open mic set up. So #1 fault, I was late :( the snow, traffic, parking made me late. I felt so bad, had my date waiting for me for a sec. So I get there and the waitress: seemed cool. Later. She ended up messing up our order. It was late. My salad didn't have chicken. Maisha didn't get her order until my salad was almost gone. Despite. We had mucho mucho fun at this pretty cool Mexican spot on Ust. The walls were decorated with painted murals of known folk like Oprah, Gordon Parks and Jay-Z. Only took a few picks because my camera was acting bogus and died! Afterward we hit up the open mic where I laid down 3 poems (pictures soon). Here's we go! And don't forget to check the Black History Month events happening until the end of the month below!
Black History Month Events Till the end of the Month!
Friday, February 5-Sunday, February 28, 10 am-5 pm (daily)
Reception for the Artists: Friday, February 5, 7-9 pm
Culture of the Mind & Spirit: An Exhibition of Regional African American Artists
This exhibition features the works of a diverse group of artists with a common heritage and profound links to Montpelier Arts Center.
All ages welcome. FREE
Montpelier Arts Center
9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel 20708
301-377-7800; TTY 301-490-2329
Saturdays, February 13 & 21, 12 noon-4 pm or
Tours by appointment only
The Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park
Exhibit features American Indian, early colonial and African American history. By the mid-1800s, 51 enslaved African Americans lived and worked at Mount Calvert Plantation. View the on-site exhibit “A Confluence of Three Cultures.”
16801 Mount Calvert Road
Upper Marlboro 20772
301-627-1286; TTY 301 699-2544
Sunday, February 21, 12 noon-3:30 pm
The Plummers’ Kitchen
Join the Riversdale Kitchen Guild in the dependency kitchen as they recreate early-to-mid-19th century, traditional African American foods, similar to what the Plummer family who lived and worked at Riversdale might have eaten. A guided tour of the main house included.
All ages welcome.
Fee: $3/adult; $2/senior; $1/ages 5-18; FREE ages 4 & under (includes tour of house)
Riversdale House Museum
4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park 20737
301-864-0420; TTY 301-699-2544
Sunday, February 21, 2-4 pm
The Ties that Bind: Tying the Past to the Future
Enjoy fun activities including making a memory book, a historical picture walk, African dance and more.
All ages welcome.
Tickets: $5/person
Prince George’s Ballroom
2411 Pinebrook Avenue, Landover 20785
301-341-7439; TTY 301-446-3234
Monday, February 22, 10 am-12 noon
Senior Show & Tell
Seniors, share your stories and life experiences while you lunch with friends. Pre-registration suggested.
Ages 60 & up; FREE
College Park Community Center
5051 Pierce Avenue, College Park 20740
301-441-2647; TTY 301-445-4512
Tuesday, February 23, 8 am-1 pm
U.S. Supreme Court Trip
Walk the corridors of the Supreme Court where the first African American Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall sat from 1967-1991. Until his retirement from the highest court in the land, Justice Marshall established a record for supporting the voiceless American. Sit in on an oral argument before the Court, explore the exhibits, and watch a short film. Lunch (on your own) is available at the Supreme Court’s cafeteria. Reservations required.
Ages 13 & up
Fee: $10/person
Temple Hills Community Center
5300 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills 20748
301-894-6616; TTY 301-203-6030
Tuesday, February 23, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Buffalo Soldier
Selected as one of the “Best American Plays for Young Audiences,” this play tells the true story of the heroic deeds of the 9th and 10th Cavalries.
Recommended for grades 3 & up
Tickets: $6/person; $5/person in groups of 15 or more
Publick Playhouse
5445 Landover Road, Cheverly 20784
301-277-1710; TTY 301-277-0312
Friday, February 23, 11 am-12 noon
Cartwright Singers
Relax and enjoy the smooth gospel music of the Cartwright Singers. Seating is limited; pre-registration required.
Ages 60 & up; FREE
Camp Springs Senior Activity Center
6420 Allentown Road, Camp Springs 20748
301-449-0490; TTY 301-446-3402
Tuesday, February 23, 1-3 pm
Go AFRICA! Dancing, Drumming, and Head Wrapping
Imagine closing your eyes and hearing the sounds of a beating, African Djembe drum. Now picture yourself dancing to the beat of that drum. Then, learn about the origin of the “do-rag” which is today’s African gelee or head wrap. Learn how to tie a head wrap in a variety of styles. Bring fabric and wear comfortable dancing clothes. No reservations necessary.
Ages 60 & up; FREE
Harmony Hall Regional Center
10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington 20744
301-203-6040; TTY 301-203-6030
Wednesday, February 24, 7:30 am-2 pm
African American History in Washington, D.C. Tour
Join us on an interesting and informative tour in Washington, D.C. Travel to four sections of the city and learn about the history of slavery, civil rights, and education. The 4-hour itinerary includes Lincoln Park, historic U Street, Ford¹s Theater, Peterson’s Boarding House, the Lincoln Memorial and Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. Along our journey, we’ll stop for lunch at a famous soul food restaurant. Fee includes transportation, tour, and lunch.
Ages 6 & up
Resident $60; Non-Resident $72
Harmony Hall Regional Center
10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington 20744
301-203-6000; TTY 301-203-6030
SMARTlink #153091
Wednesday, February 24, 12:30-2 pm
Black History Movable Museum
Explore memorabilia from the late 1920s to the present. Light refreshments served.
Ages 60 & up; FREE
Langley Park Senior Activity Center
1500 Merrimac Drive, Hyattsville 20783
301-408-4343; TTY 301-446-3402
Wednesday, February 24, 4-5 pm
Anansegromma of Ghana
Celebrate Black History Month with “royal elders” and musicians of a typical West African Village. Through “call and response” songs, games, and drum rhythms on authentic instruments, Anansegromma offers an engaging, first-hand exploration of West African cultural traditions.
All ages welcome. FREE
College Park Community Center
5051 Pierce Avenue, College Park 20740
301-441-2647; TTY 301-445-4512
Wednesdays, February 3, 10, 17 & 24, 6-9 pm
Throwback Theater
Join us on Wednesday evenings in February to watch movies featuring black actors and actresses. Scheduled movies include: February 3: They Call Me Mr. Tibbs; February 10: Car Wash; February 17: Uptown Saturday Night; and February 24: The Five Heartbeats. Nominal fees for concession food.
Ages 13 (with parental guidance) & up; FREE
Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex
8001 Sheriff Road, Landover 20785
301-583-2582; TTY 301-583-2483
Thursday, February 25, 5:30-7:30 pm
Black History Jeopardy
Think you know black history? Test your knowledge by playing this trivia style game. Prizes awarded. Reserve your spot by February 19.
All ages welcome. FREE
Prince George’s Plaza Community Center
6600 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville 20782
301-864-1611; TTY 301-445-4512
Thursday, February 25, 6-8 pm
Lesole’s Dance Project: Live Performance and Group Workshop
Enjoy a live performance that highlights the unique qualities of modern and Afro-fusion styles of dance. Inspired by southern African culture, this unique cultural experience focuses on movement, vocabulary and choreography.
All ages welcome. FREE
Langley Park Community Center
1500 Merrimac Drive, Hyattsville 20783
301-445-4508; TTY 301-445-4512
Thursday, February 25, 7-9 pm
Race, War, and Conflict: African Americans in the Military from WWI to Vietnam
Join us for an evening of music and food. View a photographic exhibit and learn about the experiences of African Americans in the military and the end of a segregated military force.
Fee: $5/person, FREE for veterans and active military personnel
Newton White Mansion
2708 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville 20721
301-249-2004, TTY 301-446-3234
Friday, February 26, 10 am-12 noon
4th Annual Black History in Motion
Music, reenactments, dance recitals, poetry readings, and memorabilia displays will give a historic overview of the many contributions of African Americans.
All ages welcome.
Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
Gwendolyn Britt Senior Activity Center
4009 Wallace Road, Brentwood 20722
301-699-1238; TTY 301-446-3402
Friday, February 26, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Everybody’s Hero: “The Jackie Robinson Story”
At the beginning of the summer of 1947, television was brand new, the sound barrier had not been broken, and baseball was a white man’s game. By the time fall arrived, all that had changed. President Truman addressed the nation for the first time on TV, Chuck Yeager flew faster than any man ever had, and Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play major league baseball. This play, featuring music by Mad River Theater Works, shows the events that shaped Jackie Robinson’s character, his struggle to gain acceptance, and the tremendous obstacles he overcame on his way to changing the face of our nation and our national pastime.
Recommended for grades 3 & up
Tickets: $6/person; $5/person in groups of 15 or more
Publick Playhouse
5445 Landover Road, Cheverly 20784
301-277-1710; TTY 301-277-0312
Fridays, February 5, 12, 19 & 26
Tours: 12 noon, 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm
The Bentley Family of Upper Marlborough
Join us for a tour that focuses on African American women who lived at Darnall’s Chance in the 18th century with a special focus on the Bentley Family. Tours are FREE on Fridays during February. Reservations not required.
Darnall’s Chance House Museum
14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro 20772
301-952-8010; TTY 301-699-2544
Friday, February 26, 12 noon-2 pm & 6-8 pm
Black Movie Cinema
From noon-2 pm, watch Imitation of Life about two single mothers raising daughters and the role race plays in their lives. In the evening, watch The Longshots, a sports comedy about a former high school football player who coaches his niece to be the first ever girl quarterback in Pop Warner football. Popcorn and soda will be available.
All ages welcome. FREE
Kentland Community Center
2411 Pinebrook Avenue, Landover 20785
301-386-2278; TTY 301-445-4512
Saturday, February 26, 2:30-4 pm
Becky Umeh and The Zomeme Dance Company
Enjoy a lively performance in which Ms. Umeh interprets dances representing African life. You’ll tap your feet to the vibrations of drums and be amazed at the acrobatic moves of the dancers.
All ages welcome. FREE
North Brentwood Community Center
4012 Webster Street, North Brentwood 20722
301-864-0756; TTY 301-445-4512
Friday, February 26, 4 pm
A Glimpse into the Life of an Aviator
Take a glimpse into the life of Charles H. Flowers, as you watch The Tuskegee Airmen. Immediately following the movie, Mr. Flowers, a resident of Prince George’s County, and other prominent African American aviators will be available for a Q&A session. Pre-registration is required.
All ages welcome. FREE
Columbia Park Community Center
1901 Kent Village Drive, Landover 20785
301-341-3749; TTY 301-445-4512
Friday, February 26, 4-6 pm
Black Pilots of America
Members of the Black Pilots of America will host a “How to Fly” workshop, which focuses on the aerodynamics of flying. Reservations required by February 19.
All ages welcome. FREE
Rollingcrest-Chillum Community Center
6120 Sargent Road, Chillum 20782
301-853-2005; TTY 301-445-4512
Friday, February 26, 7-9 pm
Black History Step Show
Watch local steppers perform. Light refreshments served.
All ages welcome.
Fee: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
Potomac Landing Community Center
12500 Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington 20744
301-292-9191; TTY 301-203-6030
Saturday, February 26, 7-10 pm
“50 Greatest Basketball Players from the Washington Metro Area”
Join us for a screening of the African American-produced documentary profiling the 50 greatest basketball legends from the Washington metropolitan area. Meet the producers and join in for a question and answer session of how and why the film was made. Reservations required by February 19.
All ages welcome. FREE
Prince George’s Plaza Community Center
6600 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville 20782
301-864-1611; TTY 301-445-4512
Friday, February 26, 7:30-9 pm
Honor Roll of Excellence
Honor Roll of Excellence is the 2010 Black History Month, live theatrical production presented by Huntington Community Center¹s Teen Theatre under the Arts, Culture, Technology, and Wellness Program. This play was written about the men and women who have had schools named after them in Prince George’s County.
Ages 2 & up; FREE
Huntington Community Center
13022 8th Street, Bowie 20720
301-464-3725; TTY 301-218-6768
Saturday, February 27, 9 am-4 pm
African American Festival
Celebrate Black History Month by taking a class or workshop focusing on black culture. Shop from a variety of vendors selling reasonably priced items. End the day by joining us for a jazz concert. Interested vendors should contact staff for information about vendor spaces and reservations.
9 am-3:30 pm
Vendors available10 amAfrican Drumming Workshop11:30 amAfrican Dance Class12:30 pm
Fashion Show1-3 pm
Ongoing Educational Workshops4-6:30 pmJazz Concert (nominal fee)
All ages welcome. FREE admission
Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex
8001 Sheriff Road, Landover 20785
301-583-2582; TTY 301-583-2483
Saturday, February 27, 10-11:30 am
18th Century Bladensburg
Learn about the importance of the African American contribution to the economic development of Bladensburg and Washington, D.C. This program will include a skit, presentation and West African refreshments. Reservations required. Space is limited.
All ages welcome. FREE
Bladensburg Waterfront Park
4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg 20710
301-779-0371; TTY 301-699-2544
Saturday, February 27, 11 am
Genealogy Is More Than Charts
Learn how information at the National Archives and the Library of Congress can be used to complete your family tree. This FREE, 2-hour presentation has been designed primarily for adults; however, all ages are welcome. Pre-registration (by phone) is required.
Columbia Park Community Center
1901 Kent Village Drive, Landover 20785
301-341-3749; TTY 301-445-4512
Friday, February 27, 1-2:30 pm
The Life and Times of Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr.
Come and spend some time with us as we discuss the achievements of this WWII fighter pilot and many more of his great historical accomplishments. Pre-registration is required (in person) at the center.
Ages 5-12; FREE
Patuxent Community Center
4410 Bishopmill Drive, Upper Marlboro 20772
301-780-7577; TTY 301-203-6030
Saturday, February 27, 1-7 pm
Xtreme Teens/Pre-Teens: Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
Join us for a trip to Baltimore to learn about the contributions of prominent Marylanders including Cab Calloway, Billie Holliday, Thurgood Marshall and Reginald F. Lewis. Fee includes transportation and museum admission only. (Bring additional money for food.) Reservations required by February 20.
Ages 10-17
Fee: $8 (Residents only)
Rollingcrest-Chillum Community Center
6120 Sargent Road, Chillum 20782
301-853-2005; TTY 301-445-4512
Saturday, February 27, 4-5 pm
Black Nuns in a Slave Society
A little-known aspect of African American history is the first order of black nuns in the United States of America, founded by Sister Mary Elizabeth Lange in Baltimore City. On July 2, 1828, four women of color met in a row house on Fells Point to pronounce simple vows, giving birth to a new order of nuns within the Catholic Church a community of free black women living in a slave-holding state. Sister Mary Reginald Jervis of the Oblate Sisters of Providence will speak on this remarkable history.
All ages welcome. FREE
Surratt House Museum
9118 Brandywine Road, Clinton 20735
301-868-1121; TTY 301-699-2544
Saturday, February 27, 5-7 pm
Music Madness
Join us for a night of fun and enrichment! Learn all the latest dance moves from our hip-hop dance group, while Priscilla’s Hand Dance Group will show parents the latest steps.
All ages welcome. FREE
Good Luck Community Center
8601 Good Luck Road, Lanham 20706
301-552-1093; TTY 301-445-4512
Saturday, February 27, 7-10 pm
Umoja High School Step Show
In the spirit of the first principle of
Kwanzaa (“Umoja” which means “Unity”), M-NCPPC hosts the 1st Annual High School Step Team Competition. Prizes awarded.
Ages 5 & up
Fee: $5/person
Bowie Center for the Performing Arts
15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie 20715
301-464-1737; TTY 301-218-6768
Sunday, February 28, 3-5 pm
Drum Line Face-Off
Join us for a drum line face-off between several Prince George’s County High School drum lines. See our county’s finest battle it out with snare drums, tenor drums, bass drums, and cymbals. As an added bonus, there will be a presentation by a representative from the Black Diamonds exhibit.
Light refreshments served.
All ages welcome. FREE
South Bowie Community Center
1717 Pittsfield Lane, Bowie 20716
301-249-1622; TTY 301-218-6768
Sunday, February 28, 4 pm
PRAISE!
The annual liturgical dance festival returns with top dance troupes from area churches. This year’s performance features gospel soloist Cora Harvey Armstrong, a widely known and admired singer whose voice has been compared to Mahalia Jackson’s.
Tickets: $12/person; $10/person/seniors, students, and groups of 15 or more
Publick Playhouse
5445 Landover Road, Cheverly 20784
301-277-1710; TTY 301-277-0312