Updated 2/25
February is Black History Month….and although we can’t gather at the Hall right now, we can still focus this time on celebrating and honoring - together - the achievements and contributions by African Americans, while recognizing the central role they have played in shaping US history. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about the effects of racism, and how to combat the racial injustice that continues today.
There are a wealth of programs to participate in Black History Month online, from anywhere. Too many to list here, so we’ve handpicked for you a selection of virtual talks, workshops and performances, reading and viewing suggestions, and more. We’ll update this page as the month goes on - so check back here for additions. There’s a lot to enjoy - dig in!
What better place to start than with a visit to the National Museum of African-American History & Culture? The museum is running a wide range of outstanding digital programs through February. You can learn more and access them HERE
Photograph of the Cotten family. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Families of Anita Williams Christopher and David Owen Williams
Through March 27th, Cotuit Center for the Arts presents:
Black Churches Matter: This Far by Faith
This is a free event in the ongoing series by James Walter Miller and Robin Joyce Miller.
The presentation highlights the significant role that the Black Church has played in the African American Community both historically and in present day life.
Donations for the Black Lives Matter series accepted by texting CONVERSATION to 44321.
Watch the presentation below!
The NAACP offers its supporters a challenge “to celebrate Black history a different way each day”, with this helpful list: 28 Ways To Celebrate Black History Month
ASALH (The Association for the Study of African American Life and History) was founded in 1915, and is the originator of Black History Month. Each year they identify a different theme. This year the theme is The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.
Click the image below to download a a printable PDF.
Cover of Black History Bulletin, Vol.83 #2
Are you a theater lover? Playbill.com has compiled a fantastic list entitled Pivotal Moments in Broadway’s Black History. Find it HERE.
Ebony Magazine has produced a fascinating journey through Black history via the covers of its magazine through the decades, starting in the 1940’s, and accompanied by a brief roundup of Black life in America during each decade. It is a very worthwhile trip down memory lane, through the lens of this wildly successful, groundbreaking and still-going-strong magazine aimed at celebrating African American life and culture by depicting the achievements of Black Americans. Check it out HERE.
Ebony Magazine Cover, February 1970 issue
We have amazing resources right here on the Cape, too! Many of our local libraries in the CLAMS network have programmed and identified an array of Black History Month virtual events that you can participate in this month.
Here’s a few to check out:
2/17 @ 2pm, Hyannis Public Library:
Bright Star Touring Theater Presents... George Washington Carver & Friends
2/17 @ 6:30pm, Sturgis Library:
Interlaced: Being Black & Wampanoag in America - A Historical Talk with Mwalim
2/19 @ 1pm, Eastham Public Library:
Virtual Black Heritage Trail Tour
2/25 @ 6:30pm, Brewster Ladies’ Library:
Evening Book Discussion Group - Washington Black, by Esi Edugyan
Email mfecteau@brewsterladieslibrary.org for Zoom link
The Cape also has a new initiative, Amplify P.O.C. Cape Cod, dedicated to helping to amplify businesses owned by people of color on the Cape. Check out their work and business listings HERE .
Looking for film suggestions? There‘s no shortage of great lists out there, but we like these three compilations the best:
Empire Online (extensive!)
TIME (beautifully curated by Jaqueline Stewart of Turner Classic Movies)
Women’s Health Magazine (a few lesser-known titles)
Weed out the duplicate recommendations and make your own personalized list for this month and onward - happy viewing!
Need some guidance on how to best celebrate Black History Month appropriately? USA Today published a fantastic piece by race & diversity reporter N’Dea Yancey-Bragg that answers a lot of why’s and how’s. You can read it HERE.
Lastly…@femalecollective reminds us that Black history should be celebrated and recognized all year, not just for one month. Here are ways they suggest:
-Buy from Black owned businesses (see Amplify above!)
-Support and pay Black creatives
-Invest in Black business
-Be an ally in your everyday life
-Continue to educate yourself, listen, learn, and stay aware
