During
the month of February, our Nation formally celebrates the many contributions
African-Americans have made to their heritage. Dr. Carter G. Woodson,
noted Black scholar and historian, initiated Black History Week on February
12, 1926.
For many years, the 2nd week of February (chosen so as to coincide with
the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln) was celebrated
in the United States. In 1976, as part of the nation's Bicentennial, Black
History Week was expanded and became established as Black History Month,
and now, the month of February is used to celebrate the many contributions
African-Americans have made to our country. The theme for the year 2002
invites sober reflection and critical examination of the fundamental elements
of the African-American community.
These
elements are presented within the broad historical legacy of the African-American
experience in the evolving context of the new century.
During the month
of February, National Park Service sites will have activities that are
associated with African-American History month. Activities listed below:
WASHINGTON, DC
193rd ABRAHAM LINCOLN BIRTHDAY OBSERVANCE
February 12 at 12:00 noon (actual birthday)
Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC
Presidential wreath-laying honors the "Great Emancipator". Features
military band, wreaths from Civil War and patriotic organizations and
a dramatic reading of Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address". For further
information call 202-619-7222.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
February 14 at 10:00am (actual Birthday)
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Washington, DC
Come out and celebrate the 184th anniversary of the great civil rights
leader, who was born into slavery on Feb. 14, 1818. Student winners of
a recent oratorical contest featuring excerpts from a speech written by
Douglass, will deliver their orations at the ceremony. Area school choirs
will present musical selections and a guest speaker will do reflections
on the life of Frederick Douglass. Wreaths will be laid by different organization.
Representative Jessie Jackson, Jr., will deliver the keynote address.
For more information call 202-426-5961.
BLACK GEORGETOWN TOURS
Date and time to be announced
Old Stone House, Washington, DC
Aside from Georgetown's historically black churches, few reminders remain
of the large African-American population, both enslaved and free, that
called the area home. Join a park Ranger for a walking tour of this part
of the neighborhood. Meet at the Old Stone House. Please dress for
the weather. For further information call 202-426-6851.
ATLANTA
STORYTELLERS
February 4 - 28
Martin Luther King National Historic Site, Atlanta, GA
This program on the civil rights struggle for local school groups is conducted
every Wednesday throughout the month of February. In addition, puppet
shows on Martin Luther King, Jr. and other African-American heros are
presented every Tuesday and Thursday. These programs are a big hit with
schools from the metro area.
KING WEEK AT EMORY: ONGOING EXHIBIT - A DREAM DEFERRED: AFRICAN AMERICANS
AT EMORY AND OXFORD COLLEGE, 1836-1968
January 22 - May 15
Emory University, Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta, GA
Sponsored by: Program in African American Studies, Woodruff Library, the
Emory Center for Myth and Ritual in American Life and the Southern Studies
Program at Oxford College.
MISSOURI
THE LIFE OF VIETTA GARR
January 30-March 30
Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, Independence, MO
Exhibit highlighting the life of Vietta Garr, the Truman's cook for over
35 years. Interpretive text, related artifacts, documents, and photos
chronicle Garr's family history; her role in the Truman family before,
during, and after Truman's presidency; and her role in the the black community
in Independence.
145th ANNIVERSARY OF THE DRED SCOTT CASE
March 9
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, St. Louis, MO
This event will focus on the Supreme Court's Dred Scott Decision and its
role in America's most famous political debate. Fritz Klein will portray
Abraham Lincoln, and Kevin Griffin will portray Stephen Douglas as these
two fine actors recreate the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. A Dred Scott Mock
Trial will follow.
THE LIFE OF HARRIET TUBMAN
February 2
George Washington Carver National Monument, Diamond, MO
Special guest Gloria Faine from Missouri Southern State College will present
a first person living history program on the life of famous African-American
Harriet Tubman.
AFRICAN - AMERICAN TRAILBLAZERS
February 23
George Washington Carver National Monument, Diamond, MO
Join a park ranger for a program that highlights the lives of several
lesser-known African-Americans who made a positive impact on our society.
VIRGINIA
CHILDREN'S STORY TIME
February 2 at 11:00am
Booker T. Washington National Monument, Hardy, VA
Young children and their parents are invited to listen and learn about
fascinating African American folktales, stories about the Underground
Railroad, and real life heroes like Harriet Tubman, George Washington
Carver, and Booker T. Washington.
SEEDS OF DESPAIR
February 16 at 2:00pm
Booker T. Washington National Memorial, Hardy, VA
Please come and learn about tobacco and its influences on free and enslaved
people who lived on small-slaveholding Virginian plantations in the mid-1800's.
THROUGH A WOMEN'S EYES: ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE OF SLAVERY
February 17 at 2:00pm
Booker T. Washington National Memorial, Hardy, VA
Mr. Washington wrote about slavery in his autobiography, Up from Slavery.
Washington was a slave for nine years on the Burroughs plantation in Franklin
County. His autobiography shares a male perspective of slavery but what
about the female perspective of slavery? Park Ranger Betsy Haynes will
share stories about female slaves such as Harriet Jacobs who wrote, "When
they told me my new-born babe was a girl, my heart was heavier than it
had ever been before. Slavery is terrible for men; but it is far more
terrible for women." Ranger Haynes will also discuss plantation mistresses
and the relationships affected by the institution of slavery.
THE LEGACY SERVIES: FREDERICK DOUGLASS
February 24 at 3:00pm
Booker T. Washington National Memorial, Hardy, VA
In 1907, the most influential and powerful African American leader look
backwards at a pasted statesman to assist himself with looking forward
into the face of segregation and racial strife. Booker T. Washington wrote
the book Frederick Douglass to give honor to and help explain the life
and trials of the man that helped usher in the era of freedom. Park Ranger
Tim Sinclair will examine life of Douglass and Washington's tribute to
the leader about which he proclaimed, "No Negro can read and study
the life of Frederick Douglass without deriving from it courage to look
up and forward."
THE SWEETEST SOUND
February 16 at 11:00am
Colonial National Historical Park, Jamestown, VA
In recognition of the cultural contributions of African-Americans to the
development of Jamestown and the Virginia colony, a performance highlighting
music in the African-American experience will be given by storyteller
Sylvia Tabb-Lee. Entitled "The Sweetest Sound," Ms. Tabb-Lee
will utilize reproduced instruments and clothing to demonstrate how African-Americans
in colonial Virginia used storytelling, music and dance to preserve their
unique cultures while instilling morals and values in their children.
Ms. Tabb-Lee immerses herself in the essence of slavery, utilizing folklore
to help us understand the African-American experience through artistry
and storytelling.
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