News Release

National Park to Celebrate African American History Month

Date: February 8, 2013

Contact: Dave Schafer
Phone number: [phone]

Topeka, KS - Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site is pleased to announce a dynamic lineup of events to help celebrate African American History Month. From contemporary poetry, to music of the Jazz Age, to the sounds and dances of the 1950s, the park is serving up a diverse array of events that highlight both local and national figures and their legacy in defining the African American story.

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site events for the month include:

• Sunday, February 17th at 2 p.m. -Black Business Women's Network Poetry Slam highlights five local women authors and their stories. Following the reading, authors will be on hand to sign their books. Light refreshments will be provided.
• Monday, February 18th at 7 p.m. - Necessary Sacrifices is a theatrical production featuring acclaimed actors Hawthorne James as Frederick Douglass and Peter Bretz as Abraham Lincoln. Together, they portray an extraordinary relationship bridging the racial divide during Civil War.
• Thursday, February 21st at 7 p.m. - The Evolution of Jazz features Dennis Winslett, educator, historian, and musician. He will highlight the excitement of the Jazz Age, music of the Gatsby period, and the evolution of Jazz.
• Saturday, February 23rd at 7 p.m. - From Race Records to Rock &Roll recreates a 1950s sock hop, where visitors will be invited to learn how to perform risqué dances like the twist, the locomotion, and more to the beats of live music! Period clothing is encouraged.
• Saturday, March 2nd at 6:30 p.m. (At Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library) - Bessie Blues with Queen Bey brings to life one of the most popular Jazz singers of the 1920s. Her one woman show is directed by Kevin Willmott, professor of film at The University of Kansas and award-winning film writer and director.

In addition to the scheduled programs, park staff will be visiting with dozens of school groups throughout the month for structured, curriculum-based educational programs that focus on the African American story here in Topeka. All programs are free of charge. The park also provides transportation grants as needed to help offset school bus costs. Please contact park ranger Nick Murray at [phone] to make a reservation.

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site tells the story of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that ended legal segregation in public schools. The site is located at 1515 SE Monroe Street in Topeka, Kansas, and is open free of charge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with the exceptions of Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1. For more information call 785-354-4273 or visit www.nps.gov/brvb and www.facebook.com/brownvboardnps