News Release
Powerful Places to Honor Black History Month in Virginia
~ Special exhibits, tours, events and festivals highlight African-American history ~
(RICHMOND, Va. – January 25, 2010) Celebrate Black History Month by tracing proud achievements of African Americans from early struggles to modern successes. Learn about the culture of the first known Africans in Virginia at Jamestown Settlement; applaud the achievements of African Americans in aviation at the Virginia Air and Space Center; experience the daily life of a slave at Mount Vernon and Monticello or remember the courageous people who resisted slavery along the Underground Railroad.
Events throughout the Commonwealth, from special exhibits, guided tours, film festivals and musical performances, showcase African-American history and culture. Below are some highlights of Black History Month events in Virginia, with a complete listing and getaway ideas found on www.Virginia.org:
Black History Month at Mount Vernon - Fairfax
In observance of Black History Month, Mount Vernon, interpreters highlight the lives and contributions of the slaves who built and worked at the plantation home of George and Martha Washington. A daily Slave Life at Mount Vernon tour explores the lives and contributions of the slaves who lived at Mount Vernon. February 1 - 28, 2010.
The Underground Railroad in Northern Virginia – Manassas
Dr. Deborah Lee will speak about the Underground Railroad in Northern Virginia, specifically sites along the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area. Dr. Lee will highlight people and places that show how many in the region resisted slavery or assisted others in the escape to freedom. Dr. Lee recently authored; Honoring Their Paths: African American Contributions along the Journey Through Hallowed Ground, which highlights 300 years of African American contributions to American history. February 25, 2010.
From Africa to Virginia Theme Month - Jamestown
At Jamestown Settlement, gallery exhibits and a special gallery brochure highlight the culture of the first known Africans in Virginia, from the kingdom of Ndongo in Angola. Guided tours of the museum’s outdoor living-history areas will compare fishing, hunting, construction and metalworking skills of Africans in Angola with technology used in 17th-century Virginia. February 1 - 28, 2010.
Take Our Stand: The African American Military Experience in the Age of Jim Crow - Black History Museum and Cultural Center – Richmond
Produced in partnership with the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, Take Our Stand: the African American Military Experience in the Age of Jim Crow is a new exhibit from the American Civil War Center that chronicles the black military experience from the Spanish-American War to the desegregation of the U.S. military. Take Our Stand features rare historic images and documents reproduced from the Center’s John H.Motley Collection, an interactive lesson plan for students, and feedback panels where visitors can record reactions to the exhibit. February 5 - May 29, 2010.
Black History Month Lecture and Soul Food Tasting – Alexandria
Join the Alexandria Black History Museum and members of the NAACP for the annual Black History Month lecture and soul food tasting. The featured guest speaker will discuss the 2010 theme, "The History of Black Economic Empowerment." Following the lecture, guests will sample variety of African American traditional foods. This year’s event returns to the Charles Houston Recreation Center. February 28, 2010.
Black History Month Celebration at the Virginia Air and Space Center – Hampton
Celebrate the achievements of African Americans in aviation, space and technology at the Black History Month Celebration at the Virginia Air & Space Center. Discover famous African American inventors. Learn about the man who established the American Red Cross Blood Bank and an inventor who improved the golf tee. Meet a NASA Astronaut who knows a thing or two about new space exploration technology. February 13, 2010.
Horseback Ride in Honor of Black History Month – Portsmouth
The Buffalo Riders of Hampton Roads, an equestrian team founded in 1997 to honor the memory of the Buffalo Soldiers, celebrates Black History Month each year with an eight-mile horseback ride through Portsmouth. About 75 to 100 horseback riders participate. February 20, 2010.
Monticello "Answering the Bell: Working the House at Monticello" Tours - Charlottesville
Special guided house tours focusing on the experiences of enslaved men and women who worked in the Monticello household will begin at noon and 2 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in February plus President’s Day (Monday, Feb. 15). Included in price of admission; register upon arrival at Dominion Welcome Pavilion. February 5 - 28, 2010.
“From Africa to Appalachia” Benefit Concert – Roanoke
Bluegrass and gospel music will highlight “From Africa to Appalachia,” the annual benefit concert for Kimoyo, LTD., at Roanoke's Jefferson Center. This year’s show features The Wright Kids, Larnell Starkey and the Spiritual Seven, and the Zambian Vocal Group. Kimoyo funds the development of education initiatives for local students that enhance their self-respect, expose them to African culture, history and art, and help them develop an appreciation for cultural diversity. February 27, 2010.
African American Exhibit at the Montpelier Station Train Depot - Montpelier Station
Celebrate the opening of the historic Montpelier Station Train Depot exhibit of African American life in the 20th Century for Black History Month. Also check out Montpelier, the lifelong home of James Madison, Father of the Constitution, architect of the Bill of Rights and president of the United States. February 20, 2010.
African-American Film Festival – Newport News
The Virginia War Museum will host a film festival during the month of February featuring three films with African-American themes. The schedule for the festival is as follows:
February 13: Men of Bronze, a story of African-American soldiers who served with the French army in World War I.
February 20: Glory, a 1989 movie starring Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman and Matthew Broderick, that chronicles the all-black 54th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
February 27: Liberators: Fighting on Two Fronts in World War II, a documentary narrated by Denzel Washington and Louis Gossett, Jr., that tells the unknown story of African-American battalions in World War II.
Storytelling at Booker T. Washington National Monument – Hardy
Each year, thousands of students explore the life and times of the man that came 'Up from Slavery' to become the founder of Tuskegee Institute, orator, author and statesman. Royal Shiree takes storytelling to a new level at this special event at the Booker T. Washington National Monument. February 20, 2010.
For more information on Black History Month events and African-American heritage attractions in Virginia visit www.Virginia.org. To request a free, 2010 Virginia is for Lovers travel guide, visit www.Virginia.org or call 1-800-VISITVA.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
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Tamra Talmadge-Anderson Director of Public Relations 804-545-5573 ttanderson@virginia.org |
Richard Lewis Public Relations Manager 804-545-5574 rlewis@virginia.org |
