February is Black History Month, a time to learn about and celebrate African American culture.
Connecticut’s Tributes to Black History
Connecticut is rich with Black history and stories of the trailblazing efforts that African American people have contributed to American History. Explore the state that spawned Harriet Beecher Stowe, whose abolitionist novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin helped change the world, the home of the first boarding school for women of color and the birthplace of a famous abolitionist.
In addition to touring the many black history landmarks and museums in Connecticut, a number of events will be held throughout the month.
Discussion & Screening: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (February 3, Bristol, CT)
The Black Lens: All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt (February 13, Stamford, CT)
Black History Month at the NBMAA (Various Dates, New Britain, CT)
Black History Month Concert: Anthony Smith and Fully Committed (February 17, Enfield, CT)
Yale Child Study Center: Black History Month Special Session (February 20, New Haven, CT)
Greenwich Historical Society Celebrates Black History Month
To honor Black History Month, the Greenwich Historical Society will present a series of events to drive greater understanding and appreciation of the Black American experience and more meaningful engagement in the community.
The Trials of Constant Baker Motley: Film Screening and Lecture (Wednesday, February 7) – In partnership with First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich and YWCA Greenwich, the Historical Society welcomes Constance L. Royster for a discussion on the remarkable legacy of Connecticut native Constance Baker Motley, followed by a screening of The Trials of Constance Baker Motley.
National Transcribe-a-Thon Creates Digital Resources for Teaching Black History (Wednesday, February 14) – In partnership with the League of Women Voters of Greenwich, the Historical Society invites area residents to join a national transcribe-a-thon organized by The Center for Black Digitial Research. Participants in Greenwich will join others nationwide in attempting to transcribe all 8,731 pages of Douglass’s correspondence from the Library of Congress in one day.
Event Dates: Throughout the month of February.
Registration: For more information or to register for a specific event, click here.
Black History Month at the Ferguson Library in Stamford, CT
The Ferguson Library will be hosting a variety of special events during Black History Month. On Thursday February 1 a month-long art gallery, Symphony of Colors opens. Curated by Isabella Montenegro, the show focuses on harmony featuring works by local and regional artists of color. The exhibit will be on display through March 21.
In addition, the Ferguson Library is hosting an evening with Dr. Tanisha C. Ford, author of Our Secret Society, on Thursday, February 8. Dr. Ford will discuss her book sharing the definitive story of Mollie Moon, the stylish founder of the National Urban League Guild who reigned over the glittering Beaux Arts Ball, the social event of New York and Harlem society for fifty years.
Black History Month Exhibition at Bethany Arts Community in Ossining, NY
The Bethany Arts Community is hosting its 4th annual Black History Month exhibition titled Black History & Culture: Black Presence. Profound Influence. Curated by Ossining Village Historian Joyce Sharrock Cole, the award-winning exhibit will open on February 2, 2024 (running through March 8, 2024). Each uniquely themed Exhibit Gallery will highlight a particular period in American History where the black presence made a profound impact on the community. Programming will include a theatre production, talks, and living museum actors with events in person, online, and traveling throughout the year with the History Walls.
Event Dates: The exhibit will be on view from February 2 through March 8, 2024. A gallery opening reception will be taking place on February 2.
Registration: For more information or to register for a specific event, click here.
Black History Month at the New Rochelle Public Library
In honor of Black History Month, the New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) is hosting a variety of events throughout the month. The library is hosting a six-week African Dance workshop (taking place on Saturday afternoons) where participants will learn basic traditional West African dance movements, culminating in a final performance for the public.
On Sunday, February 4, the library will be hosting a screening of the award-winning social documentary film The Presumption Of Guilt based on the best-selling book by Harvard Law Professor Charles Ogletree. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the film’s creative personnel Hafiz Farid and Shelley Grodner Seidenstein.
And on Sunday, February 11, NRPL and Young Musicians of Westchester are hosting an afternoon concert with Amadi Azikiwe and Mikael Darmanie.
Event Dates: Throughout the month of February.
Event Registration: To register, click here.
Black History Month at the Hudson River Museum
In celebration of Black History Month, the Hudson River Museum will be honoring African Americans who have influenced the course of American history and have become inspiring icons for so many. There’s something for everyone, from a Soul of Love musical event with DJ Sunny Cheeba (Friday, February 2), to Black Pearls of Wisdom Family Art Workshops weekends throughout February and an immersive program celebrating the rich and vibrant history of Hip Hop in Yonkers (Sunday, February 25).
Event Dates: Throughout the month of February.
Event Registration: To register, click here.
Westchester County African American Heritage Trail
Residents of Westchester County can commemorate Black History Month with a self-guided tour of the African American Heritage Trail and explore the African American historical sites and culture that is woven through Westchester’s communities.
Home to 14 historical landmarks on the African American Heritage Trail, dating back to the 17th century, Westchester has a long history as a home to African American culture.
