February is Black History Month, a time to learn about and celebrate African American culture.
Black History Month Events at the White Plains Library
This February, the White Plains Library is celebrating Black History Month with various events for all ages. A Black History StoryWalk (month-long exhibit) invites children to stroll through the library’s Gallery and follow the story of Molly Williams, America’s first female firefighter. For music and dance lovers, an Afro-Fusion dance event with Amanda Armenteros is a great way to experience African rhythms (February 18 at 2:00pm). And for at-home learning, children’s Black History Month Grab & Go kits (for K-3rd Grade) will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To see a full list of Black History Month events hosted by the White Plains Library, and to register for an 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 February 4 a month-long art gallery, Black Resilience: Love & Legacy opens. Curated by Jean Benoit, the exhibit is dedicated to recognizing Black excellence, reflecting on the community’s historic struggles, and celebrating its many achievements.
Each Friday in February, the library will be showing a classic movie matinee featuring award-winning African American films including A Raisin in the Sun.
For children, a Black History Month Musical Storytime with Orchestra Lumos (February 11 at 11:00am) offers a musical interpretation of Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina by Lea Lyon and A. LaFaye.
An African American Read-In (February 11 at 12:30pm) led by youth and civic leaders encourages communities to come together to read books about the African American experience.
To see a full list of Black History Month events taking place at the Ferguson Library and to register for an event click here.
Black History Month Exhibition at Bethany Arts Community in Ossining, NY
The Bethany Arts Community is hosting its annual Black History Month exhibition titled Fulfilling the Vision. Curated by Ossining Village Historian Joyce Sharrock Cole, the exhibit highlights the steps taken by Black visionaries in our neighborhoods who worked diligently, intentionally, and purposefully to uplift the Black race in Westchester and beyond. Programming will include concerts, talks, curator tours, and living museum actors.
Event Dates: The exhibit will be on view from January 28 through March 3, 2023. A gallery opening reception will be taking place on January 28.
Registration: For more information or to register for a specific event, click here.
Bokandeye African Dance Workshop at the New Rochelle Public Library
In honor of Black History Month, the New Rochelle Public library is hosting a 6 week African Dance workshop where participants will learn basic traditional West African dance movements, some of which date back to the 13th century Old Mali Empire. The workshop culminates in a final performance in the Ossie Davis Theater at the New Rochelle Public Library, featuring workshop students. Appropriate for children, teens, and adults.
Event Dates: Workshop begins Saturday, February 4 at 2:00pm
Event Registration: To register, click here.
Black History Family Art Workshop 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. Participants will use printed images of Black historical figures, reflective decorative paper, and glitter glue to create their own shining “vintage” postcard. Recommended for ages 5+.
Event Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, February 11–26, 1–4pm; Monday, February 20 – Friday, February 24, 1–4pm
Event Registration: To register, click here.
A Concert Celebrating Diversity at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater
A unique recgonition of Black History Month, Broadway Perspectives: A Concert Celebrating Diversity features five Broadway artists of color celebrating their identity through their art by recreating their most memorable musical performances and honoring the icons that came before them. The evening will showcase musical selections from Hamilton; Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations; The Lion King; Ragtime; The Wiz; The Color Purple; Chicago; The Book of Mormon; The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess; Aida; Ain’t Misbehavin’ ; Smokey Joe’s Café; Show Boat; Five Guys Named Moe and more. The cast will display their versatility as well as share personal stories that enrich their narrative and provide new and exciting perspectives.
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.
Westchester has a long history as a home to African American culture. Westchester County is home to 14 historical landmarks on the African American Heritage Trail, dating back to the 17th century.
From the important collection of African art at the Neuberger Museum of Art in Purchase, to the Jack Peterson Memorial in Croton, and the statue of Ella Fitzgerald in Yonkers, take a tour of Westchester’s African American cultural sites using the African American Heritage Trail as your guide.
