NORRISTOWN, PA — In a vibrant tribute to African American contributions to the arts, Montgomery County will host a series of events this February as part of its annual Black History Program. This year’s theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” encompasses an array of topics ranging from movies, music, hair art, to fashion. The program, which promises to be both informative and engaging, culminates in a live, in-person celebration.
The month-long festivities kick-off with a series of three virtual panel discussions held on the first three Wednesdays in February, each running from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will then transition from the digital realm to the physical world on Wednesday, February 28, with an in-person celebration. Taking place at the Human Services Center’s Community Room from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the finale features live performances followed by lunch.
As voiced by Jamila H. Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, “This year’s Black History Program is a meaningful celebration of the influence of African Americans in American arts and culture. Music, movies, and art create unifying experiences that are important to all of us. Each year, we bring people from all backgrounds together to learn about and reflect on the African American experience. Recognizing the rich and remarkable influences these experiences have on our county and our country is incredibly important.”
The Black History Program, hosted by Montgomery County’s Black History Month Committee, aligns its focus with the national theme set by the Association for the Study of African American Life & History (ASALH). Each week of virtual discussions will revolve around a specific theme, with panelists fielding questions related to the topic at hand. Registered participants will also have the opportunity to pose their questions at the end of each event.
The roots of Black History Month stretch back to 1926 when Historian Carter G. Woodson, often referred to as the Father of Black History, initiated Black History Week. The celebration was originally timed to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In the mid-1970s, this week-long observance expanded into the month-long celebration we recognize today.
These celebrations, open to all community members, underscore the significant impact of African American contributions to arts and culture, an influence that continues to resonate on a national scale. By spotlighting these contributions, Montgomery County’s Black History Program not only pays tribute to African American artists but also fosters a deeper understanding of the richness and diversity of our shared cultural heritage. The virtual events will be livestreamed on the Health and Human Services Facebook page, ensuring that this celebration of African American artistry and innovation reaches as wide an audience as possible.
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