Looking to engage with history? Here's your guide to Black History Month events in Delaware (2024)

Anitra JohnsonDelaware News Journal

Although Black American history is American history, it historically has not been widely taught, acknowledged or embraced. Despite the disregard, Black communities organized events and tributes to honor Black achievements and history following the abolishment of slavery.

In 1915, after witnessing thousands of people wait in line to view exhibitions commemorating emancipation, historian Carter G. Woodson was inspired to further promote the celebration. The Harvard-educated scholar designated February as the month for an annual observance because it included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass — two highly esteemed figures among Black Americans.

Woodson's dedication paid off. His establishment of "Negro History Week" in 1926 has evolved to become Black History Month and continues to be celebrated. Homages for Black History Month through performances, lectures, displays and other activities have led to wider acceptance and acknowledgment of the accomplishments, identities and heritage of Black Americans.

Delaware Online/The News Journal is compiling a list of events and activities scheduled throughout the month to celebrate Black History Month. If you would like your event to be featured here, please email us.

Here are a few to put on your calendar:

By Land & By Sea: Wilmington's Underground Railroad

Saturday, Feb. 3, 1 to 4:30 p.m., Kalmar Nyckel Foundation 1124 East Seventh St., Wilmington

Explore Wilmington's maritime Underground Railroad history. There will be a special performance by Harriet Tubman actor-historian Dr. Daisy Century at 2:30 p.m. Visit kalmarnyckel.org for more information.

  • Free admission, parking and museum tours.
  • Free crafts, activities and prizes for children.
  • Free Tours of "The Rocks" in Fort Christina where "conductors" helped freedom seekers on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom (weather dependent)
  • Bring money for face painting

The YMCA of Delaware

Saturday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Walnut Street YMCA, Wilmington

Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Middletown Family YMCA, Middletown

Saturday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA, Newark

The YMCA will recognize “Delaware’s Trailblazers" with a series of events in February. From book fairs and live performances to a Black-owned business expo, there will be something for everyone. for details on which event or activity will take place, contact the YMCA of Delaware.

A Race Against Race Quilt Series

Feb. 3 to Feb. 25, Times vary St. John’s Episcopal Church, Havre de Grace, Maryland

Visitors are invited to attend this free exhibit and three-part conversation series to explore and discuss the use of quilting as a form of expression against police killings of Black women and men.

Creating a Community, Leaving a Legacy

Saturday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m. to 3p.m.,Route 9 Library & Innovation Center, 3022 New Castle Ave., New Castle

Live performances, food and activities for the whole family.

Henrietta Johnson Medical Center Black History Month Celebration

Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m., Route 9 Library & Innovation Center, 3022 New Castle Ave., New Castle

Come for the free lunch and stay for the games, vendors and speakers!

  • Free lunch for the first 50 guests
  • Raffles
  • Information, vendors and speakers

The Raising Kings BHIM Summit

Thursday, Feb. 29, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Police Athletic League, 3707 North Market Street, Wilmington

One Village Alliance, in collaboration with the Red Clay Consolidated School District, Delaware Department of Public Health and Jobs for Delaware Graduates, is holding its annual Raising Kings mentorship conference in conjunction with Black History Month. This year, the conference will honor history makers from the local community with a theme called "Black History In the Making." The event will include group discussions, presentations and conversations led by entrepreneurs, experts, and leaders to inspire and motivate school-age boys to become outstanding individuals in their generation.

Free admission at the Biggs Museum of American Art

Sundays in February, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street, Dover

In honor of Black History Month, the Biggs Museum of American Art is offering free admission every Sunday in February from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inspired by the 1971 film, 'The Five' by Delawarean Dom Albi, visitors can explore an exhibition featuring the works of five notable Black artists. Join a guided tour from 2 to 2:30 p.m. led by members of The Links, Incorporated to gain insight into the artists, their techniques and the cultural significance of each piece.

This event is part of Dover's Citywide Black History Celebration. To discover more events taking place in the capital city, visit delmarvaevents.net.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Introduction

As an expert in public speaking and communication, I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in this article. I have a deep understanding of the principles and techniques of effective public speaking, as well as the importance of structuring a speech and engaging with an audience. I will use my expertise to address the concepts mentioned in the article and provide you with valuable insights.

Concepts Related to Public Speaking

  1. Black History Month: Black History Month is an annual observance that celebrates the achievements, identities, and heritage of Black Americans. It originated from the establishment of "Negro History Week" in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson. The month of February was chosen for this observance because it includes the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two highly esteemed figures among Black Americans.

  2. Homages for Black History Month: Homages for Black History Month refer to the various events and activities organized to honor Black achievements and history. These events can include performances, lectures, displays, and other activities that promote wider acceptance and acknowledgment of the accomplishments of Black Americans.

  3. Underground Railroad: The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada during the 19th century. The article mentions an event called "By Land & By Sea: Wilmington's Underground Railroad," which explores Wilmington's maritime Underground Railroad history.

  4. Quilting as a form of expression: The article mentions an exhibit and conversation series called "A Race Against Race Quilt Series," which explores the use of quilting as a form of expression against police killings of Black women and men. This event invites visitors to attend the exhibit and engage in discussions about the cultural significance of quilting.

  5. Community and Legacy: The event "Creating a Community, Leaving a Legacy" aims to bring people together through live performances, food, and activities. It provides an opportunity for families to engage in activities that celebrate Black history and culture.

  6. Black History Month Celebration: The Henrietta Johnson Medical Center organizes a Black History Month Celebration that includes free lunch, games, vendors, and speakers. This event aims to bring the community together and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans.

  7. Raising Kings BHIM Summit: The Raising Kings BHIM Summit is an annual mentorship conference held in collaboration with the Red Clay Consolidated School District, Delaware Department of Public Health, and Jobs for Delaware Graduates. The conference aims to inspire and motivate school-age boys to become outstanding individuals in their generation. It includes group discussions, presentations, and conversations led by entrepreneurs, experts, and leaders.

  8. Free admission at the Biggs Museum of American Art: The Biggs Museum of American Art offers free admission every Sunday in February in honor of Black History Month. Visitors can explore an exhibition featuring the works of five notable Black artists and join guided tours to gain insight into the artists and their techniques.

Conclusion

These are some of the concepts related to public speaking and Black History Month mentioned in this article. If you have any specific questions or would like more information on any of these topics, feel free to ask!

Looking to engage with history? Here's your guide to Black History Month events in Delaware (2024)
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