RECOMMENDATIONS

In a six-episode limited docu-series, The 1619 Project is an expansion of the original piece in The New York Times Magazine and the novel version created by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones. The episodes center on specific topics (Democracy, Race, Music, Capitalism, Fear, and Justice) and how the dark (and sometimes secret) legacy of slavery in America has informed, shaped, and derailed the lives of so many Black Americans and how it is still shaping the lives of Americans of color in 2023. "It's not a documentary about Black people," says Hannah-Jones. "It's a documentary series about America...[and] offers a better understanding of the country we live in."

Comprised of 18 essays exploring the legacy or slavery in present-day America, The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story brings together the thoughts of several writers on the wide range of Black experiences in America. Woven through with photographs as well as poems and pieces of short fiction inspired by historical events, the book offers new and sometimes unexpected links between past and present. The book asserts that the full origin story of the United States does not being with the arrival of The Mayflower in 1620, but with that of the vessel, The White Lion, and its cargo of captive African human beings that landed in Virginia the year prior.

Feb 18-May 14

Fighters for Freedom Exhibition at OKCMOA

William H. Johnson painted his Fighters for Freedom series in the mid-1940s as a tribute to Black activists, scientists, teachers, and performers as well as international heads of state working to bring peace to the world. Some of his Fighters Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, Marian Anderson, and Mahatma Gandhi are familiar historical figures; others are less wellknown individuals whose determination and sacrifice have been eclipsed over time. The exhibition is drawn entirely from the collection of more than 1,000 works by Johnson and opens Saturday, February 18 and remains available until May 14. Tickets can be purchased online at okcmoa.com.

Step Afrika! Performance at OCCC

Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Under Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe, and the Company now ranks as one of the top ten African-American dance companies in the United States. Showing audiences the art of stepping through both a traditional and contemporary lens, the company will perform on Tuesday, February 28, at 7:30pm at Oklahoma City Community College Tickets are available at occc.edu/events/step-afrika.

Feb 128

OKC Black Restaurant BINGO

Beginning February 1, OKC foodies are invited to participate in OKC Black Restaurant BINGO! Download a kit through okcblackeats.com and you'll be provided with a BINGO card to show at participating establishments across the metro ranging in flavors from donuts and pastries to organic juices to seafood to soul food There are multiple ways to win fabulous prizes (such as with a diagonal, horizontal, vertical or blackout BINGO) and multiple ways to be intentional with your spending during Black History & Heritage Month! Your financial support can directly impact these local, small Black-Owned businesses with the ultimate goal of generating $1Million in spending! Email events@okcblackeats.com with any questions and to get a game board!