pgparks.com
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2021
Top right: Dr. Mae C. Jemison Center (left to right): Representative Shirley Chisholm, Sugar Ray Leonard Bottom (left to right): Dr. Ernest Carter, Vice President Kamala Harris, Dr. Charles R. Drew
02 | M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Dear Friends: On behalf of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), I am thrilled to invite you to experience a new, digital twist to the annual M-NCPPC Black History Month exhibition. “Black Health Matters: An Undoctored History of Health Care and Healing Traditions in the Black Community,” curated by the Black History Program of the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, will feature a series of online mini-documentaries, interviews and profiles exploring the complex history and advancements in medicine and health care within the African American community. This year’s exhibit is ever timely as our nation continues to combat the coronavirus pandemic which has had a disproportionate impact on minority communities. It has also placed a new spotlight on health disparities, as Black and Latino Americans account for COVID-19 cases and deaths at a greater percentage than other races. Findings reported in the Prince George’s County Primary Healthcare Strategic Plan outline what we have long known – County residents experience higher rates of asthma, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer when compared to state averages. Past discoveries and medical career breakthroughs have inspired the collaborative efforts to build an integrated care system and health culture that offer accessible, coordinated, high-quality, and patient-centered care to our residents. Armed with our history, we celebrate the late Dr. Henry A. Wise – the first African American admitted to practice at Prince George’s County Hospital, to the stellar leadership of Ernest Carter, M.D., Prince George’s County’s Health Officer, who is leading the County through the current global health crisis. This year we are Prince George’s PROUD and have much to celebrate as we embark on a new era of healthcare with the impending completion of our world-class, leading-edge University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center – slated to open in Largo in 2021. This winter, as we continue to adhere to safe health practices and social-distancing guidelines, let’s explore and share the M-NCPPC Black Health Matters collection together – VIRTUALLY – from the warmth and comfort of our own homes. Please mask-up, stay safe, healthy and ever-hopeful!
Elizabeth M. Hewlett Chair, Prince George’s County Planning Board and The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2021 | 03
The M-NCPPC Black History Program strives to bring an engaging month of African –American history, educational and cultural experiences, and this year is no exception. This year’s national theme “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity” is the perfect backdrop for the past year. The Black family has confronted social and racial injustice, as well as healthcare disparities and the economic hardships of a global pandemic. This year’s programs are virtual due to the impacts of COVID-19, but they are no less impactful. The month-long program of events begins, January 31, with the unveiling of the Annual Black History Month Poster. This program started more than 30 years ago, as a contest and has grown into a Visual Summer Arts Internship, producing complex and rare artistic beauty, awaited and sought by residents throughout the County. This year, due to the pandemic, we enlisted professional artist and scholar, Curlee R. Holton. Holton is a printmaker and painter, with work exhibited internationally, as far away as Egypt, and closer to home at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the National Gallery of Art. In the coming weeks, virtual programs to interest the entire family include, an intellectual panel discussion, Generations: Music and the Black Family; and, a masterclass on the uniquely African-American rhythmic tradition of stepping from the renowned dance company, Step Afrika! Learn about your roots, from holistic healing traditions practiced by African ancestors, to workshops and storytelling that delve into genealogy and bring the past to life. We end the month with presentations including Black Lives Matter: Past, Present, and Future, exploring the stories and methods of the early rights movement that featured individuals like Nina Simone and Sydney Poitier. They explore the present movement’s wave of change rippling around the world; and from our young people, the possibilities of what the future holds delivered in the art of spoken word.
I know you will be enriched by what our team has put together. Sincerely,
Bill Tyler, Director The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation
04 | M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Celebrate and Honor African American Heritage during Black History Month!
From performances to history lessons to festivals, there are plenty of exciting M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation events planned this year. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, ALL programs will be held virtually. To register for a program, visit pgparksdirect.com and enter the activity code in the search box. Note: Many events require participants to download the group chat program/software called Microsoft Teams®. A computer operating system running Windows 10 or newer, or Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan is required. Programs and performers are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit blackhistory.pgparks.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Annual Black History Month Exhibition.................................................. 8
Senior Black History in Motion Virtual Concert...................................... 10
Opening Reception for Black History Month 2021 Exhibition............................ 9
African American Military Aviators (Part 1)..................................... 10 The Game of Lacrosse from the Perspectives of Athletes of Color........11 African American Military Aviators (Part 2)......................................11 Generations: Music and the Black Family.................11 Masterclass with Step Afrika!.............. 12 Black History Scavenger Hunt............. 13
Lee, Russell, photographer. “Line of Negroes waiting to see the doctor Saturday morning, San Augustine, Texas.” Photograph courtesy of the Library of Congress.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2021 | 05
Negro League Baseball and Prince George’s County.................14 “She the People” Speaker Series.........15 African American Aviators....................16 The Power of the Black Dollar in Prince George’s County........................17 Dream Like Me........................................17 A Question of Freedom: The Freedom Suits from Prince George’s County........................18
Healthy Soul Food Cooking Demo.......18 The Root of It All: Traditional Healing Practices in African American Culture......................19 Uncovering the History of Black Aviation in Prince George’s County.....19 Voices from the Past: Leontyne Price........................................20 Heritage Signature Chorale..................21
06 | M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Smith, Roger, photographer. “ Answering call for volunteer nurses aides. Freedmen’s Hospital, Washington, D.C. Senior aide Louise Beleno assists staff nurse Vashti Hall in the care of the patients. Nurse Hall is shown holding food cart, while Aide Beleno feeds another patient.” Photograph courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Grow It, Eat It, & Drink It! The Benefits Are Endless!.....................22 Finding Our Heritage: Lakeland Heritage and Youth Arts Corps............22 It’s a Family A-Fair: African American Family Festival........................................24 Black Lives Matter: Past, Present, and Future...............................................24 Ultimate HBCU Experience...................25
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2021 | 07
Annual Black History Month Exhibition Black Health Matters: An Undoctored History of Health Care and Healing Traditions in the Black Community Within the black community, there continues to exist a deep mistrust of the medical profession, which is rooted in a history of racism, exclusion, inequality, and exploitation in the nation’s systems of healthcare. This year’s exhibition will delve into this mistrust through an exploration of the history of medicine and health care within the African American community. It will explore a variety of subjects on the local and national levels, including the influence of West African healing and health practices on the lives of the enslaved, the exploitation of black patients for the advancement of American medicine, the struggle of African Americans to enter the medical profession, and the success of black community in developing their own medical institutions as well as integrating those established by white Americans. This year’s exhibition departs from the national theme for Black History Month in order to highlight the 2021 opening of the UM Capital Region Medical Center in Largo, a critical addition to the healthcare landscape in Prince George’s County. Simultaneously, this theme builds upon important national discussions initiated over the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the black community have been disproportionately affected by this devastating virus. Therefore, it is important now more than ever to analyze the history of racism and exclusion in our nation’s systems of healthcare that have exacerbated this pandemic. This year’s exhibition will be virtual, consisting of a series of mini-documentaries, interviews, and profiles released during February and March 2021. This content can be accessed online at blackhistory.pgparks.com. The exhibition is curated by the M-NCPPC Black History Program. blackhistory@pgparks.com NHRD-SPEC-GA-20210131 All ages Mon Feb 1-Wed Mar 31 Free
08 | M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Virtual Opening Ceremony for Black History Month 2021 Please join us for the virtual opening ceremony for the Department’s celebration of Black History Month. Learn more about this year’s exhibition focusing on health care in the Black community and witness the unveiling of the 2021 Black History Month poster. blackhistory@pgparks.com NHRD-SPEC-GA-20210131 All ages Sun Jan 31 Free
2:00 - 3:30pm
Bain News Service, publisher. “Hospital, Tuskegee.” Photograph courtesy of the Library of Congress.
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Senior Black History in Motion Virtual Concert Celebrate Black History Month with a historical journey highlighting the contributions of African Americans through musical performances. Recording artists The Tribe Band will perform music from various genres including soul, R&B, blues, jazz, and inspirational. This virtual concert, which consists of three 20-minute mini-concerts merged into a one-hour performance, will be prerecorded and posted on our YouTube channel and Facebook page @pgparks. PublickPlayhouse@pgparks.com SPD-SPEC-GA-20210201 60 & up Mon Feb 1 Free
10:00 - 11:00am
African American Military Aviators (Part 1) Learn about African American military aviators and the Tuskegee Airmen and their connection to Prince George’s County and Maryland at large. AviationMuseum@pgparks.com CPAM-SPEC-GA-20210203 All ages Wed Feb 3 Free
6:00pm - 7:00pm
10 | M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
The Game of Lacrosse from the Perspectives of Athletes of Color Join this virtual conversation featuring current and former athletes as they discuss their journey in the game of lacrosse and the challenges they faced by being an athlete of color. blackhistory@pgparks.com YCSD-SPEC-GA-20210203A 10 & up Wed Feb 3 Free
6:30 - 7:30pm
African American Military Aviators (Part 2)
Join us for a virtual watch party as we watch a movie highlighting African American military aviators. An activity packet for kids will be available prior to the movie. A link to the movie will be emailed upon a completed registration. AviationMuseum@pgparks.com CPAM-SPEC-GA-20210205 All ages Fri Feb 5 Free
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Generations:
Music and the Black Family This engaging panel discussion, based on the 2021 Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASLAH) theme of the Black family, delves into a focus of generations and how musical differences and similarities have helped unify or divide the Black American family. The multi-generational panel includes a music historian, social scientist, and musician. montpelier.arts@pgparks.com MAC-SPEC-GA-20210206 All ages Sat Feb 6 Free
1:00pm - 2:00pm
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Masterclass with Step Afrika! Move to the beat with one of the most celebrated step dance companies in the world. Don’t miss four classes with the renowned Step Afrika! These master tutorials are dedicated to the tradition of stepping and are perfect for anyone who loves to step or is new to this storied art form. All levels are welcome. PublickPlayHouse@pgparks.com 31687-167A Sat
All ages 1:00 - 2:00pm Free
1 class Feb 6
31687-167B Sat
All ages 1:00 - 2:00pm Free
1 class Feb 13
31687-167C Sat
All ages 1:00 - 2:00pm Free
1 class Feb 20
31687-167D Sat
All ages 1:00 - 2:00pm Free
1 class Feb 27
12 | M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Black History Scavenger Hunt This fun scavenger hunt involves downloading a FREE app on your smartphone and earning points as you, your family, or your team answer trivia questions, participate in activities, take photos and videos, and complete GPS check-ins at various locations. Prizes will be awarded to the teams in first, second, and third place! Participants can keep up-todate with the competition with a live leaderboard game news feed. The adventure is a fun, fully interactive, adrenaline-pumping social distancing experience. Team leaders must purchase a ticket for the game of choice at pgparksdirect.com. Note: all names of team member(s) must be included on the online ticket. Afterward, the team leader or individual will receive the private game code and instructions. Please make sure your email is correct in your PARKS DIRECT account. bladensburgwp@pgparks.com
Family Hunt BWP-SPEC-GA-20210207 All ages Sun, Feb 7 8 am $3(R); $4(NR) 31696-178A 10 - 18yrs. Doubles Team Hunt BWP-SPEC-GA-20210214 18 & up Sun. Feb. 14 $3(R); $4(NR) Individual Hunt BWP-SPEC-GA-20210221 15 & up Sun. Feb 21 $3(R); $4(NR)
1 class
8 am
8 am
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Negro League Baseball and Prince George’s County Join this virtual panel discussion centered on Prince George’s County’s rich history of Negro League Baseball and the impact on the game today. Participants will have an opportunity to engage with local experts during the post-discussion Q & A session. Registration is required. blackhistory@pgparks.com YCSD-SPEC-GA-20210209 10 & up Tue Feb 9 Free
6:30 - 7:30pm
The Washington Homestead Grays circa 1946. Photograph courtesy of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Inc.
14 | M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
“She the People” Speaker Series “She the People” is a nonpartisan, political M-NCPPC summer camp for teen girls offered to engage, educate, and inspire youth to pursue leadership roles in politics, activism, and business. The speaker series will be led by past program participants and moderated by current staff as they discuss camp topics and current events. The series will also include panel discussions on a variety of topics including the historic election of Kamala Harris, Black entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rise of youth activism within the Black Lives Matter movement. blackhistory@pgparks.com 31696-178A Wed
10 - 18yrs. 7:00 - 8:00pm Free
1 class Feb 10
31696-178B Wed
10 - 18yrs. 7:00 - 8:00pm Free
1 class Feb 17
31696-179C Wed
10 - 18yrs. 7:00 - 8:00pm Free
1 class Feb 24
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African American Aviators Learn more about the national story of Black aviation history, illustrated through the aircraft collection of the College Park Aviation Museum. Kids will be able to follow along with the tour through activities that will be provided prior to the event. This pre-recorded tour will be followed by a live panel discussion with museum staff. AviationMuseum@pgparks.com CPAM-SPEC-GA-20210210 All ages Wed Feb 10 Free
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Frissell, Toni, photographer. “Ground crew sweats in a mission.” Photograph courtesy of the Library of Congress.
16 | M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
The Power of the Black Dollar in Prince George’s County Never underestimate the power of the Black dollar. We will explore the past, present and future value of Prince George’s County’s Black dollar. saarc@pgparks.com SAARC-SPEC-GA-20210213 All ages Sat Feb 13 Free
10:00 - 11:30am
Dream Like Me This virtual costumed event features storytelling, arts & crafts, an interactive “royal workout,” and interactive games centered on fairytales where the characters are children of color. All participants will receive a royal gift bag that contains a book, stickers, and supplies for arts & crafts. blackhistory@pgparks.com SPLEX-SPEC-GA-20210213 3 - 9yrs. Sat Feb 13 Free
2:00pm - 3:30pm
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A Question of Freedom:
The Freedom Suits from Prince George’s County Presentation by Marietta House Museum and the Prince George’s County Historical Society: Join Dr. William G. Thomas III, author and history professor from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, to discuss his new book, A Question of Freedom: The Families Who Challenged Slavery from the Nation’s Founding to the Civil War (released in November 2020). Dr. Thomas will describe the Butler family’s journey from bondage at Marietta in Prince George’s County to freedom in Washington, D.C. in 1831. blackhistory@pgparks.com
NHRD-SPEC-GA-20210131 All ages Mon Feb 15 $5(R); $7(NR)
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Healthy Soul Food Cooking Demo Join us for a fun, virtual cooking demonstration to learn how to prepare delicious, healthy soul food meals for you and your family. Registration is required. blackhistory@pgparks.com YCSD-SPEC-GA-20210218 18 & up Thu Feb 18 Free
6:00 - 7:00pm
18 | M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
The Root of It All:
Traditional Healing Practices in African American Culture This event introduces participants to holistic and traditional healing methods utilized by our ancestors in early civilizations, as well as the present day. Participants will also have the opportunity to address certain concerns that plague the African American community, including healthcare disparities with European American women and African American women. templehillscc@pgparks.com SAO-SPEC-GA-20210218 18 & up Thu Feb 18 Free
6:00 - 8:00pm
Uncovering the History of Black Aviation in Prince George’s County Join us for a fascinating lecture and discussion on the history of the Columbia Air Center, the first African American owned and operated airfield in Maryland and second in the nation. AviationMuseum@pgparks.com CPAM-SPEC-GA-20210221 All ages Sat Feb 20 Free
11:00am - 12:00pm
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2021 | 19
Voices from the Past: Leontyne Price
On February 10, living opera legend Leontyne Price celebrates her 94th birthday. She rose to international acclaim in the 1950s and 1960s, and was one of the first African Americans to become a leading singer in the world of opera. Join us for a virtual musical birthday tribute celebration with the music she loves so much, performed by sopranos from many generations. This program is produced by the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA). montpelier.arts@pgparks.com MAC-SPEC-GA-20210221 All ages Sun Feb 21 Free
4:00 - 5:00pm
20 | M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Heritage Signature Chorale Experience the majestic sounds of the Heritage Signature Chorale as they take audiences on a musical journey. Founded in 2000 by Artistic Director Stanley J. Thurston, the Heritage Signature Chorale preserves the performance tradition of African American choral music, especially the Negro Spiritual. The ensemble elevates the African American singer and composer in all musical genres and brings a unique interpretation of classical music from America, Europe, and other regions of the world. PublickPlayhouse@pgparks.com PGPP-SPEC-GA-20210221 All ages Sun Feb 21 Free
6:00pm - 7:00pm
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2021 | 21
Grow It, Eat It, & Drink It! The Benefits Are Endless! Join us for a discussion about herbs and how they were used in the Old World and transported to the New World. Speakers will highlight the cross-pollination of foodways cultures between Africa, the Caribbean, and the U.S., with examples from some Maryland sites. blackhistory@pgparks.com RM-SPEC-GA-20210223 All ages Tue Feb 23 Free
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Finding Our Heritage:
Lakeland Heritage and Youth Arts Corps Join us for our virtual gallery opening and Q & A session featuring the Young Arts Corps interpretation of existing photographs from the Lakeland Heritage Society. Their work is based on historical photographs on display at College Park Community Center and discussions with the owners of these photographs. blackhistory@pgparks.com SPD-SPEC-GA-20210226 All ages Fri Feb 26 Free
7:00pm - 8:30pm
22 | M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2021 | 23
It’s a Family A-Fair:
African American Family Festival Join us as we close out the month for a celebration of our history! This virtual festival includes various workshops, performances, storytellers, crafts, and a virtual marketplace with vendors selling culturally relevant African and African American goods and products. blackhistory@pgparks.com CAO-SPEC-GA-20210227 All ages Sun Feb 27 Free
11:00 am - 2:00pm
Black Lives Matter: Past, Present, and Future
This event features presentations of where we have been, where we are currently, and where we are going in regards to the Black Lives Matter Movement. Join us we highlight and discuss African Americans who put their careers on the line for the movement, those who are currently making a difference in the movement and who recently came out of the shadows for the cause, and those who are making their voices heard to keep propelling the movement for generations to come. newton.white@pgparks.com
ACHD-SPEC-GA-20210228 All ages Sun Feb 28 Free
6:00pm - 7:30pm
24 | M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Ultimate HBCU Experience The legacy of our historical Black colleges and univerities (HBCUs) is deep and rich. Join us as we dive into the ultimate HBCU experience and its rich and vibrant culture. Panelists include HBCU athletes, admission counselors, alumni, and representatives from various student organizations. suitlandcc@pgparks.com SAO-SPEC-GA-20210206 10 - 18yrs. Sat Mar 6 Free
10:00am - 12:30pm
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2021 | 25
Visit blackhistory.pgparks.com The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County 240-264-3415 | TTY 301-699-2544 | pgparks.com TTY 301-699-2544 for customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability. Our front desk staff has access to an over-the-phone interpretation service and can help in over 150 languages. Please ask for assistance when you call or visit us. The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.
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