Celebration!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2022
MNC
PP
C, D e
pa r
tm en
to
fP Pr arks inc e G and R eo r g e cr e e’s at C o io n un ty
Community Calendar Highlights
Learn about more Black History Month events at blackhistory.pgparks.com
Dear Friends: On behalf of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), I’m thrilled to invite you to celebrate Black History Month 2022 – both virtually and in-person! Once again, M-NCPPC proudly honors our long-standing commitment to pay homage to the rich culture and heritage of our vibrant County and communities. Programmed and curated by M-NCPPC’s Department of Parks and Recreation, our “More Than a Month: Commemorating 40 Years of the M-NCPPC Black History Program, 1982-2022” exhibition and special events will take you down memory lane and spark enriching conversations. The M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation Black History Program has evolved from a one-month annual grassroots initiative to a robust, year-round celebration spotlighting the rich legacy and contributions of African Americans throughout our dynamic County. M-NCPPC’s team of historians and researchers have remained dedicated to documenting and preserving historic sites, developing engaging programs and panel discussions, and designing special events and exhibitions that enlighten and inspire meaningful dialogue. This 40-year dedication has featured unheralded stories like the historic Lakeland and Glenarden Communities, Glancing Back and Looking Forward: Celebrating 100 Years of History in Prince George’s County, African Americans in Times of War, Women in Politics, the Evolution of Health Care in Prince George’s County, and more. I beam with PRIDE, having experienced the evolution of our Black History Program over the decades!
Whether you experience our Black History Celebrations virtually or in-person, our County has a wealth of resources that shed light on our rich history. I encourage you and your family to safely explore the Brentwood Arts Exchange, view the quilts and photography exhibits at the Montpelier House Museum and Arts Center, or learn about Black Aviators at the College Park Aviation Museum. Or, if you wish to participate virtually from the comfort of your home, there are several book discussions exploring Black Americans and their quest for freedom. This brochure spotlights a mere partial listing of our phenomenal activities, events, and programs celebrating Black History Month 2022! Please enjoy, and I look forward to celebrating Black History with you!
Elizabeth M. Hewlett, Chairman Prince George’s County Planning Board The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
2 |
Celebration!
Greetings! I am excited to announce that this year’s Black History Month exhibition, “More Than a Month: Commemorating 40 Years of the M-NCPPC Black History Program, 1982-2022,” commemorates the 40th anniversary of the M-NCPPC Black History Program. The virtual Opening Reception on January 30 will feature the unveiling of the 2022 Black History Month poster created by students from the Black History Month Summer Internship program. Every year, the M-NCPPC Black History Program strives to bring an engaging month of African American history and educational and cultural experiences, and this year is no exception. In the coming weeks, the public can expect a month of virtual and in-person programming for people of all ages, including intellectual panel discussions, art exhibitions, book discussions, documentary screenings, interpretative tours, and musical recitals. We relish the opportunity to share the rich history of Prince George’s County with its residents and many visitors. This Department has also taken up the mantle of engaging the community in conversations, interactive history programs, and processes of education and awareness. A talented staff of historians, programmers, curators, and others, have planned for nearly a year to bring you a wide variety of enriching, educating, and entertaining experiences. Please plan to participate and enjoy as many of them as possible!
Bill Tyler, Director The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation
VISIT BLACKHISTORY.PGPARKS.COM FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING | 1
M-NCPPC BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM EXHIBITION AND EVENTS
Mitchellville Tigers baseball team, circa 1950. Courtesy of the William Aleshire Collection, M-NCPPC Black History Program.
2 |
Celebration!
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 – THURSDAY, MARCH 31 * VIRTUAL OPENING RECEPTION: SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2-3:30 PM
“More Than a Month: Commemorating 40 Years of the M-NCPPC Black History Program, 1982-2022” This year’s exhibition commemorates the 40th anniversary of the M-NCPPC Black History Program. Founded in 1982, the program was born out of grassroots activism as members of Prince George’s County’s growing Black community pushed for more research and historic site identification and preservation highlighting Black narratives within the County. In subsequent decades, the program expanded its mission from this early historic research to include historic site management and preservation, exhibition and programmatic development, and collections acquisition, all with a focus on uplifting the often-obscured history of people of African descent in Prince George’s County throughout the entire year. Come out and learn about the past, present, and future of M-NCPPC’s Black History program! The virtual opening reception will be held on January 30, from 2-3:30 pm. The program will feature the unveiling of the 2022 Black History Month poster created by students from the Black History Month Summer Internship program. Please email blackhistory@pgparks.com to RSVP for the reception. Seats are limited. The opening reception will also be streamed online at PGParks and PGParksHistory on Facebook, as well as the PGParks YouTube channel. Guided tours of the exhibition are available for schools and community groups. To schedule a tour, contact the M-NCPPC Black History Program at Abraham Hall at 240-264-3415 or blackhistory@pgparks.com. EXHIBITION GALLERY HOURS* MONDAY – FRIDAY: 8:30 AM- 8 PM SATURDAY: 10 AM-4 PM / SUNDAY: 10 AM-2 PM All ages; FREE HARMONY HALL ARTS CENTER 10701 Livingston Rd., Fort Washington 20744 • 301-203-6070 BlackHistory@pgparks.com
*The Gallery is also open during evening performances that occur outside normal gallery hours.
VISIT BLACKHISTORY.PGPARKS.COM FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING | 3
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 & SATURDAY, MARCH 12 , 10 AM-3 PM
M-NCPPC Black History Program Family Day View the annual Black History Month exhibit, “More Than a Month: Commemorating 40 Years of the M-NCPPC Black History Program, 1982-2022,” and engage in a range of activities for all ages. Activities include film screenings, storytelling, art activities, and guided tours of the exhibition. All ages; FREE ARTS/HARMONY HALL REGIONAL CENTER 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington 20744 301-203-6070; BlackHistory@pgparks.com
4 |
Celebration!
M-NCPPC BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 18 —SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 10 AM-5 PM ARTIST TALK RECEPTION: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2 PM
Exhibition: “Black Is…” Join us in celebrating Black History Month by witnessing the stories and experiences of the Black Lives Matter protests, as well as everyday Black life. Through the lens of photojournalists, street photographers, and everyday citizens, witness the events that unfolded during the protests of the summer of 2020. As African Americans and minorities fight for equality, help us continue the dialogue by submitting your own photos via social media. Join us for an artist talk reception on February 19, 2 pm. Ages 12 & up • FREE (Ticket is required) MONTPELIER ARTS CENTER • 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel 20708 • 301-377-7800; MontpelierArts@pgparks.com
VISIT BLACKHISTORY.PGPARKS.COM FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING | 5
THE M-NCPPC BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM CELEBRATES AND HONORS BLACK HISTORY DURING FEBRUARY AND THROUGHOUT THE YEAR! For more information, visit blackhistory.pgparks.com or send a message to blackhistory@pgparks.com to be added to the email list.
6 |
Celebration!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2022
M-NCPPC BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. For the most up-to-date information, including registration details and additional programming, please visit blackhistory.pgparks.com.
Ironworkers at Muirkirk. Courtesy Maria Crump Matthews, M-NCPPC Black History Program.
VISIT BLACKHISTORY.PGPARKS.COM FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING | 7
Nekisha Durrett by Farrah Skeiky
TUESDAY, JANUARY 18 —SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 10 AM-7 PM
Exhibition: “Before and Still” Artist Nekisha Durrett creates an immersive installation exploring the history of a small swath of land in Washington, D.C. from pre-colonial times to the present day. A peculiar narrator recounts the progression of the land from the natural landscape to a multi-generational home. All ages; FREE (No ticket required.) BRENTWOOD ARTS EXCHANGE • 3901 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood 20722 301-277-2863 • BrentwoodArts@pgparks.com
8 |
Celebration!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2022
SATURDAY, JANUARY 22—MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 10 AM-4 PM (OPEN THURSDAYS —SUNDAYS)
Exhibition: “We Make Black History: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” The Uhuru Quilt Guild once again graces the halls and walls of Montpelier House Museum with their beautiful, stitched creations. Quilt designs will reflect the theme of Black history, from long ago to the recent past. All ages; FREE (No ticket required.) MONTPELIER HOUSE MUSEUM • 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel 20708 301-377-7800; montpeliermansion@pgparks.com
VISIT BLACKHISTORY.PGPARKS.COM FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING | 9
Columbia Air Center Croom
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1-2 PM & SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 10 -11 AM & 1-2 PM
Black Aviators Tour This tour highlights some of history’s Black aviators, from the legendary Eugene Bullard to local aviator Gus McLeod, and their impacts on aviation. We’ll also dig deeper into the story of nearby Columbia Air Center, which was the first licensed airfield owned and operated by Black aviators in the country. All ages; FREE with museum admission COLLEGE PARK AVIATION MUSEUM • 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park 20740 301-864-6029; CollegeParkAviation@pgparks.com
10 |
Celebration!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2022
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1-2 PM
Panel Discussion: Get Up!: Music and Black Wellness In this particular pandemic moment, the disproportionate impact of disease on Black and Brown people, as well as other groups who face societal detriments against them, wreaked havoc within this country and more broadly, our larger global society. When it comes to music, however, it is used to help heal, restore, and recover. This panel discussion featuring musicians, social scientists, medical professionals, and music historians is produced by the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) in collaboration with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s (ASALH) national theme. All ages; FREE (Ticket required) MONTPELIER ARTS CENTER • 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel 20708 301-377-7800; MontpelierArts@pgparks.com
VISIT BLACKHISTORY.PGPARKS.COM FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING | 11
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 7- 8:30 PM
Virtual Book Discussion: “Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped Into Slavery and Their Astonishing Odyssey Home” Hosted by staff from Darnall’s Chance House Museum, meet author Dr. Richard Bell, Professor of History at the University of Maryland as he discusses his book entitled “Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped Into Slavery and Their Astonishing Odyssey Home.” This gripping, true novel tells the story of five free Black boys who were kidnapped by slave traders in Philadelphia in 1825. Join us as Dr. Bell discusses their journey south to Mississippi where they are sold into slavery. This amazing story sheds light on the reverse Underground Railroad. This event will be streamed on Facebook at @PGParksHistory. Ages 18 & up; FREE For more information, contact 301-952-8010 or DarnallsChance@pgparks.com
12 |
Celebration!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2022
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 6:30 -7:30 PM
Virtual Book Discussion: “Wicked Flesh: Black Women, Intimacy, and Freedom in the Atlantic World” In honor of Black History Month, Marietta House Museum is pleased to welcome historian Dr. Jessica Marie Johnson from Johns Hopkins University’s History Department. Dr. Johnson will discuss her new book, “Wicked Flesh: Black Women, Intimacy, and Freedom in the Atlantic World”. A link to Microsoft Teams will be sent after registration. Ages 12 & up Fee: $5/person; FREE for children ages 12 & under For more information, contact 301-464-5291 or mariettahouse@pgparks.com
VISIT BLACKHISTORY.PGPARKS.COM FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING | 13
Edward Joseph Dwight, Jr., who was the first African American to be trained as an astronaut.
SATURDAYS, FEBRUARY 12 & 26, 2-3 PM
Black Wings: A Smithsonian Channel Documentary The Smithsonian Channel’s “Black Wings” documentary focuses on Black aviators throughout the nation. Learn how, despite the challenges of racism and segregation, they were able to contribute and achieve success in the field of aviation. All ages; FREE with museum admission COLLEGE PARK AVIATION MUSEUM • 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park 20740 301-864-6029; CollegeParkAviation@pgparks.com
M-NCPPC BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. For the most up-to-date information, including registration details and additional programming, please visit blackhistory.pgparks.com.
14 |
Celebration!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2022
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 3 -4:30 PM
A Stone of Hope: The Little-Known Writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Join actor, orator, social commentator, and activist Keith Snipes in the celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through song, poetry, and prose. Calling upon Dr. King’s not-so-familiar writings and speeches, the audience will be reacquainted and inspired with his remarkable vision and courage. All ages; Fee: $5/person; FREE for ages 12 & under SOUTHERN AREA AQUATICS AND RECREATION COMPLEX 13601 Missouri Avenue, Brandywine 20613 301-782-1442; saarc@pgparks.com
VISIT BLACKHISTORY.PGPARKS.COM FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING | 15
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 7- 8:30 PM
Virtual Book Discussion: “A Question of Freedom: The Families Who Challenged Slavery from the Nation’s Founding to the Civil War” Hosted by staff from Darnall’s Chance House Museum, Meet author and Professor William G. Thomas as he discusses his book entitled “A Question of Freedom: The Families Who Challenged Slavery from the Nation’s Founding to the Civil War,” which documents some of the enslaved families and their lawyers who fought for their freedom in the Prince George’s County Court System between 1787 and 1861. This event will be streamed online at PGParksHistory on Facebook. Ages 18 & up; FREE For more information, contact 301-952-8010 or DarnallsChance@pgparks.com
16 |
Celebration!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2022
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1-2:30 PM
Fighting Destiny: The Untold Story of Montpelier’s Enslaved Population During this tour, visitors will hear what research has been uncovered about enslaved people at Montpelier House Museum, including many names, how some may have been brought to Maryland, and what we know about their lives before and after emancipation. Ages 16 & up; Fee: FREE for Prince George’s & Montgomery County residents; $5/person for all others MONTPELIER HOUSE MUSEUM • 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel 20708 301-377-7800; montpeliermansion@pgparks.com
VISIT BLACKHISTORY.PGPARKS.COM FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING | 17
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 3 -4 PM
Voices from the Past: Grant, Price & Hughes Musical Recital If William Grant Still is the father of Afro-American classical music, Florence Price is without a doubt its mother. Then, take the poetry of Langston Hughes and you have three Black powerhouses. This tribute to Black History Month highlights the works of Grant, Price, and the words of Hughes, all of which have been making a resurgence around the world and what they have done for the arts. This recital juxtaposes all three, bringing together a moving performance produced by the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA). All ages; FREE (Ticket required) MONTPELIER ARTS CENTER • 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel 20708 301-377-7800; MontpelierArts@pgparks.com
18 |
Celebration!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2022
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1-3 PM
Mount Calvert Archaeology Lab Experience Join archaeologists as they discuss recent discoveries in the Mount Calvert slave quarter excavation. Participants will clean and identify recently discovered artifacts including nails and bricks from the buildings, animal bones and oyster shells discarded after meals, fragments of plates and bottles, and personal items like buttons, keys, and tobacco pipes. Come prepared to get your hands dirty during this immersive experience! Ages 8 & up; children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE (Ticket required) RIDGELEY ROSENWALD SCHOOL • 8507 Central Avenue, Capitol Heights 20743 301-627-1286; archaeology@pgparks.com
VISIT BLACKHISTORY.PGPARKS.COM FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING | 19
visit blackhistory.pgparks.com
to request and receive a disability accommodation.
a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date
the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register at least
The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org)
M-NCPPC BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. For the most up-to-date information, including registration details and additional programming, please visit blackhistory.pgparks.com.
M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation Prince George’s County Public Affairs & Community Engagement 7833 Walker Drive, Suite 110 Greenbelt, Maryland 20770