Black History Month Events in the City of Alexandria
The City of Alexandria invites you to join in the celebration of Black History Month with special events and activities throughout February. Black History Month is an annual recognition and celebration of the history, culture, and contributions of Black and African American people in the U.S.
Exhibit: “Searching for Truth in the Garden” at Freedom House Museum
When: Now until April 15
Admission: Free for City of Alexandria residents. $5 per adult, $3 per child (ages 5-12) otherwise.
Where: Freedom House Museum, 1315 Duke St.
Description: Gonzaga High School's groundbreaking research on slavery, "Searching for Truth in the Garden," found new life at the Freedom House Museum. The traveling exhibition, on view through April 15, delves into the life of Gabriel, a teenager enslaved at Washington Seminary (now Gonzaga) in 1829. Gabriel's story offers a poignant lens through which to examine the complexities of slavery and its lasting impact.
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion: "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" by James McBride
When: Thursday, February 1, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Where: James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Description: In 1972, when workers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, were digging the foundations for a new development, the last thing they expected to find was a skeleton at the bottom of a well. Who the skeleton was and how it got there were two of the long-held secrets kept by the residents of Chicken Hill, the dilapidated neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans lived side by side and shared ambitions and sorrows.
African American Emancipation in an Occupied City Book Launch
When: Saturday, February 3, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Where: Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St.
Description: Hear from editor Audrey Davis and the authors of “African American Emancipation in an Occupied City,” which tells the story of formerly enslaved and self-emancipated people in a newly occupied city during the Civil War. They sought refuge in Alexandria, coming with only hopes and dreams for life as free people. They came seeking freedom, but many did not live long in it. Those who survived used their labor for the cause of freedom. A book signing will follow after the authors’ presentations. The event is free, but online registration is encouraged.
African American Film Series
When: Thursday, February 8, 2-4 p.m.: “Banker”
Thursday, February 29, 2-4 p.m.: “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Admission: Free
Where: Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, Suite 104
Description: In honor of Black History Month, the library will be showing a series of films throughout the month.
Black History Teen Movie Night
When: Friday, February 9, 8-10 p.m.; Friday, February 16, 8-10 p.m.; Monday, February 26, 8-10 p.m.
Admission: Free, registration available
Where: William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.)
Description: Join us in celebrating Black History Month with three Friday night movies. Refreshments will be served.
Story Time for Little Historians- Celebrating Black History Month
When: Saturday, February 10, 10-10:45 a.m.
Admission: Free
Where: Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street.
Description: In 2018, the Alexandria Black History Museum began hosting a monthly “Story Time for Little Historians” program, using books written by and about African American people and other communities of color to educate and inspire our youngest visitors. This FREE, fun, and educational story time is geared to children ages 5-8 years old and features stories related to Black History. Story time will be held in the Museum’s Parker Gray Gallery. Call 703-746-4356 for more information.
African American Waterfront Heritage Trail Signs Ribbon Cutting
When: Saturday, February 10, beginning at 11 a.m.
Admission: Free
Where: New Fishtown sign on the river side of Founders Park, 351 N. Union Street.
Description: The African American Heritage Trail Committee invites the public to join in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of new interpretive signs along Alexandria’s historic waterfront. The 11 signs and two orientation panels illuminate the history of the African American community in Alexandria over the span of several centuries. The event will begin at 11 a.m. at the new Fishtown sign on the river side of Founders Park (351 N. Union Stret). A reception following the ribbon cutting will be held in the Overlook Room (#325) on the third floor of the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union Street. This event will be rain or shine. Please note: You do not need to print off tickets. Your name will be on the registration list for the event.
Mystery Book Club: "Murder in G Major" by Alexia Gordon
When: Wednesday, February 14, 3:30-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Description: With few other options, African American classical musician Gethsemane Brown accepts a less-than-ideal position turning a group of rowdy schoolboys into an award-winning orchestra. Stranded without luggage or money in the Irish countryside, she figures any job is better than none. The perk? Housesitting a lovely cliffside cottage. The catch? The ghost of the cottage's murdered owner haunts the place. Falsely accused of killing his wife (and himself), he begs Gethsemane to clear his name so he can rest in peace. Gethsemane's reluctant investigation provokes a dormant killer, and she soon finds herself in grave danger. As Gethsemane races to prevent a deadly encore, will she uncover the truth or star in her own farewell performance?
Concert: Washington Revels Jubilee Voices
When: Sunday, February 18, 2-3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Where: Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street.
Description: Join Washington Revels Jubilee Voices for an exploration of the Gullah-Geechee culture and life in St. Simons Island, Georgia. This multimedia program, “Wade in the Water,” was developed in partnership with Mercer University, blending songs and stories of the Gullah Geechee community and featuring six student films that capture the history, lives and spirit of these proud people, whose numbers are dwindling due to several factors, including increasing development. The event is free, but online registration is encouraged.
Duncan Book Group: "Crook Manifesto" by Colson Whitehead
When: Wednesday, February 21, 7-8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Description: It's 1971. Trash piles up on the streets, crime is at an all-time high, the city is careening towards bankruptcy, and a shooting war has broken out between the NYPD and the Black Liberation Army. Amidst this collective nervous breakdown furniture store owner and ex-fence Ray Carney tries to keep his head down and his business thriving. His days moving stolen goods around the city are over. It's strictly the straight-and-narrow for him — until he needs Jackson 5 tickets for his daughter May and he decides to hit up his old police contact Munson, fixer extraordinaire. But Munson has his own favors to ask of Carney and staying out of the game gets a lot more complicated — and deadly.
Virtual Documentary Viewing: “Still Bill”
When: Wednesday, February 21, 7-9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Description: For African American History Month, enjoy a virtual screening of the documentary "Still Bill" about music legend and Hall of Famer, Bill Withers. Please register with an email address to receive the screening link. Registration closes at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20.
Black Dance: Housing the Past and the Present
When: Thursday, February 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Description: Join a virtual presentation exploring how colonialism brought an end to authentic African dance with Associate Professor of Dance at George Mason University Lawrence M. Jackson, who in 2011 co-authored and edited a special edition on Black dance in the Journal of Pan African Studies. In this presentation, he explains how Black dance keeps those African cultural traditions alive and is an affirmation of identity and independence.
Alma Thomas Art
When: Friday. February 23, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Where: Beth Patridge Meeting Room in James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Description: Celebrate the close of Black History Month by creating your own art piece inspired by Alma Thomas. All materials will be provided. The event is for children ages 6 to 12 and teens.
Community Scholars in the Parlor: A Local Black History Discussion Series
When: Saturday, February 24, 1-2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Where: Local History/Special Collections, 717 Queen St.
Description: Join local researchers in a discussion about Alexandrian Black History and its impact on the broader community.
Finding the Family of Joseph McCoy
When: Sunday, February 25, 2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Where: Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street.
Description: Genealogist Char McCargo Bah lecture on "Finding the Family of Alexandria's Lynching Victim Joseph McCoy." Join the Black History Museum staff in learning how Ms. Bah, the official genealogist for the Alexandria Community Remembrance Project, discovered the family of the first of Alexandria’s lynching victims Joesph McCoy who was lynched in Alexandria on April 23, 1897. Learn the secrets to investigating a family tree that does not have many leads.
Bright Star Theatre: George Washington Carver and Friends
When: Tuesday, February 27, 6-7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Where: Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke Street.
Description: Meet Black entrepreneurs and groundbreakers like George Washington Carver, Madame CJ Walker, Thurgood Marshall and more in this interactive theater performance. The event is for children grades K to 5.
Virtual Lecture: Kidnapped into Slavery
When: Wednesday, February 28, 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Where: Virtual
Description: Dr. Richard Bell is Professor of History at the University of Maryland and author of the book "Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and their Astonishing Odyssey Home," which was a finalist for the George Washington Prize and the Harriet Tubman Prize. Co-sponsored by the City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Historical Society. The lecture is free, but registration is required.
Burke Book Club: “Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison
When: Wednesday, February 28, 3:30-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Description: In honor of Black History Month, join a virtual Zoom discussion put on by Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library on the 1952 classic novel, "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison. This program will take place by Zoom and registration is required. After registering, you will be emailed the link to join this Zoom meeting. If you have questions about the program or need help with set up, please contact Caroline at cpak@alexlibraryva.org.
Meaningful Conversations about Racism – and What to Do About It: Welcoming the Stranger: An Interfaith Perspective on Immigration and Refugees
When: Thursday, February 29, 7-9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Where: Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street.
Description: Join us as we resume our meaningful conversations that explore and celebrate the diversity of cultures and peoples in our area, confront the attitudes and behaviors that still divide us, and seek remedies grounded in the recognition (as stated in the City’s ALL Alexandria Resolution) that we are one interconnected, interdependent human family.
For more information about Black History Month events in the City of Alexandria, visit alexandriava.gov/BlackHistoryMonth.
If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.