2013 Charlotte Area Black History Month Events

Description

2013 Black History Month Related Events & Celebrations Taking Place In & Around Charlotte.

America I AM: The African American Imprint
Extended through March 3, “America I AM: The African American Imprint” includes artifacts from 500 years of African American history, from the days of the Middle Passage slave trade to the inauguration of the first African American president of the United States. Beginning with items from the rich cultural history of Africa, a tour of the exhibit passes the Doors of No Return of a slave compound, through artifacts from the days of slavery, to the days of the Civil Rights Movement thru present day. Price: $12 adults/$10 seniors, students, and military/$8 children (3-13)/ free ages two and under. (704) 547-3700
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: 551 S. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC
www.ganttcenter.org

Charlotte Black/African-American Heritage Tour And Pilgrimage
Held annually during Black History Month, this three-hour pilgrimage visits over 100 sites in and around Charlotte related to the city’s black heritage including Johnson C. Smith University, several historically black neighborhoods, a statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., several surviving slave cemeteries, a slave church and a home that was bombed during the Civil Rights Movement. Hotel pick-up is available, and reservations are required for all tours. Not recommended for children under five years old. Price: Adults $25 in advance, $30 the week of the tour. Students (5-18) $21 in advance, $26 week of tour. Hours: Sat, Feb. 9, 16, 23 – 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (704) 566-0104
7th Street Market Light Rail Stop: 260 E. 7th St, Charlotte, NC
www.charlottepilgrimagetour.com

Black History Month Activities @ Johnson C. Smith University
Johnson C. Smith University’s Department of Political Science and Social and Behavioral Sciences will hold a series of educational events during Black History Month. All events are free and will take place at 7 p.m. in the Technology Center auditorium with refreshments to follow.

On Feb. 6, civil rights activists Charles Jones and Dorothy Counts Light will deliver a program “Celebrating the Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement: Examining the Contemporary Struggle for Justice and Equality.”

On Feb. 13, the film “Reclaiming Rustin: Exploring the Social Justice Legacy of Bayard Rustin,” will be shown with a discussion following.

On Feb. 27, Dr. Joseph L. Jones, founding director of the Social Justice Institute at Philander Smith College, will deliver a guest lecture “Hip Hop, Politics and the Future of Black America.”

For more information, contact: Dr. Tonya M. Williams at lmwilliams@jcsu.edu.
www.jcsu.edu

The Fire of Freedom with author David Cecelski
Sunday, February 17, 3:00 p.m.
Marking the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, which took effect January 1, 1863, noted historian David Cecelski discusses and signs his new book from UNC Press, The Fire of Freedom: Abraham Galloway and the Slaves’ Civil War. Discover an inspiring African American leader from Wilmington, NC, who played a key role in wartime Carolina and helped shape Reconstruction. Presented by Levine Museum of the New South in collaboration with UNC Press, Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Relations, and the Olde Mecklenburg Genealogical Society and African American Genealogy Interest Group. Free to attend. RSVP by calling 704.333.1887 ext. 501 or rsvp@museumofthenewsouth.org
Levine Museum Of The New South: 200 E. 7th St, Charlotte, NC
www.museumofthenewsouth.org

Sankofa Circle
In honor of Black History Month, the Harvey B. Gantt Center is hosting a series of programs for parents and children, grades K-2. Sankofa Circle takes storytelling to a whole new level as participants learn about influential leaders and monumental events in African American history through picture books and activities while using critical thinking skills and imagination. The program is held Saturdays through February – 10:30 – 11:30 am on the Gantt rooftop. February 9: Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine. February 16: If a Bus Could Talk by Faith Ringgold. February 23: Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: 551 S. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC
www.ganttcenter.org

THE WHIPPING MAN
Winner of the 2011 John Gassner Playwriting Award by the New York Outer Critics Circle!
A wounded confederate soldier comes back to his ravaged plantation following the Civil War to find his family missing and two of his former slaves still there. This play shows the interaction between these men, as no one understands how to interact since the emancipation. They are reminded that they are “family” bound by their shared faith as they get ready to celebrate Passover together. As the three men wait for the family’s return, they wrestle with their shared past as master and slave, digging up long-buried family secrets along the way, as well as new ones. February 20 – March 9, 2013 Previews: February 15 & 16. Tickets: $26-$31
Actors Theatre Of Charlotte: 650 E. Stonewall St, Charlotte, NC
www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org

FELA!
A smash hit on Broadway, this Tony Award-winning musical brings the music and life story of Fela Kuti to the stage. The creator of Afrobeat, a combination of jazz, funk, and African rhythms, Kuti was also a human rights activist in his native Nigeria, opposing that country’s corrupt dictatorship. Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones choreographed and directed this joyful evening of entertainment. The touring production includes actors from both the Broadway show and the sold-out London production at the Royal National Theatre. Price: $20 and up. Hours: Feb. 25 and Feb. 26 – 7:30 p.m. (704) 372-1000
Belk Theater: 130 N. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC
www.blumenthalarts.org

Latta Plantation Underground Railroad Adventure
Located on the shores of Lake Norman, Latta Plantation re-creates agricultural life in the early 1800s, with heritage breeds of animals, a field of short staple cotton, a brick plantation house and outbuildings. History records that 34 slaves worked at Latta Place, and the Underground Railroad Adventure leads participants around the site, collecting things they would need for an escape to freedom, and learning about the lives of the people who lived here. Tours of the plantation house, offered Tuesday through Sunday, are included in the admission price; a self-guided tour is available for the grounds, gardens and outbuildings. (704) 875-2312
5225 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
www.lattaplantation.org

Swing Band Series: Tia Fuller With The John Brown Big Band
Sponsored by the Jazz Diva Foundation, this concert series celebrates jazz, that uniquely American style of music that grew out of the black experience. John Brown, leader of the big band, is a bassist and an educator and current director of the Jazz Program at Duke University. Tia Fuller is an internationally recognized jazz saxophone player. She was a member of the all-girl band that toured with Beyonce during her recent world tour. Price: $29.50 – $39.50. Hours: Feb. 16 – 8 p.m. (704) 774-0375
McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square: 345 N. College St, Charlotte, NC
www.jazzdivaevents.com

www.charlottehappening.com

Please Like CH’s New Facebook Page! New Giveaways Coming Soon! www.facebook.com/charlottehappeningcom

Follow CH on Twitter! www.twitter.com/charlottehappen