Celebrate Black History Month in Philadelphia
February is Black History Month. Philadelphia has a rich and interesting black American history. Boosted by a flood of Southern migrants in the early 1900s, Philadelphia’s black population took on a significant role as a cornerstone of America’s history.
The election of W. Wilson Goode as the city’s first black mayor in 1979, along with other prominent Philadelphia black heros such as Cecil B. Moore, who led NAACP marches through the streets, and Philadelphia’s Marian Anderson who performed to a crowd of 75,000 in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, have shaped Philadelphia’s black heritage. If you are looking for ways to celebrate or recognize America’s black heritage in Philadelphia, take a look at some noteworthy black history events that are taking place in your area.
What: Cinema Sepia Afternoon Film Series: Walls and Doors: Inspiration from our Elders
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 – 3 p.m.
Cost: Museum admission (adults: $10 / students and seniors $8)
What: Black Archetypes and Prototypes in Cinema with The Minority Reporter
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: Museum admission (adults: $10 / students and seniors $8)
What: African Dance Workshop with Amma and Ishmael (noon)
Hip Hop Jazz Musicology and Drum Circle with Coda (2 p.m.)
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Museum admission (adults: $10 / students and seniors $8)
What: The African American Experience Through Our Eyes and Yours, a series of monologues about issues that African Americans face in today’s society.
Where: The Kanbar Campus Center Performance Space
Philadelphia University
4201 Henry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144-5497
When: Tuesday, Feb. 23 – 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
What: Black History Showcase, the history of African Americans as an inspiring testimony to the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center
12th & Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13-14
Cost: Free
What: Black Journey, a high-spirited production celebrating heritage and tradition through the Black Musical experience.
Where: Kimmel Center for Performing Arts
260 South Broad Street on the Avenue of the Arts
Suite 901
Philadelphia, PA 19102
When: Tuesday, Feb. 16 – Thursday, Feb. 18
Cost: $14 per seat
What: Blue Door, The Arden Theatre Company presents this funny and poignant drama of one man grappling at the intersection of his own identity and his cultural history.
Where: Arden Theatre Company
40 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: January 14 – March 21, 2010
Cost: Tickets are $29-$48
April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Philadelphia.
Image: Srbyugs (Flickr)
