These 14 events throughout Northern Virginia in February will teach and inspire.
Join the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division team as it celebrates African American History Month at historic Lucasville School (pictured above) during its open house weekends in February. Visit the reconstructed 19th-century school used by the community of Lucasville and learn surprising facts of African American history in Prince William County and throughout the Northern Virginia region. The free event will be held on Feb. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; no more than five people will be allowed in the school at one time and masks are required. // 10516 Godwin Dr, Manassas
Children’s Day at the Weems-Botts Museum
During this virtual event on Feb.13 from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., kids can learn about the types, themes and characters in African American folklore as they listen to stories and discuss how they impacted the community. The event is free; register here.
The movie chain invites film buffs to celebrate Black History Month on the big screen, with special showings of flicks including Ray (Feb. 13), Get on Up (Feb. 23 and 27), God’s Compass (Feb. 25 and 26) and Boyz N The Hood 30th Anniversary (Feb. 28 and March 3). Check the website for times and ticketing information. // Multiple locations
The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity
A new exhibit at the Thomas Balch Library reflects the diversity of African Americans through a series of images and publications. Artwork by local artist, Gertrude Evans, and related Loudoun publications about life and families across the county are also a part of the exhibit. The exhibit may be seen by appointment only, on Feb. 16, 18 and 23 from 10 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Call 703.737.7195, email [email protected] or fill out an online appointment request form. // 208 West Market St., Leesburg
Everyday Full of Work: The African American Experience at Ben Lomond
On Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., explore the historic home and the original slave quarter to learn about the enslaved population living at Ben Lomond in the years before the Civil War. Visit spaces not ordinarily open to the public and experience the interactive virtual reality exhibit in the Ben Lomond Slave Quarters. The cost is $5 per person, children 6 and under are free. // 10311 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas
Join the Fairfax County Democratic Committee Diversity Committee on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. for a virtual event including trivia, remarks from elected officials and community leaders and celebrations of Black history and culture. Confirmed guests include Dr. Reverend Vernon Walton (First Baptist Church of Vienna), School Board Member Karen Keys-Gamarra (At-Large), Supervisor Rodney Lusk (Lee District) and School Board Member and Chair Ricardy Anderson (Mason District). Register here.
Prince William Historic Preservation Virtual Lecture Series: The Story of Jennie Dean
On Feb. 25 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., historian Marion Ransell Cohen will share the incredible story of Jennie Dean, who was born into slavery in 1852 and recognized the importance of education and faith for Black Americans in the post-Civil War era. Dean strove to teach valuable life skills and, in 1893 opened an industrial school for black American children.
National Sporting Library and Museum Event
Kareem Rosser, a decorated figure in intercollegiate polo, captain of the first all Black/African American team to win the National Interscholastic Polo Championship, Ralph Lauren model and advocate for the Work to Ride Foundation, discusses his inspiring memoir of defying the odds in Crossing the Line: A Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport that Changed Their Lives Forever. Sign up for a free Zoom link or join him on Facebook Live on Feb. 25 at 6 p.m.
Voices of Woodlawn: A Reckoning by Four Poets of America’s Slave-Holding Past
Woodlawn and The Pope-Leighey House, a former plantation in Fairfax that is now a historic site is hosting a virtual program on Feb. 25 from noon to 1 p.m. during which four poets will give voice to the erased lives of the enslaved at the site and will confront the sadness, anger, injustice and confusion of such a past and its haunting legacy. Register online for the free event.
Salamander Resort & Spa Black History Month Gala
During this series of virtual and in-person events offered by the Middleburg resort, attendees will hear from a series of speakers, discover Black business leaders and celebrate Black History Month. For more information, visit the event website. // 500 North Pendleton St., Middleburg
Alexandria Virtual Black History Month Events
Through the end of February, explore the Office of Historic Alexandria’s virtual resources to learn more about Alexandria’s African American history from an Encore MLK Program and a Story Time for Young Historians to a lecture examining Black public relations guru Moss Kendrix and his work. Peruse more events from Lee-Fendall House and Woodlawn here.
Uncle Nearest Whiskey Tasting
Head to the Ballston location of The Grooming Store on Feb. 18 starting at 6 p.m. to sample and learn about Uncle Nearest, a Tennessee whiskey named after the formerly enslaved man Nathaniel “Nearest” Green, who taught Jack Daniel the craft of distilling. The store will also raffle off two bottles of whiskey. The event is free but you must register for your preferred time slot. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
In honor of Black History Month, the restaurant will support local Black-owned businesses by featuring a new item from a Black-owned restaurant or company on their menu every week in February, including dishes from Georgetown Butcher, Puddin’, Soul Mega and Letena. All specials can be enjoyed for dine in as well as take-out and delivery. // Multiple locations
Throughout February, the eatery will donate proceeds from its food and beverage specials to two area organizations advocating for racial justice and creating opportunities for people of color in food and wine. “Specials for a Cause” will donate proceeds to The Roots Fund, a nonprofit committed to empowering underrepresented minorities in the wine industry, and Showing Up for Racial Justice Northern Virginia, which mobilizes white people into accountable action as part of a multi-racial movement committed to community organizing, advocacy and education. Specials for a Cause can be purchased for pick-up or delivery and will change weekly throughout February. // 124 N. Washington St., Falls Church
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