From historic tours to film screenings to lectures on emancipation and music, here’s how you can celebrate Black History Month in Northern Virginia.
100 Years of Black Music in the Nation’s Capital
February 1, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
See how Black music evolved over the last century throughout the streets of Washington, DC. Historian and musician Ken Avis will lead the discussion, showcasing how the jazz, funk, and soul sounds of DC’s artists were popularized nationwide. This event is limited to guests 21 and older. Old Ox Brewery: 44652 Guildord Dr., Ste. 114, Ashburn, free
African American Emancipation in an Occupied City Book Launch
February 3, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Join editor Audrey Davis and the authors of this new release as they discuss the emancipation during the Civil War in Alexandria. Learn how those who were formerly enslaved and self-emancipated navigated the occupied city they sought refuge in. Registration is required. Charles Houston Recreation Center: 901 Wythe St., Alexandria, free
Black History Month at Historic Frying Pan Church
February 3 & 17, noon–2 p.m.
Frying Pan Farm Park is opening the doors to its historic Baptist Meetinghouse. Take a tour of the church, which was established during the 18th century, to hear stories of the original congregation that included enslaved, free Black, and white-slaveholding members. Registration required. Frying Pan Farm Park: 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon, free
African American Heritage Trolley Tour
February 3, 11, 17, & 25, times vary
Grab a seat on the trolley for an afternoon of learning. The tour will be based on the research conducted by the Local Black History Task Force at the Handley Regional Library. Advance registration is required. 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd., Winchester, free
African American Film Series
February 8 & 29, 2–4 p.m.
Sometimes there’s no better way to learn about historic events than through film. This series will feature Banker and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, both based on true events. Banker will be shown on February 8, while Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom will be shown on February 29. Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library: 4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, free
Black History in Alexandria Bus Tour
February 10 & 17, times vary
Climb aboard and visit the historic sites around Alexandria. During the 90-minute tour, guests will stop at the African American Heritage Park, Contraband and Freedmen Cemetery, and other key sites around the city. Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria, $35
Remembering Metilda – An Enslaved Child at the Mill
February 17, 1–2 p.m.
Spend the afternoon learning about the 14-year-old slave who lived at Colvin Run Mill. Not only will the lecture focus on Metilda’s life at the mill, but it will also touch on how history depicts lives of enslaved children, their work, and their families. Must be at least 14. Register online. Colvin Run Mill: 10017 Colvin Run Rd., Great Falls, $9
Bright Star Theatre: George Washington Carver and Friends
February 27, 6–7 p.m.
Put down the books and learn about the Black entrepreneurs and historical figures. This interactive performance will include figures like George Washington Carver, Madame C.J. Walker, and Thurgood Marshall. This performance is recommended for children in kindergarten to fifth grade. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library: 5005 Duke St., Alexandria, free
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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