Black History Month
Calendar of Events

Click to download Baltimore's African American Heritage and Attractions Guide
Mayor Sheila Dixon's "It Takes a Village" Black History Month Celebration February 16
Mayor Sheila Dixon will host "It Takes a Village," a community celebration in honor of Black History Month, on February 16, 2008, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the War Memorial Building. The event will be emceed by Maria Broom, known for her roles as an actress, reporter and teacher, and Marc Clarke, host of 92Q's Big Fat Morning Show. The event will close with a keynote speech and discussion on the theme, "It Takes a Village," with world renowned Dr. Ben Carson - Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins. Click here for more details.
National Aquarium in Baltimore to Celebrate Black History Month! February 1 and 15
The National Aquarium in Baltimore invites visitors to celebrate Black History Month during the month of February with a trip to our weird underwater world! Two very special "Fridays after Five" promotions are planned on February 1 and 15. Guests arriving after 5 p.m. will be admitted at a special admission price of $8 and enjoy programming featuring music, dance, guest speakers and much more! Visit www.aqua.org for more information.
Fridays at the Walters Price: free
It's Friday, and you want more than just another happy hour. Visit the Walters for exciting live music and special guided tours as well as happy hour prices on beer, white wine and light refreshments, all available for purchase. Fridays at the Walters in January and February celebrates Baltimore's unique African-American musical heritage with jazz, rock and roll, rhythm and blues, gospel and hip hop. For more information, visit the Walters' Web site at www.thewalters.org.
Black History Month Exhibition at the Top of the World Observation Level February 1 through February 29, 2008
An art exhibition by various artists in honor of Black History Month, February 1-29, Top of the World Observation Level, 27th floor of the World Trade Center, 401 E. Pratt Street, 410-837-VIEW.

More Information
Celebrate Black History Month at the B&O February 1 through February 29, 2008
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
Celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the railroad industry. Learn about these men and women who filled vital jobs all along the B&O Railroad's line and understand how significant social issues, such as segregation, affected railroading.

More Information
Songs of Faith, Hope and Love by The Maryland State Boychoir Saturday, February 2, 2 p.m.
Under the direction of Frank Cimino
Price: free
Sculpture Court at The Walters Art Museum
This concert will include music from the Renaissance through contemporary periods. Visitors will hear spirituals, gospel songs and music by great masters, such as Haydn, Bruckner, Handel and Durufle, as well as contemporary American composers Andre Thomas, Keith Hampton, James Mulholland and Carl Haywood. The performance will serve to unite all cultures, traditions and styles into one expression of music. Seating will be limited. Composed of approximately 140 choristers, ages 7 to 20, the Maryland State Boychoir has performed throughout Maryland and on tours locally, nationally and internationally. Concerts have taken place at the White House as well as cathedrals in New York, Ireland and England.
Celebrating Black History Month February 2 and 3
Baltimore Museum of Industry
Museum galleries will feature photos and music representing the experience of African American workers in Baltimore. Lyrics and historical significance of songs will be printed and available to visitors.

More Information
Black Engineer of the Year Awards February 14 through February 16
Baltimore Convention Center
For two decades, the Black Engineer of the Year Awards Conference has attracted top professionals and students from every part of the nation and every field of science, engineering, and technology.

More Information
Three African-American Artists at the Walters: Bannister, Lewis and Tanner Fridays, February 15, 22 and 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Jacqueline Copeland, Director of Education and Public Programs
Price: members, students $5 per session, $12 series; non-members $10 per session, $25 series
Studio B at The Walters Art Museum
African-American artists Edward Mitchell Bannister (1828-1901), Mary Edmonia Lewis (1845-after 1911) and Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937) achieved fame at a time when the art world generally excluded people of color. By combining classroom discussion with gallery tours, Jacqueline Copeland, director of education and public programs at the Walters, provides an in-depth look at these three artists represented in the museum's collection.
13th Annual Black Heritage Art show February 15 through February 17
Baltimore Convention Center
The first Black Heritage Art Show was launched in 1995 as a small community-based program featuring the talents of six artists. It has evolved into a national tour, showcasing over one hundred artists. We honor them for their artistic excellence, achievements and commitment to promote the legacy of art and culture to at-risk youth residing in disadvantaged communities.

More Information
Celebrating Artists! Saturday, February 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Price: free
The Walters Art Museum
Participate in an all day celebration of African arts traditions. For the sixth annual African-American festival, Baltimore storytellers, musicians and artists will share their stories with the whole family. Visitors can create artworks and learn about the treasures of African-American heritage within Baltimore and the Walters.
Black History Month Saturday Lecture Series
USS Constellation Ship, Inner Harbor
African Americans role in the U.S. Navy and living history reenactment of the 54th Massachusetts Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment

More Information
2008 Legacy Film Festival March 1 & 2, 2008
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
Not to be missed! Baltimore's premier film festival celebrating contributions, talent and stories of people of color while encouraging conversations within the community. Panelists include Marla Gibbs, Karen Malina White, Marylou Tibaldo-Bongiorno, Jerome Bongiorno, Dante James, Sandi Daniels and Angela Gibbs.

More Information
New Visionaries Showcase: Works of Art by Phylicia Ghee Through March 2, 2008
Reginald F. Lewis Museum
A Baltimore native and current student at the Maryland Institute College of Art, the New Visionaries Showcase features artist Phylicia Ghee.

More Information
African Spirit Series Through March 7, 2008
Baltimore Museum of Art
The Baltimore Museum of Art honors the rich legacy of African culture throughout the world with the 17th annual African Spirit Series, a soulful celebration of art, music, dance, and film.

More Information
Textural Rhythms: Constructing the Jazz Tradition, Contemporary African American Quilts Through March 30, 2008
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
Textural Rhythms features 64 quilts representing the relationship between art and jazz.

More Information
Maryland Artist Showcase: Works of Art by Patrick Henry Through June 1, 2008
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
Highlighting more than 20 years of painting, this Artist Showcase captures the essence of the life and work of Patrick Henry.

More Information