PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Editor's note: The above video is from Feb. 2, 2023.
Black History Month is recognized annually during the month of February to honor the struggles and achievements of African Americans who face adversity.
Many organizations in central Pennsylvania will honor the month with festivals, concerts, conversations and celebration.
Here is a list of events and ways to recognize the month.
(If you don't see your event on the list and would like it added, e-mail us at news@fox43.com):
Adams County
Interpreter Nathan M. Richardson will portray former slave, writer, orator and abolitionist Frederick Douglas in an hour-long conversation for Frederick Douglass Returns to Gettysburg on Feb. 3 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Participants are invited to bring questions about Douglas' life and relationships. Those in attendance will also hear his speech "The Unknown Loyal Dead," a tribute to fallen Union soldiers during the Civil War. Tickets are free for ACHS members and $10 for general admission.
The Society will also host a seminar called Gettysburg's Black History: 1861-1865 at 11 a.m. on Feb. 3.
Cumberland County
The Cumberland County Historical Society will present a Zoom discussion on how Black Pennsylvanians worked to completely abolish slavery in the Keystone State after the first gradual abolition law was enacted. The talk will take place at 7 p.m. on Feb. 12, and those interested can register for the virtual event online.
Dauphin County
The Gamut Theatre Group and the Sankofa African American Theatre Company collaborate for a performance of "The Jackson Rooming House: Music's Resting Place," a play that reflects on the legacy of Black musicians and the importance of the Harrisburg hospitality network that housed them.
Performances will run from Feb. 10-25, on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. at the Gamut Theatre, located at 15 N. 4th Street in Harrisburg. Tickets are available to purchase online.
Narçisse Theatre Company will present "American Son," a though-provoking play that delves into complex themes surrounding identity, race and family dynamics. Performances will be Thursday - Sunday each week from Feb. 2 - Feb. 16. Shows on Thursday - Saturday will take place at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday shows are scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
The play will be staged at the Narçisse Arts Collective, located at 312 Chestnut Street in Harrisburg. Tickets can be purchased online.
Lancaster County
Mezzo-soprano Amy Yovanovich will perform a free 30-minute concert at First Reformed Church, located at 40 E. Orange Street in Lancaster. The concert will take place at 8 p.m. on Feb. 2 as part of the city's First Friday festivities.
Yovanovich is the executive director of the State Street Academy of Music in Harrisburg. She will perform the spirituals “Give Me Jesus” and “My Lord, What A Morning,” arranged by Mark Hayes. Also on the agenda are “Deep River,” arranged by Moses Hogan, and “Steal Away,” arranged by Howard Helvey.
Instructor José Guillermo Rodríguez Plaza with the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design will host an art-making and creative writing experience designed for adults interested in learning techniques to connect with and nurture their ancestral roots. Students will use photos as their base and leave with one or two small art pieces.
The three-hour class will start at 6 p.m. on Feb. 5. Those interested can register online.
Lebanon County
This event on Friday, Feb. 2 from 5 - 8 p.m. will feature artwork by Lebanon County high school students, with light refreshments and music by Luther Tyree. Admission is free and open to the public. The gallery will be hosted at 770 Cumberland St. in Lebanon.
This African Drumming Workshop will be taught by Studio Solomon at the On Stage Theater, located at 515 Cumberland St. in Lebanon. Admission is free and open to the public. The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 2 - 3 p.m.
Cornwall Iron Furnace site administrator Mike Emery will lead a talk, a short video and a tour with a focus on the lives and experiences of enslaved African Americans at the ironworking plantation complex. After the tour, participants are invited to the Lebanon Farmer’s Market for a guided conversation and soul food lunch at Aunt Hocker’s Fish Fry.
The cost of the event is $7 per person, not including lunch. Rides are available for those without private transportation. The event will run from noon - 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 17 and start at the Cornwall Iron Furnace, located at 94 Rexmont Road in Cornwall Borough.
The Lebanon County NAACP will celebrate Black History Month with its second annual Black History Month Freedom Fund Gala on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 6 - 9 p.m., at the WEPA Empowerment Center ballroom, located at 9 South Ninth St. in downtown Lebanon.
The evening will feature a soul food dinner served by Aunt Hocker’s Fish Fry Catering as well as live music performed by the Michael Kitchen Band. There will also be a cash bar and dancing.
“Inspired by Dr. King's unwavering commitment to equality and justice for all Americans, we in the Lebanon County Branch of the NAACP are delighted to host our Second Annual Black History Month Freedom Fund Gala,” said branch president Pastor Tony Fields. “We warmly invite all community members to join us in celebrating the achievements of Black people in our community and the ties that bind us all together as a nation.”
The featured speaker for this year’s Gala is Dr. Sherry Washington, an educator, a community leader, the chair of the education committee for the NAACP Pennsylvania State Conference and the owner of SRW Consulting Firm, LLC.
The cost for attending the Gala is $50 per person and can be paid by cash or check to “Lebanon County NAACP,” P.O. Box 74, Annville, Pa., 17003, or online.
York County
The Appell Center collaborated with four prominent community members to choose films that showcase the struggles, triumphs and challenges faced by historical individuals. The person who picked each movie will speak before the viewing, sharing why they believe the film is culturally important and should be shared with the community.
The screenings are free to attend, but those interested in attending can register online. The selected titles are as follows:
- Feb. 4 at 3 p.m.: Hidden Figures
- Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.: Queen and Slim
- Feb. 18 at 3 p.m.: Selma
- Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.: A Man Called Adam