FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 24, 2019
MEDIA CONTACT: KIRA CALM LEWIS 301-446-3327 - or - Kira.CalmLewis@pgparks.com
IYANA MOORE 301-446-3313 - or – Iyana.Moore@pgparks.com
Moving Out, Moving In, Moving Up:
The Department of Parks and Recreation Celebrates Black History Month and Beyond
Riverdale, MD – Celebrate and honor African-American heritage during Black History Month in February and beyond. From performances to history lessons to panel discussions, there are plenty of exciting events and activities planned throughout Prince George's County.
WHAT: Opening Reception Annual Black History Month Exhibition: Moving Out, Moving In, Moving Up
WHEN: Sunday, January 27, 2019, 2 PM – 4 PM
WHERE: Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd Laurel, MD 20708
COST: FREE
Migration has been a defining characteristic of the Black experience in the United States since the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to the American colonies in the early 1600s. But the early 20th century marked a new and important phase in migration as unprecedented numbers of African Americans moved from the rural South to the urban North in search of a better life. Multiple waves of this “Great Migration” would continue during the course of the 20th century into the 21st century as blacks within the United States, as well as black immigrants, moved to and within this country. This exhibit explores the factors spurring black migration and immigration as well as the resulting changes in society on the national, regional, and local levels. This exhibit is curated by the M-NCPPC Black History Program. Gallery exhibit is open from January 21 through to February 28, daily 10AM - 5PM.
WHAT: Panel Discussion: Impact of Black Music During the Great Migration
WHEN: Saturday, February 2, 2019, 1 PM – 2:30 PM
WHERE: Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd Laurel, MD 20708
COST: FREE
Three panelists discuss the impact music had on African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance. The panelists utilize the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s 2019 Black History Month theme, Black Migrations.
WHAT: A Visit With Miss Harriet
WHEN: Saturday, February 9, 2019, from 4 PM – 5:30 PM
WHERE: Surratt House Museum, 9118 Brandywine Road Clinton, MD 20735
COST: FREE
Surratt House Museum invites you sit a spell with the elderly Harriet Tubman during this first-person presentation by Ms. Cleo Coleman. While Tubman is most frequently remembered as an integral conductor of the Underground Railroad, aiding countless slaves in their quest for freedom, her service spanned many avenues. Tubman aided the Union Army, acting as a scout and spy enemy territory and aiding wounded and sick soldiers by dispensing herbal remedies. In the North, she helped many acclimate to their newfound freedom, assisting with and raising funds for housing, jobs, and food. Later, Harriet Tubman joined the women’s suffrage movement and cared for the elderly. In this presentation, Tubman reminisces over the events that formed her life of service before, during, and after the American Civil War. This program is FREE. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is first come, first served.
WHAT: Book and Film Discussion: Mudbound
WHEN: Tuesday, February 12 and Tuesday, February 19, 2019 from 7 PM – 9 PM
WHERE: Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd Laurel, MD 20708
COST: FREE
Join us for a two-part book discussion and a film viewing. We will discuss the book and movie Mudbound. The international bestseller, now a major motion picture from Netflix, Mudbound, is based on two Mississippi families ‘one black, one white’ that confront the brutal realities of prejudice, farming, and friendship in a divided World War II era. These discussions will be led by Dr. Karen Arnold, former poet-in-residence at Montpelier Arts Center and discussion moderator for multiple literature groups throughout the DMV area.
WHAT: Voices From the Past: Sissieretta Jones
WHEN: Sunday, February 17, 2019 from 4 PM – 5:30 PM
WHERE: Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd Laurel, MD 20708
COST: FREE
Sissieretta Jones was the first African American to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1892. This annual Black History Month Series in collaboration with the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) is dedicated to the legacy of little known Black musicians, featuring moving narration from a historical perspective and music performed by acclaimed soprano Devaunt’ Ogden.
WHAT: Black History Month Presentation: Jubilee Voices
WHEN: Saturday, February 23, 2019 from 1 PM – 2 PM
WHERE: Trinity Episcopal Church, 14515 Church St Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
COST: FREE
Washington Revels, Jubilee Voices ensemble, will perform songs and stories of struggle, perseverance, trials, and triumphs of African Americans as expressed through a cappella music. Program will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upper Marlboro. No reservation necessary.
WHAT: Alison Crockett
WHEN: Friday, March 8, 2019 from 8 PM – 10 PM
WHERE: Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd Laurel, MD 20708
COST: $25; reservation is required
Alison Crockett is the quintessential nu jazz/progressive soul singer of her generation. You may have heard her on seminal recordings by King Britt, Blue Six, Us3, Landslide, John Wicks, Mathematics, and a whole host of other albums. Crockett’s voice has provided the velvety, sensual sound of tomorrow’s yesterdays, a captivating tone which evokes both the music of the past and that yet to come. Her voice is dripping with generous helpings of jazz, gospel, and blues. As she says, “I set out to be a craftsman, someone who could mold and shape music like sculpture.” Tickets: $25/person; 10% discount for Montpelier members and seniors. Reservation Deadline: 03/08/2019
For more information on Black History Month events, click here.