Sunday, February 14-Saturday, February 20

Friday, February 5-Sunday, February 28, 10 am-5 pm (daily)
Reception for the Artists: Friday, February 5, 7-9 pm
Culture of the Mind & Spirit: An Exhibition of Regional African American Artists
This exhibition features the works of a diverse group of artists with a common heritage and profound links to Montpelier Arts Center.
All ages welcome. FREE
Montpelier Arts Center
9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel 20708
301-377-7800; TTY 301-490-2329

Sunday, February 14, 1-6 pm
Expressions of a People
Expressions of a People, a free Black History Month celebration of performances, children’s activities, workshops and entertainment, has something for everyone. This year’s festival will feature arts & crafts, caricature drawings, a puppet show, a movie room for the kids, and musical performances, including appearances by renowned gospel singer Robert Pearson, the Oxon Hill High School Gospel Chorus, and others.
All ages welcome. FREE
Arts/Harmony Hall Regional Center
10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington 20744
301-203-6070; TTY 301-203-3803

Tuesday, February 16, 3-4 pm
African Storytelling
Performers from The Smithsonian Associates’ Discovery Theater present great stories featuring 20th century African American heroes. The highlight of the program honors Thurgood Marshall, who won the most important legal case of the century, Brown v. Board of Education, which legally ended the separation of black and white children in public schools.
Ages 5-12; FREE
William Beanes Community Center
5108 Dianna Drive, Suitland 20746
301-568-7719; TTY 301-203-6030

Tuesday, February 16, 6:30-9 pm
Open Mic & Book Signing
Join us as we celebrate the oratory talents of area residents as they share their visions of the past, present and future in “Spoken Word.” Light refreshments will be served.
All ages welcome. FREE
Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex
8001 Sheriff Road, Landover 20785
301-583-2582; TTY 301-583-2483

Wednesdays, February 3, 10 & 17, 6:30-8 pm
Xtreme Teens: Black History Can You Dig It ~ Freedom Fighters
Teens, register for an interactive series of seminars focusing on six extraordinary ‘Freedom Fighters’ for African culture. Earn community service hours while learning about the lives of Nat Turner, Marcus Garvey, Huey Newton, Shirley Chisholm, Steve Biko and Nelson Mandela. Pre-registration required by January 27; space is limited.
Ages 12-17; FREE
Bladensburg Community Center
4500 57th Avenue, Bladensburg 20710
301-277-2124; TTY 301-445-4512

Wednesdays, February 3, 10, 17 & 24, 6-9 pm
Throwback Theater
Join us on Wednesday evenings in February to watch movies featuring black actors and actresses. Scheduled movies include: February 3: They Call Me Mr. Tibbs; February 10: Car Wash; February 17: Uptown Saturday Night; and February 24: The Five Heartbeats. Nominal fees for concession food.
Ages 13 (with parental guidance) & up; FREE
Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex
8001 Sheriff Road, Landover 20785
301-583-2582; TTY 301-583-2483

Thursday, February 18, 5 pm
Family Movie Night– Barack Obama Biography
Watch this inspiring biography of President Barack Obama’s life, from his childhood in Hawaii to his history-making presidential win. Light refreshments will be available.
All ages welcome. FREE
Langley Park Community Center
1500 Merrimac Drive, Hyattsville 20783
301-445-4508; TTY 301-445-4512

Fridays, February 5, 12, 19 & 26
Tours: 12 noon, 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm
The Bentley Family of Upper Marlborough
Join us for a tour that focuses on African American women who lived at Darnall’s Chance in the 18th century with a special focus on the Bentley Family. Tours are FREE on Fridays during February. Reservations not required.
Darnall’s Chance House Museum
14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro 20772
301-952-8010; TTY 301-699-2544

Thursday, February 18, 1:30 pm (This event date was previously scheduled on Thursday, February 11)
Grandma’s Cautionary Tales
Actress Debra Mims transforms herself into Grandmother Sally Kathryn Mims to tell ghost stories and folktales of African, African American and Caribbean literature.
Ages 5-12; FREE
Baden Community Center
13601 Baden-Westwood Road, Brandywine 20613
301-888-1500; TTY 301-203-6030

Friday, February 19, 12:30-1:45 pm
“Remember When”
Performed by seniors from the Evelyn Cole Senior Activity Center, this play is a reflection of times in black history through the eyes of seniors.
All ages welcome. FREE
Seat Pleasant Activity Center
5720 Addison Road, Seat Pleasant 20743
301-386-5525; TTY 301-446-3402

Friday, February 19, 1-2:15 pm
Black History Through Hip-Hop
The Hip-Hop Institute of Baltimore will explore the connection between hip-hop history and various black historical movements.
Ages 11-13; FREE
Oakcrest Community Center
1300 Capitol Heights Boulevard, Capitol Heights 20743
301-736-5355; TTY 301-218-6768

Friday, February 19, 4-7 pm
Reception & Discussion, 6 pm
Ordinary People…Living Their Extraordinary Dreams
The center hosts the artistic works of Elnora Wilson, a local artist currently living in Prince George’s County. Elnora, a former educator and principal, has great artwork to display. From fashion creations to beautifully framed artwork, she has a story to tell about living her dreams.
All ages welcome. FREE
Beltsville Community Center
3900 Sellman Road, Beltsville 20705
301-937-6613; TTY 301-445-4512

Friday, February 19, 4:30 pm
Black History Yesterday and Today
Enjoy the art of storytelling through an African drum and dance performance. Then play a “Who’s Who in Black America?” game.
All ages welcome. FREE
Deerfield Run Community Center
13000 Laurel-Bowie Road, Laurel 20708
301-953-7882; TTY 301-445-4512

Friday, February 19, 7-9 pm
No Trump-Uptown and Swing
Over the years when money was tight, some of the best African American celebrations took place in people’s homes. Bid Whist and Hand Dance were two of the most popular forms of entertainment at these celebrations. Do you remember wearing your Nineteens or Footjoys to dance the night away? Take a trip down memory lane by joining us for a night of card playing, hand dancing, music, photographs, and food.
Ages 17 & up
Tickets: $5/person
Oxon Hill Manor
6901 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill 20745
301-839-7782; TTY 301-446-6802

Friday, February 19, 7-9 pm
The Roots of Our History: Intergenerational Fashion Show
Seniors, teens and youth from the Kentland community will honor black history through fashion, poetry, song and dance. Light refreshments available.
All ages welcome.
Fee: FREE w/valid M-NCPPC Youth ID; Resident $5; Non-Resident $7
Kentland Community Center
2411 Pinebrook Avenue, Landover 20785
301-386-2278; TTY 301-445-4512

Friday, February 19, 7-9 pm
Black History Cheerleading Competition (Canceled)
Cheer on local cheerleading groups as they compete to promote community unity and harmony.
All ages welcome.
Fee: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
Potomac Landing Community Center
12500 Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington 20744
301-292-9191; TTY 301-203-6030

Friday, February 19, 7-10 pm
Dance Show
Watch dance teams from local schools, churches and community organizations perform.
All ages welcome.
Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
Marlow Heights Community Center
2800 St. Clair Drive, Marlow Heights 20748
301-423-0505; TTY 301-203-6030

Saturday, February 20, 9:30 am-5:30 pm
African American Heritage: Historic Sites Bus Trip
We’ll visit the Charles Duckett Freedman’s Cabin, Columbia Air Center – the first African American airfield – Northampton Slave Quarters, and Dorsey Chapel, along with other African American historical sites. Fee includes transportation, admission and lunch. Reservations required. Please note: This trip departs from the parking lot at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center, 14900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro 20772
All ages welcome.
Fee: $25/person
Natural and Historical Resources Division
301-627-2270; TTY 301-699-2544

Saturday, February 20, 11 am-1 pm
Musicology, Experience it for Yourself
In this interactive program, explore call and response, ring shouts, beatboxing, scatting, blues, hip-hop, jazz, rap, rhythm and blues, swing and more. Connect the story, the music and the history of African American music. A light brunch will be served. Reservations suggested.
All ages welcome. FREE
Temple Hills Community Center
5300 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills 20748
301-894-6616; TTY 301-203-6030

Saturday, February 20, 12 noon-1 pm or 2-3 pm
A Basketball Legend
World renowned and ex-Harlem Globetrotter Spencer “Spinny” Johnson will demonstrate his trick shot artistry and talk about his experiences as an African American athlete. Mr. Johnson will be at North Brentwood Community Center from 12 noon to 1 pm, and at Prince George’s Plaza Community Center from 2-3 pm.
All ages welcome. FREE
North Brentwood Community Center
4012 Webster Street, North Brentwood 20722
301-864-0756; TTY 301-445-4512 ¿Prince George’s Plaza Community Center
6600 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville 20782
301-864-1611; TTY 301-445-4512

Saturday, February 20, 12 noon-3 pm
The Legacy of Thurgood Marshall, American Revolutionary (POSTPONED)
You’re invited to an afternoon celebrating the life of Thurgood Marshall. Through performances, readings, music and activities, learn about this monumental figure in American legal and education history.
All ages welcome. FREE
Tucker Road Community Center
1771 Tucker Road, Fort Washington 20744
301-248-4404; TTY 301-203-6030

Saturday, February 20, 1-2 pm
Art Display and Gullah Cultural Storytelling
View a historical art display and listen to a “Gullah” story. Gullah stories reflect the traditions of West African and European cultures which came together in the Sea Island communities of South Carolina and Georgia.
Ages 6 & up
Fee: $3/person
Patuxent Community Center
4410 Bishopmill Drive, Upper Marlboro 20772
301-780-7577; TTY 301-203-6030

Saturday, February 20, 2 pm
Flying High
Many aviators followed in the footsteps of Wilbur and Orville Wright. Join Motivational Theatre for three short plays on the lives of significant aviation pioneers including Neal Loving and Bessie Coleman.
All ages welcome.
Fee: $4/adults, $3/seniors, $2/ages 2-18, FREE/ages 1 & under
College Park Aviation Museum
1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park 20740
301-864-6029; TTY 301-699-2544

Saturday, February 20, 2-4 pm
Genealogy Workshop
Learn how to trace your family tree by using federal census records. William Shelton and Edwin Washington of the National Archives will teach the skills needed to research family histories. Light refreshments served. Space is limited; registration required by February 18.
All ages welcome. FREE
Stephen Decatur Community Center
8200 Pinewood Drive, Clinton 20735
301-297-4648; TTY 301-203-6030

Saturday, February 20, 2-4 pm
Visions Through Art: A Celebration of Black History (CANCELED)
View a collection of art from local schools displaying the history and culture of black leaders, including Robert Gray, G. James Gholson, and Doswell Brooks.
All ages welcome. FREE
Seat Pleasant Activity Center
5720 Addison Road, Seat Pleasant 20743
301-773-6685; TTY 301-218-6768

Saturday, February 20, 3-4:30 pm
Grand Master Dennis Brown/Shaolin Wu-Shu
Join us for a demonstration and autograph signing by Grand Master Dennis Brown of the world famous Shaolin Wu-Shu fighting system. Meet the first non-Asian Grand Master or Yiban (heir apparent) who was named one of the “25 Most Influential Martial Artists of the 20th Century.” Two shows are scheduled, but space is limited. Don’t wait to get your tickets!
Ages 2 & up
Fee: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
Huntington Community Center
13022 8th Street, Bowie 20720
301-464-3725; TTY 301-218-6768

Saturday, February 20, 5-7 pm
Xtreme Teens: Black History Jeopardy
Teens, compete in a Jeopardy-style game show about the lives of the African American leaders. Light refreshments served.
Ages 13-17; FREE
Glassmanor Community Center
1101 Marcy Avenue, Oxon Hill 20745
301-567-6033; TTY 301-203-6030

Saturday, February 20, 5-7 pm
A History of Hip-Hop
Where did hip-hop come from? How did it go from an underground art to a worldwide phenomenon? Explore the history and travel through time as you experience the entertaining performances of artist and performer Chris Stylez. Become part of the show with his call and response techniques, and be ready to put your hands on instruments.
All ages welcome. FREE
Good Luck Community Center
8601 Good Luck Road, Lanham 20706
301-552-1093; TTY 301-445-4512

Saturday, February 20, 6-9 pm
Poetry Café Black History Celebration
Listen to a variety of aspiring poets and other performers who will entertain with their original work or the work of their favorite African American. Audience members will also have an opportunity to share their 5-minute, original poems, music, or comedy. Light refreshments served.
All ages welcome. FREE
John Eager Howard Community Center
4400 Shell Street, Capitol Heights 20743
301-735-3340; TTY 301-218-6768

Saturday, February 20, 8 pm
Walt Maddox: “A Tribute to Nat King Cole”
Walt Maddox started singing as a teenager on the street corners of his neighborhood on Pittsburgh’s Northside with a group called The Blenders. After a few years, he joined the doo-wop group The Marcels and in September 1961 hit the top of the charts with “Heartaches,” the group’s second big hit. He’s performed this show throughout the world.
All ages welcome.
Tickets: $25/general admission; $20/seniors & students
Arts/Harmony Hall Regional Center
10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington 20744
301-203-6070; TTY 301-203-3803