WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — February kicks off the celebration of Black History Month.
While honoring trailblazers who have paved the way in the African-American community, the month is also a time to celebrate the accomplishments and highlight the hidden stories of Black history and culture.
While looking for ways to learn about African American culture, here is a list of events happening across the DMV.
Washington, D.C.
Black History Month Jersey Unveiling Featuring Howard University | Wednesday, Feb. 5
The Washington Capitals will unveil its special “Celebrating Black History Month” jersey during an event with Howard University at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex. The jersey was designed by The Museum DC and its unveiling will coincide with a panel discussion titled, “Celebrating Black History – Pathways to Hockey.”
The discussion will feature Capitals and Howard University alumni. The event will also feature members of the Howard University Figure Skating Club, which became the first organized group on the campus of a historically Black college or university (HBCU).
The newly designed jersey will be auctioned off in a Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation auction and all proceeds will go toward the Capital Impact Fund.
Black History Day with the Washington Capitals | Sunday, Feb. 23
In honor of Black achievement within Hockey, the Washington Capitals will host a Black History Day.
On Sunday, the Capitals will play the Edmonton Oilers. The team will host a pre-game celebration at District E to honor the 11 Black alumni in the Capitals’ history.
The event will also highlight “Caps 11,” an original song the team and musical artist Saukrates collaborated on that is dedicated to the 11 Black alumni in Capitals history.
Black Hockey History Display
The Washington Capitals are encouraging fans to visit the Black History Display at the Capital One Arena.
The display, unveiled in February 2022, is on the main concourse at section 112 and is devoted to the Capitals’ Black history and its players.
The display features a 1975-76 home jersey worn by Mike Marson (1974-79), a game-used stick by Joel Ward (2011-15) and a game-worn helmet by Devante Smith-Pelly (2017-19).
A jersey showing a ‘Players Against Hate” end racism shoulder patch is also on display, and there is a timeline that shows Black players and key moments in the team’s history.
Maryland
Transit Equity Day | Tuesday, Feb. 4.
To honor and celebrate the legacy of civil rights icon Rosa Parks, the Montgomery County Maryland Department of Transportation said it will offer free rides across all of its services on Feb. 4. The department said this is an annual tradition that recognizes Transit Equity Day and highlights Parks for changing history. The day also celebrates Park’s 112th birthday.
On Tuesday, the free rides will be available across the Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train, Mobility and Commuter Bus.
Lunch and Learn | Tuesday, Feb. 4
Prince George’s County Memorial Library System is hosting its “Lunch and Learn” with Noliwe Rooks, who is the author of “A Passionate Mind in Relentless Pursuit: The Vision of Mary McLeod Bethune.”
The conversation will led by the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights and the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System.
The virtual event is from noon to 1 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Virginia
“The Evolution of Jazz” with Alison Crockett
Award-winning jazz vocalist Alison Crockett will perform across Fairfax County and take listeners through a journey of the language of jazz music.
Event organizers said the “Evolution of Jazz” will highlight the traces of its history and explore its roots in African-based songs such as “Afro Blue.” The event will move through musical expressions including Spirituals, Gospel, blues and the era of Swing music.
Here is a list of her performances:
- Feb. 8 at the Centreville Regional Library from 11 a.m. to noon
- Feb. 8 at the Sherwood Meeting Room, Sherwood Regional Library from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Feb. 22 at City of Fairfax Meeting Room 101A, City of Fairfax Meeting Room 101B, City of Fairfax Regional Library from 11 a.m. to noon
- Feb. 22 at Kings Park Meeting Room, Kings Park Library from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
African Drumming Workshop | Feb. 9
The steady sounds of the African djembe drums and shekeres will fill the meeting room at the Chantilly Regional Library for an African drumming workshop.
On Sunday, Kofi Dennis, a drummer, performer and educator, will host the workshop from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
The workshop is for all ages and will consist of movement, singing and chanting.
For more information, click here.
