Throughout February, we honor the contributions, resilience, and triumphs of African Americans who have shaped history in profound ways.
This event guide serves to highlight the many programs and events commemorating Black History Month throughout Montgomery County.
Thursday, February 1
Remember Then and Now! Art Exhibition: The city of Gaithersburg presents an exhibit spotlighting Black contributions and achievements in American history. The exhibit will be on display at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park from now through Feb. 29. The activity center is located at 506 South Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. Learn more here.
Friday, February 2
Friday Night Dance Series: The Maryland Youth Ballet presents their Black History Month Dance Celebration with numerous events. The Friday Night Dance Series centers around African dance, welcoming children aged 10 and above to participate in a complimentary dance class every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. Maryland Youth Ballet is located at 926 Ellsworth Drive in Silver Spring. Learn more and reserve a spot in the dance classes here.
Sunday, February 4
Kid Museum Black History Month Celebration: Explore the fascinating heritage of Nigeria through traditional regalia and hands-on making with cowry shells; join storytelling and art-making activities fit for royalty; and, engage with talented STEM makers and more while enjoying a fun-filled day with your family. Montgomery Parks Josiah Henson Museum presents the session titled “Transforming Fleece into Textiles” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Kid Museum is open Sunday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 140. Cost is $15. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Monday, February 5
Gaithersburg Black History Month Proclamation: The Mayor and City Council proclaim February as Black History Month at their meeting on Monday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Accepting the proclamation is Arnetta Quarles, an author, poet, lyricist, local historian and veteran who grew up in Emory Grove, near Gaithersburg. Attend the meeting in person or watch the meeting live on YouTube or via Zoom by registering here.
Saturday, February 10
Black History Month Family Day: Families can enjoy the day with hands-on activities celebrating African American heritage and accomplishments. After building a compass, families may follow the path of Harriet Tubman at the Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park. The drop-in event is free and takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. The Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park is located at 16501 Norwood Road in Sandy Spring. Learn more here.
Tasty Books Hidden Figures: The Tasty Books series features Hidden Figures Saturday, Feb. 10 at 10:30 a.m. Children ages 2 to 8 listen to the story of four African-American women mathematicians and the work they did at NASA from the 1940s to the 1960s read aloud and then explore hands-on crafts and snacks. The event takes place at the Casey Community Center. Adult supervision required. Individual tickets need to be purchased for each child and adult. Tickets cost $5. Casey Community Center is located at 810 South Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Phenomenal Women and Dvořák’s Symphony No.7: National Philharmonic presents guest conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson in her debut with the Orchestra on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore. Johnson leads a classical program that includes Valerie Coleman’s Phenomenal Women: Concerto for Wind Quintet Soli and Chamber Orchestra—with the composer herself as one of five wind soloists—and Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7. Tickets are currently on sale at nationalphilharmonic.org.
Thursday, February 15
Differing Historical Perspectives on Slavery Lecture: Montgomery Parks’ History Hour lecture series this month features historian James Johnston. The lecture takes place at the Josiah Henson Museum and Park Thursday, February 15 at 6 p.m. Appropriate for ages 12 and older. Cost is $5. The park is located at 11410 Old Georgetown Road in North Bethesda. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Friday, February 16
History Happy Hour: Sandy Spring Museum’s next lecture features Dr. Matthew Costello who will provide an overview of the Slavery in the President’s Neighborhood initiative to explore the relationship between slavery and freedom in the nation’s capital. The Sandy Spring Museum is located at 17901 Bentley Road in Sandy Spring. Tickets cost $25 and the lecture takes place Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Friday, February 23
The Jumpin’ Joe Motown & Oldies Show: Join Jumpin’ Joe Phillips on Friday, Feb. 23 at 12:30 p.m. for a musical review from the Motown era. Cost is free to members of the Benjamin Gaither Senior Center and $5 for nonmembers. The center is located at 80 Bureau Drive in Gaithersburg. Learn more and reserve a spot here.
A Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Celebration with Wordsmith: Hip Hop artist Wordsmith performs at Black Rock Center for the Arts on Friday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. Wordsmith is a songwriter, recording artist, actor, and philanthropist from Baltimore, Md. Tickets cost $27. Black Rock Center for the Arts is located at 12901 Town Commons Drive in Germantown. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Drummer Makaya McCraven: Strathmore presents jazz drummer Makaya McCraven in concert Friday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. Before the Makaya McCraven performance, attend a pre-show listening session and discussion at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $28-$68. The Music Center at Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Tuesday, February 27
Black Trailblazers Story Time: The Gaithersburg Community Museum hosts this program for children ages 2 to 6 on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. City Councilmember Lisa Henderson is the guest reader for a morning filled with books, songs, and movement to explore Black Trailblazers, who they are and what they did. Free, but registration is required. Email or phone the museum to reserve a spot. Learn more here.
