In a vibrant tribute to Black History Month, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) continued the legacy of its founder, Dr. Carter G. Woodson in an exciting way, by hosting its 98th annual Black History Month Festival Luncheon on Feb. 24.
Following ASALH’s 2024 theme “African Americans and the Arts,” the sold-out event provided a captivating exploration of Black cultural expression. In addition to a three-course meal and host of programming, the event included an engaging panel moderated by celebrated journalist and political analyst Tiffany Cross and featuring House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), his brother Dr. Hasan Jeffries, a historian, and professor at The Ohio State University.
The conversation delved into the intersection of Black history and contemporary politics.
“That’s what we’re supposed to do– [bring] culture, art, spirit, freedom, liberation, everything that makes us who we are to our Representatives and the people,” said Leader Jeffries during the panel.
From the very beginning of the celebration, several distinguished guests discussed the importance of celebrating Black history and African Americans in the Arts, particularly examining its intersectionality with culture and politics in 2024, a general election year.
Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, a longtime ASALH member, served as mistress of ceremonies.
White House officials presented messages and proclamations from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
D.C. Youth Mayor Lourdes Robinson opened the program and was followed by a list of speakers, including Dean of Howard University Divinity School the Rev. Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert; D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities Executive Director Aaron Myers; and First Mount Zion Baptist Church in Dumfries, Virginia’s, the Rev. Dr. Sandra K. James.
The event also included an “Author’s Book Signing,” and the unveiling of the 2024 U.S. Postal Service’s Black Heritage Stamp, which highlighted civil rights legend and noted American jurist Constance Baker Motley.
ASLAH officials noted that a historical lens reveals that African American artists have been trailblazers in major cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, setting not only national but also global trends. The 2024 luncheon delved into African American artists’ multifaceted history and contributions, celebrating their enduring impact on global culture.
The Jeffries Brothers and Cross in a Powerhouse Panel
During the panel, the Jeffries discussed topics from the Notorious B.I.G. to Biden, former President Donald Trump and this year’s presidential election.
Cross noted the intersectionality of arts and politics, and how the brothers seamlessly incorporate both into their work and lives.
Dr. Jeffries, the House leader’s younger brother, noted the importance of Black art to politics and the larger fight for overall justice.
“Black art is infused with Black politics, and Black politics is always, when you boil it down, about freedom. Black artist is an expression of desire for Black folk to be free, in the past and the present in the future,” Dr. Jeffries said.
The House Democratic Leader recalled his tribute to Brooklyn-rapper Notorious B.I.G.Despite facing opposition from his staff regarding the official honor, Jeffries remained resolute.
“One of my staff said, ‘You can’t do that.’ I said, ‘Check the Congressional record; tell me whether Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, or Bruce Springsteen had a tribute on the House floor. All three of them had received multiple tributes,” Leader Jeffries explained. “I said, ‘Good, the Notorious B.I.G. is going to get one too.’”
Addressing the influence of celebrity culture and support for the twice-impeached and four-times indicted Trump, Jeffries acknowledged, “Some of it may be that the former president is a master manipulator. He spins tales, and some people believe it.”
The Leader emphasized the need to dismantle false narratives systematically and stressed facts’ importance over mere messaging.
He also celebrated the achievements of the Biden-Harris administration.
“Black unemployment is at its lowest in history under the Biden administration; more money to HBCUs, and he’s only done it in three years. More small Black businesses were created in history in just three years,” Leader Jeffries said. “We must acknowledge what’s been and is still being done and boost the facts.”