The Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation, as part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, has announced a robust programming schedule in honor of Black History Month 2021, according to a county-issued press release.
From virtual performances to history lessons and virtual festivals, there is an abundance of exciting events and activities planned for the community, county officials said.
“The M-NCPPC Black History Program strives to bring an engaging month of African American history, educational and cultural experiences, and this year is no exception,” Bill Tyler, director, M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, said in the release. “This year’s national theme, ‘The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity,’ is the perfect backdrop for the past year.”
The programs available include:
Feb. 1 – Virtual Opening Ceremony
Opening program for Black History Month that will feature the launch of the M-NCPPC Black History Program’s virtual exhibition, “Black Health Matters: An Undoctored History of Health Care and Healing Traditions in the Black Community,” and the unveiling of the Department’s annual Black History Month poster.
Feb. 6 – Generations: Music and the Black Family
This engaging panel discussion, based on the 2021 Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASLAH) theme of the Black family, delves into a focus of generations and how musical differences and similarities have helped unify or divide the Black-American family. The multi-generational panel includes a music historian, social scientist, and musician.
Feb. 10 – “She the People” Speaker Series
“She the People” is a non-partisan, political program for teen girls offered to engage, educate, and inspire youth to pursue leadership roles in politics, activism, and business. The Speaker Series will include panel discussions on a variety of topics including the historic election of Kamala Harris, Black entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rise of youth activism within the Black Lives Matter movement.
Feb. 13 – Masterclass with Step Afrika
Move to the beat with one of the most celebrated step dance companies in the world. Don’t miss four classes with the renowned dance company, Step Afrika! These master tutorials are dedicated to the tradition of stepping.
For a full list of Black History Month offerings, and to register, go to blackhistory.pgparks.com.