by John Reid

As 2024 begins, many events are taking place for those looking to learn more about Black history, present, and future. On Monday at Colgan High School, the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Competition and Program will be taking place. Below are some other events over the next month. Special thanks to Jennifer Roberts, CEO of Conversations In the Community, for this information:

“Michael Steele: The Black Experience and the American Dream”

Saturday, January 13th, 2024 4:00 p.m.

Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center

“Black Excellence Exhibition Annual Black Excellence Exhibition Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop”

Saturday, February 3rd, 2024

Celebration includes art by local Black artists and musical performances

464 Byrne Street

Petersburg, VA 23803

Cost:  $15.00

“Racism & Psychiatry:  The Central Lunatic Asylum for the Colored Insane”

Donuts & Documentary Series

Sunday, February 4th, 2024 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Virginia Museum of History & Culture

428 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard

Richmond, VA 23220

Check “EventBrite” for additional information.

“Under the Same Roof:  Enslaved & Free Workers at Lee-Fendall”

Saturday, February 10, 2024 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Saturday, February 24th, 2024 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden

614 Oronoco Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

Cost:  $10 (Tickets available on EventBrite)

Learn about the enslaved and free African Americans who lived and worked at the Lee-Fendall House

“Unveiling the Past, Shaping the Future:  The Crucial Significance of Preserving & Sharing Black History”

Featured Speaker: Jordan Bell – community historian, professional educator and cultural organizer

Thursday, February 15th, 2024 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

135 College Avenue

Blacksburg, VA 24060

Check “EventBrite” for additional information.

Tastes of Home:  African American Culture and American Cuisine

Saturday, February 17th, 2024 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Ben Lomond Historic Site

10321 Sudley Manor Drive

Manassas, VA 

“In Harmony with Family & Friends”

Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia

February 17th 4:00 p.m.

122 West Leigh Street 

Richmond, VA 23220

Check “Event Brite” for additional details.

The Culture Cup Book Club:  “The Water Dancer” by Ta-Nehesi Coates 

Friday, February 23, 2024 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

8002 Crescent Park Drive (The Culture Cup Coffee House)

Gainesville, VA 20155

Check “Event Brite” for additional details and to purchase tickets.

The 2024 Virginia Black History Month Celebration

Saturday, February 24, 2024 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

3111 Fairview Park Drive

Falls Church, VA 22042

Check “EventBrite” for ticket information.

Black History Month Celebration sponsored by Jefferson County West Virginia  Chapter of the NAACP & Community Partners (please see attached flyer)

Saturday, March 2, 2024 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Ranson Civic Center

432 W. 2nd Avenue

Ranson, WV