February is Black History Month, a time to pay tribute to accomplishments of African Americans. Learn more about the experiences of Black people throughout U.S. history by participating in these virtual events, hosted by local organizations and art institutions.
Historically Speaking: Four Hundred Souls – A Conversation with Ibram Kendi and Keisha N. Blain
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 7–8:30 p.m.
Free
In this moderated discussion hosted by the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain, editors of the upcoming anthology “Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019” will talk about the continued impact of slavery, reconstruction and segregation.
“The History of Racial Terror Lynching in Maryland”
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2–3 p.m.
Free
Will Schwarz, founder of the Maryland Lynching Memorial Project, will discuss the history of lynchings in Maryland and the U.S. in this Montgomery History virtual event. Schwarz will also present a short film about the last known lynching in Maryland, the murder of George Armwood in Princess Anne in October 1933.
Historical Perspectives on Slavery in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Saturday, Feb. 13, 2–3 p.m.
Free
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) welcomes James H. Johnston, author of “The Recollections of Margaret Loughborough” and “From Slave Ship to Harvard,” for a virtual discussion on the evolution of slavery in the D.C. area and how it differed from other areas.
Separate but Unequal
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Free
Join MCPL for a virtual lecture on the history of school segregation in Montgomery County, presented by Montgomery County Historical Society.
Giants of Racial Justice
Thursday, Feb. 18, 7-8 p.m.
Free
Authors Peniel E. Joseph and Tamara Payne will discuss their books on Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. with NPR TV critic Eric Deggans. Part of National Book Festival Presents, this event will premiere with closed captions on the Library of Congress Facebook and YouTube pages.
“The Mountaintop”
Friday-Sunday, Feb. 19-28, times vary
$20; only one ticket purchase needed per household
In partnership with Rockville Little Theatre, Arts Barn will live-stream weekend performance of “The Mountaintop,” a re-imagination of events the night before the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recommended for ages 14 and up. Tickets required.
