February celebrates 28 days of Black History Month celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black people in the United States.
History suggests that the annual observance began as “Black History Week,” the second week of February 1926. By the late 1960s, the civil rights movement was growing, and week-long celebrations had evolved into a month’s anniversary on many university campuses.
This year, the national theme of Black History Month is “African Americans and Labor.” Here’s how we can celebrate the history and culture of black people in central Florida this month:
The City of Orlando celebrates Black History Month with art exhibitions and community celebrations. The display featuring 32 artists shows the impact of workers on the black experience at the city hall terrace gallery. Community celebrations will be screenings of Gospel docusaries, live entertainment and food on February 11th from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Details: orlando.gov
The city of Winter Park hosts many events to celebrate Black History Month, particularly through the Winter Park Library. For example, you can watch the screening of the 1998 film Our Friend Martin at 3:30pm on February 1st, or “Heart & Soul: A Celebration of Black Culture will showcase Harlem Renaissance’s experiences.” More information: winterparklibrary.org
Music at Casa celebrates Black History Month by introducing Tony Winn (sax) and Cameron Brown (trumpet) duo in the courtyard of Casa Ferris. Tickets are $12 each and can be purchased online. The concert will begin at noon on February 9th at N. Park Ave. 656 N. Park Ave. in Winter Park. Details: Casafeliz.us
The Sanford Jazz Ensemble salutes Black History Month with a set list that includes Louis Armstrong, Thelonious Monk and Marvin Gay. Tickets cost $27.50 each. The concert will begin on February 9th at 3pm on Magnolia Avenue, 201, in Sanford. More information: ritztheatersanford.com
The Timucua Arts Foundation celebrates a diverse range of artists through Timucua’s amplification of the Black Voices program. This month’s concert will feature John Lumpkin and The Covenant on February 7th and Ulysses Owens Jr. on February 8th, Gerald Law II & Clutch on February 14th, and February 1st. On the 15th, we will introduce the Earthness Music Group. It will begin at S. Summerlin Ave. in Orlando at 7:30pm in 2000. Tickets are available for $30 for general admission (before the fee) or a paid live stream. More information: timucua.com
Women Voters League Orange County will be introducing a “hot topic” debate on African Americans and labor on February 12th. Spectrum News 13 Anchor Curtis McLeod eases panel discussion on “Workforce: African American Journey” at Winter Park. Event Center. Tickets cost $30 for league members and $37 for non-members. The doors open at 10:30am for a buffet lunch and the discussion begins at 11:45am at 1050 W. Morse Blvd. At Winter Park. Details: lwvoc.org/hottopics
The Orange County Regional History Center will offer “Level + Legacy: Scott Joplin’s Tremonisha.” This is produced in collaboration with Opera Orlando and Zola. Festival. The event has free admission and will take guests on a music walk into the past to see how education has elevated the Orlando community. The doors will be open at 6:30pm and presentations will begin on February 20th at 7pm at 65 E. Central Blvd. In Orlando. More details: thehistorycenter.org
The Orange County Library System has a variety of book recommendations and events on topics ranging from black scientists to jazz and Zola Neil Hurston. Event dates and times vary throughout February. Starting at 2pm on February 16th, OCLS will host an African American reading event, celebrating it with poetry, stories and songs. High-ranking officials include Rep. Maxwell Frost, Mayor Jerry Demings of Orange County, and Ricardo Williams of Neld Knight. Details: ocls.info
Did you miss the Black History Month event? Find me on Twitter @pconnpie, instagram @pconnpie, or email me at pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
