February is Black History Month, a time to pay tribute to the generations of black Americans who have played a significant role in shaping U.S. history.
In recognition of Black History Month, many organizations throughout the community are hosting educational events. Here are a few to consider attending:
Rokeby Museum – VT
Sunday, February 2 & 16, 2019
Noon – 5 p.m.
Free & Safe: The Underground Railroad in Vermont
In honor of Black History Month, visitors may take advantage of special winter hours to visit the only permanent exhibition in New England that addresses slavery, abolition, and the Underground Railroad. Museum staff will be available in the galleries for conversation about Free & Safe, the museum’s award-winning multi-media exhibit. Visitors are introduced to Simon and Jesse, two fugitives from slavery who were sheltered at Rokeby in the 1830s. Tracing their stories from slavery to freedom, the exhibit also introduces the abolitionist Robinson family who called Rokeby home for nearly 200 years, and explores the turbulent decades leading up to the Civil War.
February is also the last month for seeing the special exhibit, Amassed & Up-ending: Decoding the Legacy of Stuff. The exhibit is a great opportunity to learn more about the Abolitionist Robinsons. Significant pieces of art, furniture, household goods, letters, and journals illustrate the lives of the four generations of Robinsons who lived at Rokeby from 1793 to 1961. As you experience this remarkable family, it’s also an opportunity to think about how you will be remembered. What of your things are likely to be treasured, and what will they say about the life you have lived?
Sunday, February 9, 2020
3:00 p.m.
Finding Jesse: A Fugitive from Slavery in Vermont, special lecture
Generation after generation the Robinson family saved their copious correspondence, and today that record informs all that Rokeby Museum does. But what happens when the record is incomplete?
Jane Williamson, director emerita and curator of the museum’s award-winning exhibit Free & Safe: the Underground Railroad, will share the extensive research required to learn more about Simon, a fugitive from slavery who lived and worked at Rokeby in the 1830s. Jane’s talk traces Jesse’s life from enslavement in North Carolina to freedom in Vermont. Citing letters in the collection at Rokeby Museum and documents at the North Carolina State Archives, the illustrated talk brings the narrative of one slave out of anonymity and explores his life and pursuit of freedom.
Jane Williamson holds a masters degree in historic preservation from the University of Vermont and was the director of the Rokeby Museum for over 20 years. This program partners with the Ferrisburgh Historical Society.
Sunday, February 23, 2020
The Hate U Give, a book discussion program for teens and adults
Have you read this book yet? It’s a masterful presentation of issues facing many African Americans in America today. Former teen-rapper and now award-winning author Angie Thomas tells the complex story of Starr Carter – a black teenager “moving between two worlds: the poor black neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend, Khalil, at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.” Teens and adults are invited to borrow copies of the book from Rokeby, read, and attend a moderated discussion about the book and the issues it presents.
2:00 p.m. the program includes a short guided tour of Free & Safe, Rokeby’s award winning exhibit that provides context for race problems in America today.
$10/adult; $8/children age 5 and up.
Rokeby Museum, 4334 Rte. 7, Ferrisburgh, VT 05464. (802)877-3406 info@rokeby.org www.rokeby.org
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum – TX
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Black History Month Film Series: 42
42 tells the story of two men—the great Jackie Robinson and legendary Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey—whose brave stand against prejudice forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball. In 1946, Rickey signed Robinson to the team, breaking Major League Baseball’s infamous color line. But the deal also put both Robinson and Rickey in the firing line of the public, the press and even other players. Facing unabashed racism from every side, Robinson let his talent on the field do the talking—ultimately winning over fans and his teammates, silencing his critics, and paving the way for others to follow.
128 minutes. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements including language.
4:00 pm CT, $8 admission
300 N Houston, Dallas, TX 75202, (214) 871-1390, https://artandseek.org/calendar/event/102628/black-history-month-film-series-42
Downtown Dallas – TX
Soul of DFW Food and Black History Bus Tour: Fort Worth Kickoff
Saturday, February 22, 2020
We’ll visit historical local African American landmarks and learn about the significant contributions to our city. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Designated *surprise* stops at Black-owned restaurants for tastings of their popular chosen soul foods and desserts.
Take in the sites stress-free and with a fun group of fellow history lovers while exploring the tastes of Fort Worth from the comfort of a chauffeured bus.
10:00 am CT, $55 ticket fee
Start location TBA, https://events.downtowndallas.com/events/2020/2/22/soul-of-dfw-food-black-history-bus-tour-fort-worth-kickoff-tickets