During Black History month we celebrate the achievements of Africans-Americans. Notable historian, Carter G. Woodson, along with other prominent African-Americans are credited with beginning the tradition as “Negro History Week” in 1926 but, according to History.com, in 1976 President Gerald Ford officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Following are ways to experience and learn more about Black culture this Black History Month.
ART & SOUL 2016 (JAN. 30 – FEB. 26)
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Art & Soul: A Celebration of African-American Art & Artists in Indiana at the Indianapolis Artsgarden. The celebration kicks off Jan. 30 at 12:15 p.m. Art & Soul 2016 will celebrate the arts in the journey to freedom featuring a procession of featured artists, musicians, dancers, poets, art leaders, worship arts ministers, an inspirational gospel choir, a tribute to Amos Brown III, an African-American food and vendor fair, and a student art exhibition highlighting the talents of students around Indianapolis. Featured artists in the celebration include: Derrick Carter, Mariah Ivey, Nicholas A. Owens and Jared Thompson. Art & Soul will continue throughout the month of February with activities and performances. All Art & Soul events are free.
For more information visit Indyarts.org/art-soul.
MEET THE ARTISTS & GALA RECEPTION AT CENTRAL LIBRARY (NOW – MAR. 26)
This year marks the 28th annual “Meet the Artists” exhibit at the Central Library. According to indypl.org, this year’s event will feature the works of 21 artists displaying a variety of art mediums including glass blowing, drawing, sand art, jewelry, metal art, stone art and more. The library’s website also says, “Meet the Artists” has become one of the city’s premiere cultural events. Participating artists include: Kevin Johnson, Alison Middleton, Andre Parnell, Clayton Hamilton, Octavious Lettsome and more. The entire community is also invited to meet the artists and enjoy an evening of cultural entertainment at the “Meet the Artists” Gala Reception on Feb. 13 from 5-10 p.m. The reception will include performances, the “Elements of Art Meet Fashion” and more. Both events are free.
For more information visit Indypl.org/events/featured/2016-meet-artists-gala-reception-central-library/.
TARGET FREE FAMILY NIGHT AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis celebrates Black History Month with a “Black History Month” evening at the museum Feb. 4 from 4-8 p.m. Listen to storyteller, Portia Jackson, share tales of great African-Americans plus enjoy a performance by the Freetown Village Singing Troupe. From 4-7:30 p.m., listen to artist, Kara Walker, talk about her silhouette artwork. Other activities include learning how traditional Adinkra cloths are made and a performance of “Ruby’s Story.” Admission is free.
For more information visit Childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/view/40.
INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY
The ISO will hold their annual “Celebration of Black History” honoring significant impacts of African-American musicians has had on the cultural life of Indianapolis and the nation. The event will take place Feb. 9 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Hilbert Circle Theatre. The celebration is free and doors open at 6:30 p.m but, it is suggested that attendees reserve their tickets online. Patrons are allowed to reserve up to 10 tickets for their group online. The ISO’s Celebration of Black History is sponsored by Mays Chemical Co., the Indianapolis Recorder and WTLC.
For more information visit indianapolissymphony.org.
THE MADAM CJ WALKER STORY
Learn the story of America’s first woman self-made millionaire, Madam C.J. Walker, presented by Freetown Village on Feb. 5 from 10-2p.m at the Madame Walker Theatre. As a part of the experience, patrons can also visit the Walker Heritage Center and see many artifacts and memorabilia. Admission is free.
For more information visit Downtownindy.org/events/488/the-madam-walker-story.
“ART ON THE AVENUE”
According to visitindy.gov, “Art on the Avenue” uses art as a platform to empower youth, inspire entrepreneurship and facilitate social justice. The Madame Walker Theatre Center will open it’s 4th floor to the public Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. Admission is free and attendees will be able to take a look at the notable art and memorabilia inside the Walker Theatre. The event will last until 9 p.m. and will feature Herron School of Art and Design graduate Tasha Beckwith. The Black Legacy Cabaret will also be performing during the reception.
For more information visit Visitindy.com/indianapolis-art-on-the-avenue-2016-2-5.
SONYA CLARK: FROM HAIR TO THERE
Join CityWay Feb. 11 at 7p.m. for an artist talk at The Alexander. Key speaker, Sonya Clark, will discuss recent projects inspired by hair as a medium and a subject. Clark will speak about Madam C.J. Walker’s legacy and the inspiration for her Hair Craft project. According to her website, Sonya is all about hair and heritage, which was demonstrated in her project where Clark became a “walking gallery” of Black hair fashion when she let hairdressers create temporary works of art using her hair.
For more information visit RSVP@CityWay.com.
“WE RAISE OUR VOICES” PRESENTED BY THE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA OF INDIANAPOLIS
The Symphonic Praise Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis will showcase the 18th annual gospel concert titled “We Raise Our Voices”, Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. The event will take place at the Pike Performing Arts Center and tickets range from $5 to $20. Musical numbers will include: “Holy Thou Art God,” “Open The Sky!,” ”Angels Watching Over Me,” and more.
For more information visit Philharmonicindy.org/concerts/season/we-raise-our-voices-february-21-2016.
“TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD” AT THE INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE
Listen to the story of how two siblings and their father changed the way many American’s perceived race and prejudice in the county during the early 1900s. Growing up in a small community greatly effected by economic depression, the siblings learn about social injustice as their lawyer father defends a man wrongly accused of a heinous crime. “To Kill a Mockingbird” will play at the Indiana Repertory Theatre Jan. 29 through Feb. 28 on the OneAmerica stage. Tickets start at $25, student tickets are $20 and community members can share their opinion of the show using the hashtag #irtlive on social media.
For more information visit Irtlive.com/plays-and-events/2015-2016-season/to-kill-a-mockingbird.
BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY
Enjoy a live theatre performance filled with humor, love, hope, fear and survival, relating to personal and social issues. “Blues for an Alabama Sky” highlights an all Black cast taking place in Harlem, New York during the summer of 1930. The performance captures the harsh realities of the Great Depression following the creative euphoria of the Harlem Renaissance. The play opens Feb. 19 and will run for two weekends at the Fort Benjamin Harrison Theater at 8920 Otis Ave. General admission tickets are $15, students and senior tickets are $12 and military official tickets are $10. The performance starts at 8p.m.
For more information visit brownpapertickets.com or call (317) 366-4795.
