Each February, we celebrate Black History Month by exploring various events and attractions in Grand Center that honor African American history and achievements. From lectures to performances and music to art, there are numerous ways to engage and celebrate Black History Month in Grand Center Arts District. See below for details.
The Angad Arts Hotel’s current exhibitions, Black Nonpareil, and Imperfect Pixels are a great way to support local African American artists. The Gallery at the Angad is open to the public. Virtual more your thing? Don’t miss out on three Facebook Live talks with Travis Sheridan and guests during their “ART &” series:
Session 1: Wednesday, February 10th, from 7-7:45 pm
Art & Justice — the power of activism with Travis Sheridan and activist De Nichols
Today’s social challenges are not going to be solved with yesterday’s interventions. Just as an artist asks a viewer to see with new eyes, activists push us to consider new perspectives, recognize the problems with the status quo, and work to create a new reality. During this session, Travis will interview De Nichols and discuss her work as an activist. Throughout the discussion, connections will be made between art and activism. In the end, participants will be challenged to create change.
Session 2: Wednesday, February 17th, from 7-7:45 pm
Art & Economy– the power of Independence with Travis Sheridan and Darren Jackson
It is difficult to shift between the art of business and the business of art, but when that balance exists, the economy grows…as can personal wealth. Due to several factors, the Black community has struggled to create generational wealth and the gap continues to grow. However, there are entrepreneurs who are building businesses and artists who are earning livings through independent efforts. During this session, Travis will interview Darren Jackson and talk about their creative approach to building a business and partnerships. More specifically, the discussion will focus on their aspirations for the enterprise and the steps they are taking to achieve those goals.
Session 3: Wednesday, February 23rd, from 7-7:45 pm
Art & Policy — the power of Leadership with Travis Sheridan and Tishaura Jones
Is leadership an art or science? Given that Imperfect Pixels embraces both, it makes sense to look at leadership through different lenses. Civic leadership requires balancing a vision for what’s possible with the limitations of what’s probable. Somewhere in the middle is effective leadership — an ability to influence others toward a common goal.
Mark your calendars for 5:00pm Sunday, February 7pm as the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and IN UNISON Chorus, stream their 2019 Lift Every Voice concert on the Nine Network PBS. The concert celebrates African American culture through reflective and soulful music that has shaped St. Louis and communities around the world.
Grab your dancing shoes and tune in on Wednesday, February 3, from 4-5pm for a virtual dance class with Consuming Kinetics Dance Company. Learn a fusion of hip hop and jazz dance techniques in Celebration of Black History Month. Participants will receive Zoom information via email immediately after registering. Register here.
Nine PBS will be broadcasting and streaming programs throughout the month to commemorate important people and events in Black history. Some of the streams include:
- American Experience: Voice of Freedom on Monday, February 15, 9 pm. On Easter Sunday 1939, contralto Marian Anderson stepped up to a microphone in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Inscribed on the walls of the monument behind her were the words “all men are created equal.” Barred from performing in Constitution Hall because of her race, Anderson would sing for the American people in the open air. The film interweaves Anderson’s rich life story with this landmark moment in history.
- The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song. Tuesday, February 16, 8 pm & Wednesday, February 17, 8 pm. Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. takes viewers on a journey through the rich and complex history of the Black Church to reveal how this uniquely American institution has influenced nearly every chapter of the Black American story. Explore the Church’s profound impact on the evolution of American culture and history, and how it continues to animate black identity today.
Harris Stowe University will be sharing weekly facts and stories of significant African American individuals on their social media channels. Follow along on Twitter.
Join the Creative Reaction Lab for a webinar session on February 23 from 11am -1pm. This 2-hour session is for registrants who identify as People of Color and will provide a space to explore what it means to be a leader and Equity Designer in the equity movement, identify opportunities to amplify or shift power, and build community through shared experience and healing. Learn more and register here.