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Celebrate Black History Month in Philadelphia
Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated February as Black History Month or National African American History Month to honor and celebrate the achievements by black Americans. It is also the time to recognize the role of African Americans in U.S. history.
African American culture played an influential role in shaping the City of Philadelphia's rich history and heritage. Black History Month special events and exhibitions will be held at numerous venues throughout the city.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art hosts a special exhibit "Represent: 200 Years of African American Art." This exhibit is a celebration of compelling works from innovative African American artists such as Henry Ossawa Tanner, Horace Pippin, Jacob Lawrence and others. It showcases a range of subjects, styles, mediums and traditions. The exhibit runs through April 5, 2015.
The African American Museum celebrates and interprets African American history and culture. Via a diverse collection of fine and folk art, photographs, memorabilia and costumes, experiences and contributions of African Americans are traced from ancient kingdoms of Africa to the present.
The President's House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a Nation commemorates the lives of nine enslaved Africans at the nation's first executive mansion. This open air Independence National Historical Park site (located near the Liberty Bell Center), depicts this complex and powerful story through porcelite panels, illustrated glass and video vignettes.
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts commemorates Black History Month with a focus on African American arts and culture showcasing internationally renowned artists. Soul revivalists Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings perform Friday, February 13 and Emmy award-winning astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson performs on Wednesday, February 25.
Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is the mother church of the first black denomination. The church rests upon the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African Americans. A basement crypt serves as a museum showcasing intriguing artifacts and exhibits about the Church's role as an underground Railroad station.
Plan your stay at a nearby Bed and Breakfast.
