Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans — from activists and civil rights pioneers to leaders in politics, science, business, and more. Fortunately, Newport News has a number of ways to celebrate the African-American experience. We invite you to join us at one or more of the events below!
Buildings and Business: The Landscape of African Americans in the East End of Newport News
Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center
Through February 25 (open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday)
In celebration of Black History Month, the Newsome House presents the historical exhibit “Buildings and Business: The Landscape of African Americans in the East End of Newport News.” The exhibit explores the important role of African Americans in the physical and cultural development of the East End of Newport News as business leaders, labor organizers, and workers in key industries as well as builders of landmarks including First Baptist Church Newport News, Whittaker Hospital, and the Moton Theater. Admission is free. For details, click here or call 757-247-2360.
Diving with a Purpose: Connecting Ancestral Memory through the History and Archaeology of Slave Shipwrecks
The Mariners’ Museum and Park
February 2; 7 p.m.
Kamau Sadiki from Diving with a Purpose explores two critically important slave ships, São José Paquete de Africa and Clotilda, of the 18th and 19th centuries, and their historical significance in the Transatlantic Era of African enslavement. Click here to register, whether attending in person or watching online.
In the Spotlight: Illuminating a Trio of African American Figures
The Mariners’ Museum and Park
February 4; 11 a.m.
Join us as we shed light on these historical figures to learn about their contributions and unique roles in our maritime history. Three African American men: a musician, a captain, and an explorer…oh my! Who were they? Their stories, like many others, have often been overshadowed in history. While they may not have been in the national spotlight, their influence was profound to this country and continues to have an impact today. Click here for details.
Black History Month at the Virginia Living Museum
Virginia Living Museum
February 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, and 25-26; 1 to 2 p.m.
Every Saturday and Sunday in February, a STEM science activity will be held for guests of the Virginia Living Museum. Additionally, the museum will spotlight a different Black scientist weekly, such as Marie Clark Taylor who was the first woman of color to earn a PhD in botany, through the museum’s social media platforms and their on-site monitors. Click here for details.
Civil War Lecture: U.S. Slave Revolts at Sea
The Mariners’ Museum and Park
February 10; 12 p.m.
The most successful slave revolt in U.S. history occurred on Nov. 7, 1841, when enslaved persons took over the ship Creole that sailed from Hampton Roads, VA, en route to New Orleans. Madison Washington led other enslaved people in a successful rebellion. Once they reached Nassau, Bahamas, they were automatically free since Great Britain outlawed slavery in 1834. Despite numerous American diplomatic and court actions, 128 people gained their freedom in the Creole Rebellion. Click here to register, whether attending in person or watching online.
We Stand for Justice: A Salute to African-American Heroes of Newport News
Main Street Library, 110 Main St.
February 11; 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
An induction ceremony to honor three African Americans whose activism has produced an enduring historical legacy and who have contributed to the cause of social justice in the City of Newport News. This year’s honorees include William Davis Butts, Sr., along with Oscar Pretlow and Irma B. Thompson. Butts was a civil rights attorney and represented many African Americans in their pursuit for social justice and equality. He successfully used the judicial system to integrate local school systems. Pretlow led the initiative to bring the United Steelworkers union to Newport News Shipbuilding. His work improved working conditions for Shipyard workers. Thompson fought for school integration and equal pay for African-American teachers. She was a fierce advocate for her community. These honorees will join the 39 eminent individuals previously honored by We Stand for Justice. This free event will include a mini-documentary on the contributions of these three unsung heroes and performances by Dreams In Motion Dance Co. and the Say It Loud Band. No registration required. Call 757-926-1350 for details.
Black Superhero Showcase
Grissom Library, 366 DeShazor Drive
February 11; 1 to 4 p.m.
In honor of Black History Month, this event for all ages will feature a presentation by the East Coast Alliance of Cosplayers on the importance of superheroes, their influence on society, and representation. Also enjoy games like trivia and superhero BINGO. Click here for required registration.
VSO Presents: Gospel According to Swing with Byron Stripling
Ferguson Center for the Arts
February 17; 7:30 p.m.
Experience this jubilant concert bursting with the spirit of gospel music, and bubbling with the influences of jazz and blues! For more information on this performance, click here
Africa’s Kingdoms and Maritime Cultures: Ancient Mali
The Mariners’ Museum and Park
February 18; 11 a.m.
Celebrate Black History Month with The Mariners’ Museum and learn the history of Mali and why its influence from all aspects of life continues to resonate today in the 21st century. Like the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Carthage in North Africa, ancient Mali was a vibrant and powerful empire in West Africa and had been a place of historical, cultural, economic, and political interactions and exchanges for thousands of years. For details, click here.
Lecture: The Real John Henry
Lee Hall Depot
February 18; 2 p.m.
Beloved African-American folk hero John Henry is celebrated for his legendary contest to out-perform a steam engine while boring through rock to create West Virginia mountain tunnels for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. In the contest of man against machine, the steel driving man won — only to die with a hammer in his hand when his heart gave out. Explore the myth and reality of this character and of the 1950s train Jawn Henry subsequently named for him. Children’s book readings, hands-on displays and craft activities pertaining to John Henry will be offered throughout the day. Program is included with museum admission. For details, click here or call 757-888-3371.
Living Apart: Geography of Segregation in the 21st Century
Torggler Fine Arts Center at Christopher Newport University
February 18 through April 12
An exhibition examining the social impacts of redlining upon communities in Hampton Roads. Created by Dr. Johnny Finn, a faculty member at Christopher Newport University, Living Apart will be presented in the William Grace Community Gallery. Dr. Finn's exhibition examines the origin and ongoing impacts of redlining, which was the discriminatory practice of geographically demarcating Black and Brown communities, which were then deemed unworthy of investment by the government and other lenders. For details, click here or call 757-594-0800.
Four Freedom Fighters from Southampton County, VA
The Mariners’ Museum and Park
February 24; 12 p.m.
Southampton County, VA, was home to four men who took radically different paths seeking freedom. Nat Turner led the bloodiest slave revolt in American history, whereas Dred Scott endeavored to find his freedom via the legal approach. Anthony Gardiner left Southampton County for Liberia, later becoming that nation's president. John ‘Fed’ Brown became a fugitive, eventually reaching England, where he wrote A Narrative of a Slave’s Life in Georgia, one of several books published before the Civil War detailing the evils of slavery. Click here to register, whether attending in person or watching online.
The Rhythm of the Story: Storytelling Through the Performing Arts
February 25; 1 p.m. at the Pearl Bailey Library, 2510 Wickham Ave.
February 25; 3:30 p.m. at the Main Street Library, 110 Main St.
February 26; 2 p.m. at the Grissom Library, 366 DeShazor Drive
Discover the art of storytelling through movement with live performances by the Dreams in Motion Dance Co. and the Tidewater African Cultural Alliance. Samples of African food will be provided by Lormnava Afrik Cuisine. Admission is free, no registration required. Call 757-926-1350 for details.
We hope you make plans to check out these events as we celebrate Black History Month in Newport News!
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