African-American Calendar

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Events for December, 2009

Exhibit: The African American Image in Virginia

Sunday February 1, 2009 - Wednesday December 30, 2009
Virginia Historical Society
428 North Boulevard map it
Richmond, VA 23220

Covering almost four centuries of African American history and culture in Virginia through pictorial representation in art, this exhibition tells the story of free and enslaved laborers, young and old family members, students, professionals, and officials.
Items on display include prints, paintings, photographs, magazine and book illustrations, and advertisements.
More information on the Virginia Historical Society website.

Exhibit: "Much in Demand: 200 Years of Central Virginia African American Military Service"

Saturday June 20, 2009 - Thursday December 31, 2009
The Legacy Museum of African American History
403 Monroe St. map it
Lynchburg, VA 24504

This exhibit will trace ways the status of African Americans in the larger society shaped their experiences in the military. Part of the Legacy Museum's Juneteenth Celebration.

Open Wednesday-Saturday: Noon - 4 p.m
Sunday: 2-4 p.m.

See http://www.legacymuseum.org/exhibits.htm for more information or call Cheryl Robinson at (434) 845-3455.

Much in Demand: 200 Years of Central Virginia African American Military Service

Saturday June 20, 2009 - Saturday May 1, 2010
Legacy Museum
403 Monroe Street map it
Lynchburg, VA 24505

This exhibit traces the ways the status of African Americans in the larger society shaped their experiences in the military. Dianne Swann-Wright, director and founding curator of the Frederick Douglas - Isaac Myers Maritime Park in Baltimore, is guest curator.

The exhibit explores the following themes:

Central Virginia's African Americans, like people of African descent living elsewhere, fought in military conflicts dating back to the American Revolution.
African Americans fought racial discrimination in the military while fighting for the principles of liberty and democracy.
Military service changed the lives of African Americans living in Central Virginia in significant ways.
Military service expanded Central Virginia's African American military men and women's social and economic horizons.
Central Virginia's African American men and women had successful experiences in the military, bringing honor to themselves, their families, and communities.
More Information...

"The Portent: John Brown's Raid in American Memory"

Saturday October 10, 2009 - Sunday April 11, 2010
Virginia Historical Society
428 North Boulevard map it
Richmond, VA 23220

This exhibition is the first-ever critical analysis by a southern institution of an episode that, on the eve of the Civil War, broke open sectionalist fissures. Brown demanded that his contemporaries take a moral stance on slavery, and to this day a mention of his attack spurs debate about issues of justice, terrorism, liberation, and vigilantism. The story of Brown’s early life, his fervent religious beliefs, his turn to violence as an abolitionist in Kansas, and his Virginia raid and its aftermath will be told in the exhibition, part of the national acknowledgement of the 150th anniversary of John Brown's raid on the Federal Armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Contemporary reactions to the raid and to the trial and execution of John Brown will be discussed and visitors will see a display of objects and books related to the raid. See www.vahistorical.org for gallery hours and admission fees.

"The Portent: John Brown's Raid in American Memory" - A Gallery Walk

Wednesday December 2, 2009
Virginia Historical Society
428 North Boulevard map it
Richmond, VA 23220

As part of the national acknowledgement of the 150th anniversary of John Brown’s raid on the Federal Armory at Harpers Ferry, Dr. William Rasmussen, curator of the exhibition, will lead a gallery walk to explore the story of Brown’s early life, his fervent religious beliefs, his turn to violence as an abolitionist in Kansas, and his Virginia raid and its aftermath. The walk is part of the Virginia Historical Society exhibit "The Portent: John Brown’s Raid in American Memory." This exhibit critically analyzes an episode that, on the eve of the Civil War, broke open sectionalist fissures. Brown demanded that his contemporaries take a moral stance on slavery, and to this day a mention of his attack spurs debate about issues of justice, terrorism, liberation, and vigilantism. The walk is free with VHS admission. See www.vahistorical.org for more information.

2009 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival

Sunday December 27, 2009
2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The Showplace
3000 Mechanicsville Turnpike map it
Richmond, VA 23223

Celebrate Kwanzaa with neo-soul singer Bilal, Dr. Leonard Jeffries, Truth & Rights Reggae Band, Elegba Folklore Society, African music & dance, candle lighting ceremony, and a marketplace of merchandise & food. Admission $6 general, $5 ages 12-18 and over 65, under 12 free. Call 804-644-3900 or visit www.efsinc.org

2009 Kwanzaa Celebration

Tuesday December 29, 2009
6:00 PM
The Crispus Attucks Cultural Center
1010 Church Street map it
Norfolk, VA 23510

The Suwabi African Ballet will host a Kwanzaa Ceremony, "Ujamaa" (swahili for Cooperative Economics), featuring traditional African dances performed by Suwabi Youth, and recitation of the Nguzo Saba (the 7 principles). Immediately after the ceremony, Suwabi will offer FREE workshops in mask making, Kwanzaa, belly dance, and Capoeira (Afro-Brazilian martial arts). Limited seating available. Call Crispus Attucks Cultural Center at 757-622-4763 to reserve your space. http://www.attuckstheatre.org/