African American History Is Celebrated Near Severna Park

February is African American History Month, and many organizations around Severna Park and Annapolis are holding special events to honor the occasion.

Frederick Douglass 200 Creative Arts Competition
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
February 1-7
10:00am-5:00pm

2018 marked the “Year of Frederick Douglass” in Maryland, and what better way to celebrate his life than through student voices and expression. Anne Arundel County students — public, private and home-schooled — were invited to research Douglass and create artwork inspired by his life. Maryland Hall has collaborated with AACPS to display the work in the Openshaw Balcony Gallery on the third floor.

Film Screenings & Panel Discussion: Remembrance, Reconciliation and Healing: The Family Tree Revealed
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
Thursday, February 7
7:00pm

More than 4,000 black Americans were lynched in the United States between 1865 and 1950. At least 40 were in Maryland. “Burn: The Lynching of George Armwood” tells the story of the last known lynching in Maryland. This event is free, but registration on www.eventbrite.com is required.

Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Celebration
Banneker-Douglass Museum
Saturday, February 9
6:00pm-10:00pm

In February 2018, Governor Larry Hogan signed a proclamation declaring 2018 as the “Year of Frederick Douglass” to honor the 200th anniversary of Maryland’s own abolitionist, writer and orator. Join the museum as its staff celebrates Douglass’ life and legacy. The special guest speaker will be Kenneth B. Morris, founder of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives.

Black Life in Colonial Annapolis
William Paca House and Garden
Tuesday, February 12
10:00am-Noon

Historian Jean Russo will present an overview of the experiences of Africans and African Americans in Annapolis over the course of the 18th century. A variety of sources and perspectives illuminate working lives, family relationships, efforts to escape bondage, and the limited opportunities available to free and enslaved blacks in a slave society.

African American Heritage Walking Tour
Annapolis Watermark Journey, City Dock Information Booth
Saturday, February 16
1:00pm-3:00pm

Tour Annapolis with a period-dressed guide on this unique walking tour that explores African American heritage. Trace the rich and authentic journey of African Americans in Maryland, exploring their global contributions. Annapolis is a microcosm of Maryland African American heritage, a long hidden treasure reflecting this important facet of our history and culture. The black history tour ends at the Banneker-Douglass Museum, where you’ll have an opportunity to tour the museum at your leisure. This tour is $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-11, and free for children 2 and under.

Inspiring Stories of African American Women in Anne Arundel County
Broadneck Community Library
Wednesday, February 27
6:30pm

A panel will showcase the positive impact African American women have had on our community.

It’s More Than a Month: Black History through Documentary
Severna Park Community Library
Thursday, February 28
6:30pm

The library will screen a PG-13 film in which master filmmaker Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished, “Remember This House.” The result is a radical, up-to-the-minute examination of race in America, using Baldwin’s original words and flood of rich archival material.