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Whether it’s printmaking puzzles or shopping Black-owned businesses, here’s a guide on where to celebrate Black History Month in Westchester.
Additional reporting by Ryan Noel
Westchester has a deep cultural history for African Americans, from still-standing former slave quarters, through abolitionist railroad stops, to the honored veterans interred at the Rye African-American Cemetery. Here are ways to celebrate Black History Month throughout the county for both children and adults.
“Fulfilling the Vision” Curator Walk & Talk
Bethany Arts Community, Ossining
February 15 & 22, 6-7 p.m.
This is your chance to take a guided tour of Bethany Art Community’s award-winning Black History Month exhibition alongside its curator, Joyce Sharrock Cole. The exhibit as a whole is an ode to Ossining’s African American Community and its history. This year, the exhibit will expand its storytelling to communities outside of Ossining. Each gallery will highlight the steps taken by Black visionaries who worked diligently, intentionally, and purposefully to uplift the Black community in Westchester and beyond. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Tickets for the tour are $25 for adults and $10 for students.
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Haven
Westchester Collaborative Theater, Ossining
February 16 & 17
The Westchester Collaborative Theater is partnering with Shades Rep to present the play Haven to the community. The play is by award-winning playwright and director Samiel Harps and is the first part of a series that touches on the Hudson Valley and its importance in the Underground Railroad. The area was a key route, with many storefronts and homes turned into safe houses for slaves seeking freedom in Canada. Purchase your tickets here.
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Black History StoryWalk & African Performance with Amanda Armenteros
White Plains Public Library, White Plains
Running until February 28 & February 18, 3-4 p.m.
Visit the Black History StoryWalk in the White Plains Public Library’s gallery. The StoryWalk features Molly, By Golly!, The Legend of Molly Willimas, American’s First Female Firefighter by Dianne Ochiltree and Kathleen Kemly. On February 18, locals can stop by for a fully immersive traditional West African dance class, during which they can learn about the history of where the dance and rhythms originated and the stories behind each movement. After the class, there will be a reading of Firebird by Misty Copeland. All children will receive a Black history grab n’ go bag.
Vendor Pop-Up
KOI Creative Space, White Plains
February 18 & 19, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month by supporting Black-owned businesses this weekend. The KOI Creative Space will be hosting The Black Vendor Pop-Up, at which vendors will be selling handmade goods and services from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Family Art Workshop
Hudson River Museum, Yonkers
February 21, 1 p.m.
Recreate well-known artworks by influential Black artists using printmaking techniques, then transform them into puzzles! Learn about the featured artists, including Winfred Rembert, Derrick Adams, Jamel Robinson, and many more. This event is recommended for those five and up.
Interactive Drum Circle & Art Exhibition
Yonkers Public Library, Yonkers
February 25
Learn about Africa through an interactive and educational drumming experience hosted by Yonkers Public Library from noon to 1 p.m. The library will also be presenting the solo art exhibit by mixed media artist and curator Ricardo Osmondo Francis. His recent paintings are inspired by the complexity of African American identity, mythology, and painting itself. The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Storytime Celebrating Black History Month
Westchester Children’s Museum
February 25 & 26
The Westchester Children’s Museum will be holding story times this weekend to celebrate Black History Month. The stories will be read three times a day, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The staff will read from a selection of picture books for all ages. This event is free with museum admission.
Paul Glenn Art Show
Irvington Presbyterian Church, Irvington
February 25 & 26, 2-6 p.m.
In celebration of Black History Month, the Irvington Presbyterian Church will be holding an art show and silent auction featuring the work of the late Paul Glenn, a former art teacher in the Yonkers and White Plains School Districts. A portion of the proceeds will be shared with IPC and Westhab, Westchester’s largest provider of housing and services for the homeless and its largest nonprofit developer of affordable and supportive housing.
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