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.
Black History Month at Clay Art Center
Clay Art Center, Port Chester
February 1 – March 1
The Clay Arts Center features artist Camille Beckles in celebration of Black History Month. The New York-based artist’s functional ceramics, a collection of handmade dinnerware, will be available for purchase both online and in the shop for the month of February.
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Black History & Culture: Eyes Wide Open
Bethany Arts Community, Ossining
February 1 – March 14
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. This year, the exhibit recognizes the pivotal moment in which we commit to observing black history with eyes wide open, fully acknowledging and embracing the realities experienced by African Americans in our community, state, and country. Not only is this exhibit a display, but it is a powerful educational tool. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Exhibit hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for the Curator Walk & Talk Experience are $25 for adults and $15 for students from 7-8:30 p.m. on February 5 and 19.
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Ancestors: Celebrating Black History Month
February 1 – March 1, 1-6 p.m.
Blue Door Art Center, Yonkers
Blue Door Art Center showcases “Ancestors,” curated by visual artist and teacher Dennis Shelton, in celebration of Black History Month. The exhibition is a celebration of the achievements of African American ancestors and how they are connected to the present. There will be paintings, drawings, photographs, collages, and sculptures on display.
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Power Soca Dance Classes
February 5, 8-8:45 a.m.
Hudco, Dobbs Ferry
Every Wednesday morning in February, Hudco hosts a power Soca class. This month’s sessions celebrate Black History Month by honoring the rich cultural rhythms and movements of the African diaspora through the power of Soca. Sign up for the full four-class series for $100, or drop in to a singular class for $30. You can expect high-energy dance cardio, strength-building intervals, and non-stop fun.
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A Road Trip Through the 5 Ms
The Rye Arts Center, Rye
February 6, 7-9 p.m.
To celebrate Black History Month, The Rye Arts Center and SPRYE collaborate with moderator and producer Roger Kaufman’s “Speaking of Music and Productions” to present “Road Trip Through the 5 Ms: Motown, Memphis, Macon, Muscle Shoals, Miami.” The live performance will feature talented musicians Audrey Martells, Bobby Harden, Billy Genuario, and Stephanie Harrison, with special insight from Kaufman. The concert honors the influence of black artists and musicians who shaped the American musical landscape, from soul and blues to rock and pop.
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The Ray Blue Ensemble
New Rochelle Public Library, New Rochelle
February 7, 7-8:30 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month by enjoying an evening of jazz at the New Rochelle Public Library. The Ray Blue Ensemble will put on a lively performance filled with authenticity, sincerity, and a lively swing. Registration is strongly suggested. Register online or call 914.813.3706.
Black Pearls of Wisdom: Art Workshop
Hudson River Museum, Yonkers
February 8-9, 15-17, 19, 21-23
Get creative during this interactive event hosted by the Hudson River Museum. Through the art of collage and mixed media, the workshop aims to celebrate monumental black figures. This event is a great way to appreciate black history while also incorporating arts and crafts.
Yonkers Philharmonic Orchestra
Saunders Trades and Technical High School, Yonkers
February 9, 3 p.m.
Yonkers Philharmonic Orchestra will put on a diverse musical performance in honor of Black History Month. The concert features the works of Florence Price, William Grant Still, Scott Joplin, Adolphus Hailstrok, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, and others. The show will also feature viola soloist Amadi Azikawe and a gospel choir finale by the Antioch Baptist Church Choir.
Musiquita
Tarrytown Warner Library, Tarrytown
February 12, 11 a.m.
On Wednesday, February 12, Warner Library will host a multicultural and multilingual musical experience in honor of Black History Month. The experience will be hosted by Musiquita and will also include an interactive instrument petting zoo, colorful scarves, call and response songs, and more.
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Black History Month Celebration
Michaelian Office Building, Ninth Floor, White Plains
February 13, 5:30 p.m.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins invites you to join the county’s celebration of Black History Month. There will be speeches, refreshments, and networking.
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Poetry Craft Lecture With Afaa M. Weaver (Via Zoom)
Hudson Valley Writers Center, Zoom
February 27, 7-8 p.m.
Afaa M. Weaver is a poet, playwright, and translator whose early work was influenced by the Black Arts Movements. He’s the author of numerous poetry collections and the recipient of many literary awards. He was the first African American poet to serve as Poet in Residence at Bucknell University’s Stadler Center. In this virtual series, Weaver will share the insights about craft and how he’s devoted himself to studying the art of poetry. Guests can purchase classes individually for $150 per lecture or $500 for the whole series.
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