North Tidewater News

Newport News is gearing up to celebrate Black History Month with a range of activities that pay tribute to the rich history, traditions, advancements, and culture of African Americans. From theatrical and musical performances to museum exhibitions and engaging workshops, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Newport News.

One of the key focuses of Black History Month is learning, and Newport News offers numerous educational opportunities to delve into the history of African Americans. During slavery, individuals faced many restrictions and barriers that prevented them from staying together as a family and openly expressing themselves. However, they found creative ways to share their stories, one of which was through art. Through literature, visual arts, music, dance, theater, fashion, and comedy, Black people were able to express themselves and find a sense of freedom and reconnection to their loved ones.

To celebrate this creativity and ingenuity, Lee Hall Depot will be hosting activities that highlight African American railroad inventors on Saturday, February 3. Visitors can experience the artistry and innovation of these inventors from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

The Virginia Living Museum is also joining in the celebration by offering special STEM activities highlighting Black scientists every weekend throughout the month. Visitors can explore the contributions of these scientists and engage in hands-on learning experiences.

For those interested in genealogy research, the Tidewater Genealogical Society and representatives from Main Street Library's Virginiana Room are hosting a one-hour virtual event called "Finding My Folks – Connecting Through Genealogy Research" on Thursday, February 8. This free workshop will introduce various resources that can be used in researching and building family trees.

The Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center will be premiering "The Color Purple: The Musical" on Friday, February 9. This powerful story of reconnecting with loved ones will be performed on the large stage, with three shows every weekend in February.

Various libraries in Newport News, including Grissom, Main Street, and Pearl Bailey Libraries, will be hosting hands-on activities and crafts inspired by Black history. Visitors can create art inspired by renowned artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, learn folklore about mermaids in Africa and the Caribbean, play Black History bingo, and watch movies. Dates and times for each event can be found on the libraries' websites.

The Mariners' Museum will be hosting a special evening lecture on Thursday, February 22, titled "Shipwrecked: A True Civil War Story of Mutinies, Jailbreaks, Blockade-Running and the Slave Trade." This lecture will shed light on a captivating piece of history.

On February 24, the Newport News Public Library will be hosting the We Stand for Justice event at the Main Street Library. This event honors local African Americans whose activism has had a lasting impact on social justice in the city.

Main Street Library is also hosting the Until Freedom Comes exhibit, which chronicles the history of African Americans in Newport News from 1623 to the present day. This exhibit offers a comprehensive look into the struggles and triumphs of the African American community in the city.

For those interested in visual arts, the Torggler Fine Arts Center is showcasing two exhibits. The Communications Village exhibition by Benjamin Wigfall highlights his journey from the 1950s in Virginia to founding a community art space in Kingston, NY. NaKeya Brown's Bio-myths exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the history and material culture of African American beauty products over the past decade.

With a wide range of activities and events, Newport News is embracing Black History Month and providing opportunities for residents and visitors alike to learn, appreciate, and celebrate the contributions of African Americans. Don't miss out on this chance to experience the rich cultural heritage of Newport News.

For more information and inquiries, please contact 757-933-2311.