Washington College Invites Community to Celebrate Black History Month
Events extend across the Eastern Shore and are open to the public.
Washington College is partnering with and sponsoring several events across the Eastern Shore throughout February to celebrate Black History Month, offering a diverse range of opportunities for community members to engage with Black history, culture, and literature. With broad sponsorship, support, and participation from the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience and the Chesapeake Heartland Project, these events reflect the College's ongoing commitment to amplifying the rich history of African American life in the region.
“Over the next few weeks, Project staff are eager to kickstart the Starr Center's 25th anniversary by joining local thought partners in realizing dynamic public engagements which center the 2025 ASALH theme—African Americans and Labor—in every region on the Delmarva Peninsula, as well as across the state of Maryland," said Jaelon Maoney, deputy director of the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience. "A vision of Chesapeake Heartland's newly appointed Director Darius Johnson '15, this reflects a pivot from the notion that February is a standalone month to an annual embrace whose integrity resonates as non-performative. Our expanded commitment to meeting communities where they are is both intentional and grounded in respect. As an Eastern Shore native of African descent, I look forward to these unhurried spaces for actionable learning, nuanced healing and authentic solidarity.”
“Black History Month is often one of the busiest times of the year for those of us who work on the Chesapeake Heartland Project—but make no mistake, this work extends far beyond February," said Darius Johnson ‘15, Chesapeake Heartland Project manager. "Every day, we are committed to engaging with citizens across multiple communities of the Eastern Shore, celebrating and amplifying the rich history of African American life in this region. These events bring together scholars, local leaders, and community members to reflect, share, and preserve stories that have shaped the Eastern Shore and beyond. At the heart of our mission is building connections—not just across generations, but across geographic borders—linking the history of this region to broader national and global narratives of African American heritage and culture.”
Black History Month events include:
Frederick Douglass Day of Acknowledgment
Celebrate the legacy of Frederick Douglass and the contributions of African Americans to the Eastern Shore at this event co-organized by Washington College and Bayside H.O.Y.A.S. An exciting celebration of the heritage and culture of the African American community, the free event will include a panel discussion moderated by Chesapeake Heartland Project Director Darius Johnson. The day of acknowledgement takes place on Saturday, February 8 at 1 p.m. in the Decker Auditorium in the Gibson Center for the Arts. More info here.
"Black Pasts, Black Futures" Celebration in Caroline County
The Caroline County Council of Arts invites the community to "Black Pasts, Black Futures: A Day of Culture, Creativity, and Community" on Saturday, February 8, from 1 to 5:00 p.m. The event will take place at The Foundry and surrounding businesses. This celebration of Black history and the arts will feature a diverse range of activities, including poetry and live music performances, a community tapestry project, and interactive arts and painting activities for all ages, with an opportunity to paint your own Sankofa bird. Free catered food will be available while supplies last. Attendees can also explore the Chesapeake Heartland Bus, a mobile museum showcasing African American history and culture, and participate in family photo scanning. The event promises to be an engaging and enriching experience for all ages. More info here.
Celebrate Black History Month at St. Michaels Community Center
The St. Michaels Community Conversation on Race invites you to a special Sunday Supper and panel discussion on February 16 at 3 p.m. The event will feature the Covenant Choir and explore the rich history of African American communities on Maryland's Eastern Shore through the lens of the Chesapeake Heartland: An African American Humanities Project. Doors open at 2:45 p.m., allowing attendees to enjoy food and explore the exhibits before the program begins. All are welcome to attend this meaningful celebration of Black History Month co-hosted by the St. Michaels Community Center, Washington College's Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience, the American Association of University Women, and the St. Michaels Museum.
Community Celebrates African American Literature at Sumner Hall
Join the Kent County community on Monday, February 24, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Sumner Hall (206 S. Queen Street in Chestertown) for a special celebration of African American authors. The National African American Read-In, established in 1990, is the nation's oldest event dedicated to diversity in literature. This interactive event will feature readings by community members, showcasing the work of acclaimed African American authors. All are welcome to attend and enjoy the readings. Those interested in participating as readers are encouraged to share a piece of writing by an African American author that holds personal meaning for them. Visual literacy will also be celebrated, with opportunities to share interpretations of artwork created by African American artists. The event is co-sponsored by Sumner Hall, Washington College's Department of Education, Black Studies Program, the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience, Chesapeake Heartland: An African American Humanities Project, and Kent County Public Library.
- Dominique Ellis Falcon