Celebrating Black History Month
Dear Prince Georgians:
Every year since 1976, we have celebrated Black History Month during the month of February. During the month, the nation recognizes and honors the many achievements and contributions that African Americans have made to our nation and our society. It is a time for us to reflect on the past while celebrating the rich culture, heritage, and vibrancy of the African American community.
This year’s national theme for Black History Month is “Black Resistance,” which explores the resistance of African Americans against the historic and ongoing oppression that the Black community has faced for generations. For decades, African Americans have used resistance efforts to advocate for a society that is fair and just for all people, and this theme acknowledges these efforts and the resulting progress that has been made within the Black community.
Throughout the month, there will be a number of fun, family-friendly events taking place in the County that will celebrate and commemorate the history and culture of the African American community. We are proud to honor African American heritage in our County this month, and throughout the entire year, and we encourage all Prince Georgians to celebrate with us.
Happy Black History Month!
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Celebrate Black History Month with M-NCPPC
 Honor African American heritage during Black History Month in February with the Department of Parks and Recreation! From performances to history lessons and tours, there are plenty of exciting in-person and virtual events and activities planned throughout Prince George's County. This year's Black History Month exhibition, Black Resistance! Stories from Prince George’s County, highlights the stories of Black resistance in Prince George's County from the era of enslavement to the Black Lives Matter movement of today. The Department of Parks and Recreation invites residents to join them at the exhibition’s opening reception on Sunday, February 5, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Space is limited. RSVP at blackhistory@pgparks.com. For a full list of Black History Month offerings and to register for events, visit the Department of Parks and Recreation’s website here.
Black Musicians and Classical Music
 The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS), in partnership with the Office of Human Rights, is hosting “Black Musicians and Classical Music” on Tuesday, February 7, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Join them for a virtual conversation with accomplished musicians Nevilla Ottley, founder of the Ottley School of Music, Alexander Strachan, and Lelia-Michelle Walker, who will each discuss their own journeys as musicians, the state of classical music in the region and the world, and Black musicians’ deep contributions to classical music. Learn more about this event on the PGCMLS website here.
The Life and Legacy of Harriet Tubman Presented by Cortenia Smith
 The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is hosting “The Life and Legacy of Harriet Tubman” presented by Cortenia Smith. This one-woman show is about the life, struggles, and triumphs of Harriet Tubman, a former slave. For more information about the show, visit the PGCMLS website here.
Tuesday, February 7
6:30 to 7:30 PM
Joe’s Movement Emporium
Wednesday, February 8
6:30 to 7:30 PM
Hyattsville Branch Library
Wednesday, February 15
6:30 to 7:30 PM
Hillcrest Heights Branch Library
Tuesday, February 21
6:30 to 7:30 PM
Baden Branch Library
The Uncle Devin Show on “ABCs of Percussion”
 The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is hosting The Uncle Devin Show on “ABCs of Percussion” on Tuesday, February 7, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at the Oxon Hill Branch Library. Join Devin Walker, an award-winning drummer and percussionist specializing in Family Funk, for an interactive music session where youth will hear and see percussion instruments. For more information about this event and to register, visit the PGCMLS website here.
Film Screening: The Inheritance
 Join the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) for a special film screening during Black History Month! The Hyattsville Branch Library’s Independent Film Series will screen “The Inheritance” on Monday, February 13 at 7:00 PM. The film’s writer and director, Ephraim Asili, will discuss their work and the way the film explores different facets of the African diaspora. Learn more about the screening on the PGCMLS website here.
Culture Queen Presents “I Like the Me I See!”
 The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is hosting the Culture Queen as she presents “I Like the Me I See!” on Tuesday, February 21, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at the Beltsville Branch Library and Tuesday, February 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at the Accokeek Branch Library. Culture Queen uses a creative approach to cultural education and provides youth a renewed sense of confidence, cultural awareness, and curiosity for exploring the world around them. For more information about this event and to register, visit the PGCMLS website here.
A Conversation with a Former Black Panther
 Join the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) for “A Conversation with a Former Black Panther” on Tuesday, February 21, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the New Carrollton Branch Library. PGCMLS' own Edith Johnson-Gilmore will share her experiences and inspiration from her time as a young woman in the Black Panther Party in New York City. To learn more about this event or to register, visit the PGCMLS website here.
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