Black History Month: Your full things to do guide in DC, Maryland & Virginia
WASHINGTON - February marks the start of Black History Month, which honors the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout history. There’s no better time than now to learn and celebrate Black History.
Here's your full guide to activities, exhibits, and more to help celebrate Black History month in the DMV.
2024 DC Black History Film Festival:
This two-day Film Festival kicks off on Friday, Feb 9th at the Lincoln Theater in Northwest. The festival will continue on Saturday, Feb 10th at Alamo Cinema Drafthouse in Northeast. The event will feature close to twenty movie screenings. Tickets can be found here.
Oprah Winfrey painting unveiled at National Portrait Gallery
Oprah Winfrey’s newly commissioned portrait was unveiled Wednesday at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. The media mogul was painted by Chicago-based artist Shawn Michael Warren in a flowing purple dress in a garden outside her home in California. She's holding a sprig from an olive tree.
The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery recently added a 7-foot painting of the Chicago native Oprah Winfrey. The portrait will be on display on the gallery’s first floor. There are also a number of breathtaking portraits that can be viewed throughout the gallery.
READ MORE: New Oprah Winfrey painting on display at Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
Black Trivia Night: Black History Month Edition:
This trivia night will kick off at the House of Comedy & Jazz in Prince George's County on Sunday, February 18 at 6:30 p.m. Grab a friend and put your Black history to the test. All are welcome and encouraged to participate. Find tickets here.
Alexandria Black History Museum:
The Alexandria Black History Museum will be hosting a number of free events throughout Black History Month. Events range from movie screenings to available book clubs. Learn more about the number of events being offered this month and the rest of the year here.
The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum:
The museum will be hosting a two-day public event to experience Stephen Hayes’ Cash Crop Exhibit. Attendees will be able to enjoy a special opening weekend of the exhibit, along with visiting the main museum. Click here for more information on tickets.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture:
To help kickoff Black History Month, The National Museum of African History and Culture will be offering a number of events and activities throughout the month of February. The museum will be offering in-person and virtual events that are perfect for all age groups. From diving webinars to a number of STEM activities, the NMAHC has you covered. Learn more here.
Black History Sites: Washington, D.C.:
Washington, D.C. is filled with historical culture, landmarks, and even the home to a number of political movements within African American history. Locations like the Lincoln Memorial where Marian Anderson sang in 1939 and where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963, are landmarks cemented in history. Click here and learn more about all the historical sites across the D.C. region with this interactive map and schedule a visit or tour.
Featured
Mayor Bowser spotlights DC's creatives at artsy Black History Month celebration downtown
Feb. 1 marks the first day of Black History Month, and in the District, the mayor kicked things off with a celebration downtown.