Black History Month 2024 Events Planned In Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Several events are planned in the Fredericksburg area this February to observe Black History Month, which this year celebrates “African Americans and the Arts.”

Black History Month begins Thursday and continues through Leap Day on Feb. 29. Since 1976, every U.S. president has set aside February as a month to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and their role in U.S. history.

• Related: Black History Month 2024: 5 Things To Know

African American art is infused with multiple cultural influences, including African, Caribbean and the Black American lived experiences, according to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the founder of Black History Month.

These influences are seen in the visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression.

Here are some Black History Month events planned in Fredericksburg:

• Saturday, Feb. 3 - “Changing the Landscape: New Wayside Panels in the City of Fredericksburg.” Opening Reception and Guided Trolley Tour, 1:30 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Area Museum. Free and open to the public, tickets on Eventbrite, light refreshments.
• Wednesday, Feb. 7 - “Dr. W.L. Harris: Dentist, Builder, Entrepreneur, and Community Leader.” 6 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Food Co-op. Free and open to the public. Details online here.
• Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. - Chandler Ballroom C, Cedric Rucker University Center, University of Mary Washington. In recognition of the national theme for Black History Month, three legendary musicians: Junior Marvin from Bob Marley & the Wailers, Manny Kellough from Billy Preston’s God Squad, and Bill McGee, will be participating in a discussion on the global and cultural impact of Black music, how their prominent careers have played a role in uplifting the cultural traditions of the past, and the reasons why the music they have created remains relevant in today’s arts scene.
• Saturday, Feb. 10, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Fredericksburg Branch of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. Literature and music celebrating African American history. This year’s lineup includes: Performance by Alex Harvell, Founder and Director of Free By Running: Personal Growth Through Art & Mindfulness. Performances by The Branch Ministries, including a performance by Pastor Joseph Ahinful on the cajón, spoken word poetry by Jasmin Thomas, and a step performance. Enjoy popcorn provided by Just Pop'n.
• Friday, Feb. 23 - “African American Women in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford History.” Virtual Presentation, 12 p.m. at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. Free and open to the public. More information available online here.

The first Black History Month observance was held nearly 100 years ago. Called Negro History Week at the time, it was established by Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson, the son of illiterate former slaves, who believed that the important contributions of Black Americans had been largely overlooked in published accounts of U.S. history.

Revered as the “father of Black History Month,” Woodson established the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in 1915 to create a social scientific collection recording and publicizing the accomplishments of Black Americans.