BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Black History Month offers a chance to learn and reflect on the Black American experience and celebrate the many contributions of African and African-American figures through history.
With art, storytelling and food, here are some places to celebrate Black History Month (which takes place annually Feb. 1 - Feb. 28) in the Lehigh Valley.
Editor's note: Black History Month events are still being announced, so stay tuned for more updates.
'A cinematic experience'
The Sigal Museum will present two events during Black History Month including a movie screening and photography exhibit.
"L.A. Rebellion: A Cinematic Movement," explores the aftermath of the Watts Uprising, a series of 1965 protests against police brutality in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles.
The project was created by a group of African and Black-American students, who enrolled in the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, as part of an Ethno-Communications initiative.
Now referred to as the "L.A. Rebellion," these artists created a unique cinematic collection — and over the course of 20 years — and as more students entered the program, helped to mentor a new generation of artists.
When: Noon on Feb. 11
Graves and genealogy
Additionally, author Rev. Wayne C. Sherrer's exhibition, "Phorgotten No More: Glimpses of African-American Presence in Phillipsburg, NJ 1777-2021," shines the light of the Black experience in the small New Jersey town.
Sherrer, a priest at St. James in Hackettstown, New Jersey, is an avid genealogist and sixth generation resident of Phillipsburg and former president of the of the Phillipsburg Area Historical Society.
His published works include "A Guide to Civil War Graves in Phillipsburg Cemetery," transcriptions of the parish records of Wesley Methodist Church and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (both in Phillipsburg).
When: 1 p.m. Feb. 17
Info: The Sigal Museum and Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society, 342 Northampton St., Easton, sigalmuseum.org
Black voices in American music
The Christ Lutheran Church will host a special performance with the Allentown Band, led by conductor Ronald Demkee and musicians Chet Brown and Evelyn Stewart.
The program includes songs such as the "Juba Dance," from "Symphony No. 1," "Deep River" and "Steal Away" from "Feel the Spirit," and "The Old Boatman."
Brown will also perform a special tribute to Sammy Davis Jr., originally composed by Sammy Nestico.
When: 3 p.m. Feb. 18
Info: 1245 Lutheran St., Allentown, christ-atown.org
Storytelling for kids
Plant yourself at this family-fun event with local authors Veronica Moore and Katarah Jordan at Venture X.
Moore will read from her new children's book, "Rosie's Special Gift," which showcases the bond between a mother and daughter as they explore the beauty of gardening and taking care of plants together.
Jordan, who wrote the book, "It's Harvest Time," will also read pages from her publication that tells the story of the Bees, an African-American family, as they go journey of love and togetherness in their home garden.
When: 10:30 a.m. March 2
Info: 306 S. New St., Bethlehem, instagram.com/blackchildrensbookweek
Economic panel discussion, art show
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Congresswoman Susan Wild Facebook
TheAfrican American Business Leaders Councilwill host its Black Wall Street: Part III series at Asante Art Gallery inside the Palmer Park Mall.
Following the "African American and the Arts" theme from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, or ASALH, the exhibition will feature an array of creative pieces done by local artists, along with discounts (up to 50% off) on select works.
There will also be a panel discussion highlighting economic empowerment and diverse business certifications.
For up-and-coming entrepreneurs, McKinney Media will provide attendees the opportunity for headshots.
When: 5 p.m. Feb. 22
Info: 123 Parker Park Mall, Easton, instagram.com/asante_art_gallery/
Paint and sip
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Painting With A Twist
Bring a pal (or several) to a fun paint-and-sip bash at Painting with a Twist.
The DIY gallery will hold three such events during Black History Month.
Themes include "Be Mine" on Feb. 2, "Golden Goddess" on Feb. 16 and "Girlfriends Praisin'" on Feb. 23.
Cost: $37-$39
Info: 1515 Lehigh St., Allentown, studio361@paintingwithatwist.com
Island eats
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Ice cream Lounge & Caribbean Grill
Celebrate island flavors at the Ice Cream Lounge and Caribbean Grill.
The restaurant will serve up yummy dishes like honey jerk wings, jerk shrimp, and Rasta pasta during its Black History Month brunch.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 28
Info: 1800 Sullivan Trail, Easton, theicecreamlounge.com
Know of a local event happening in the Lehigh Valley? Email the details to Micaela Hood at micaelah@lehighvalleynews.com.
