Celebrate Black History Month #inWilm

Black History Month IN Wilmington Delaware

Last month, we honored the legacy of Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with plenty of options right here in our own backyard. On the morning of MLK Day, New Castle county students gathered to compete in a Communication Contest at The Grand, sharing thoughts on how to further Dr. King’s message through non-violence; many younger students enjoyed their school break at Day Camps at local institutions like the Delaware Museum of Natural History and Brandywine Zoo; and families home for the day even had the option of a peace parade and celebration in Downtown Wilmington, among other church services and community offerings.

But, if you weren’t able to join IN the festivities, not to worry – #BlackHistoryMonth brings many ways to honor Dr. King and all of those who helped advance the Civil Rights Movement #inWilm:

Dream Quilts Exhibition – Various Locations IN Delaware
Now – Monday, February 29th:
 First launched in 2012, this project inspires a new generation of school children with Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech. After learning of Dr. King’s legacy, they decorate quilt squares in his honor that are then stitched together by A Stitch in Time, a Delaware-based African American quilting group and put on display for the public throughout the state. You can observe Dream Quilts #inWilm at both the Central and Walnut St. YMCAs through the end of this month.

Littleton P. Mitchell Fighting for Equality in the Civil Rights Era in Wilmington – Delaware Historical Society
Thursday, February 4th:
 The Delaware Historical Society will host University of Delaware’s Louis L. Redding Chair and Professor of Law and Public Policy, Dr. Leland Ware, friend to Littleton P. Mitchell, the former president of the Delaware NAACP who was locally known for his contributions to advancing equality in Delaware during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. Mitchell led efforts for equal housing, access to public accommodations, education and employment, all while serving our US Army Air Corps. He was a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen during World War II and awarded the Congressional Medal by President Bush in 2007!

NCC Libraries Black History Month Program – Walnut St. YMCA
Saturday, February 6th:
 Speaking of the Tuskegee Airmen, this program, presented by New Castle County Libraries, in conjunction with African American Heritage Center, Afro-American Historical Society of Delaware and the Walnut Street YMCA Black Achievers, features a special presentation by a member of the Tuskegee Airmen and music by The Combined Choir. It’s a FREE family event at the Walnut Street YMCA – a perfect way to stay #inBudget!

Spokey Speaky’s 5th Annual Bob Marley Birthday Celebration – World Cafe Live at The Queen
Saturday, February 6th:
 If you’ve seen them before, you know that for years Spokey Speaky has been spreading the positive vibrations of Bob Marley’s music to anyone who will listen. This annual bash at The Queen puts a focus on the iconic reggae star’s contributions towards peace & unity – a perfect person to celebrate during #BlackHistoryMonth #inWilm!

The Folk Music of African Americans with Devonna B. Rowe – Delaware History Museum
Tuesday, February 9th:
 With over thirty years experience as a voice teacher and arts educator, award-winning performing artist Devonna B. Rowe takes the audience on an INteractive musical journey through the history of the African American people, exploring traditional African songs to influences on modern American culture during this FREE program presented at the Delaware History Museum.

Diane Monroe Ensemble IN Concert – The Arts at Trinity
Saturday, February 20th: 
25-year jazz violinist Diane Monroe joins The Arts at Trinity for an #inBudget evening of music during “What Is This Thing Called Freedom? The Transforming and Timeless Songs of Protest.”

Ascend Arts presents We Too Are America – Wilmington Drama League
Saturday, February 27th:
Through dramatic presentations, spoken word, dance and live music, We Too Are America traces the timeline of African roots to current African American Culture – from the West African diaspora to the Black Lives Matter Campaign. 

Underground Railroad IN Delaware – Wilmington Friends Meeting House
Sunday, February 28th:
 The Delaware Historical Society and Quaker Hill Historic Preservation Foundation have teamed up for a FREE family event focused on the Underground Railroad in Delaware. Walk in the footsteps of freedom seekers who passed through Wilmington on their journey to freedom and participate in activities that explore the difficult decisions made by people at that time. The first half of your experience takes place in the Quaker Hill Historic District, followed by a visit to Old Town Hall and the Delaware Historical Society.

Black Angels Over Tuskegee – The Grand
Sunday, February 28th: This acclaimed off-Broadway show tells the brave, behind-the-headlines story of the 6 men who became the US Army Air Forces first African American fighter pilots – a piece of American history that should never be forgotten! 

Of course keep an eye on #BlackHistoryMonth #inWilm for updates on newly added events!