JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – When Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week in 1926, he couldn’t have known that 83 years later the United States would inaugurate Barack Obama as the 44th president in 2009.
Woodson, an author, historian and journalist, felt that the roles of blacks in American history were being overlooked. He created the observation to recognize and remember the contributions African-Americans (then called Negroes) made to American society.
He chose the second week of February to honor the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. Since that time, the observance has evolved into Black History Month, with communities, institutions and organizations hosting a variety of events that recognize, honor and celebrate the contributions African-Americans have made to this country.
NORTHWEST REGION
Feb. 20 – March 20
Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America
St. Joseph Museum, St. Joseph
This traveling exhibit features reproduction artifacts from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Ill.
http://www.StJosephMuseum.org/
NORTHEAST REGION
Now through March 1
George Washington Carver
The History Museum, Forest Park, St. Louis
Through rich imagery, historical artifacts, audio-visual programs and hands-on interactives, visitors will discover how Carver went from slave to scholar, his pioneering of natural product development, the work he did to resurrect the soil of the South, why he was the people’s scientist and what his legacy is today.
www.MoHistory.org
Now through Nov. 8
Katherine Dunham: Beyond the Dance
The History Museum, Forest Park, St. Louis
Katherine Dunham revolutionized modern dance, blending classical movement with African and Caribbean rhythms to create a new form, the renowned Dunham Technique. This exhibition will feature objects donated by Dunham to the Missouri Historical Museum collection in 1991 and will honor what would have been her 100th birthday.www.MoHistory.org
Feb. 10
Joseph Sebarenzi Lecture
St. Charles Community College, Cottleville
Joseph Sebarenzi survived the Rwandan Massacres and later became the speaker of the house for the Rwandan Parliament. Once there, he used his power not for revenge, but for peace and reconciliation. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by St. Charles Community College.
www.StChas.edu/calendars
Feb. 12-15
Festival of African & African-American Music
St. Louis
A variety of musical events celebrating composers and artists of African descent. The four-day festival will feature internationally acclaimed performers and a number of local artists and educational discussions.
www.fesaam.org
Feb. 13
The History of Gospel
St. Charles Community College, Cottleville
This gospel celebration features choral groups from the surrounding area.
www.StChas.edu/calendars
SOUTHWEST REGION
Feb. 10
Urban Bush Women
Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, Springfield
www.HammonsHall.com
Feb. 19
To Kill a Mockingbird
Missouri State University, Springfield. 417-836-6618.
Diversity Dialogue panel discussion
March 3
To Kill a Mockingbird
Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, Springfield
The Montana Repertory Theater performs Harper Lee’s Pulitzer-prize winning play.
www.HammonsHall.com
CENTRAL REGION
Mondays in February
African American Composers & Writers 2009 Series
Lincoln University, Jefferson City. 573-681-5580
Feb. 1-28
Exhibit on Dr. William Ross
Lincoln University, Jefferson City
Exhibit in Page Library displays memorabilia and personal effects of the late Dr. William Ross, who was a local physician and a physician at Lincoln University. 573-681-5580
Feb. 1–28
Masquerade of African Masks & Other Icons
Lincoln University, Jefferson City. 573-681-5580
Feb. 11
Lincoln University Jazz Ensemble
Lincoln University, Jefferson City
Held in Richardson Auditorium. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Robert Scott. 573-681-5580
Feb. 18
A Cultural Celebration
Lincoln University, Jefferson City
2nd Annual Showcase of Music, held in Richardson Auditorium. 573-681-5580
Feb. 20
Lincoln University Share in the Arts presents: “Mississippi Blues Legend” Bobby Rush
Lincoln University, Jefferson City. 573-681-5580
Feb. 23-27
African–American Exposition
Waynesville Middle School, Waynesville. 573-774-6198
For more information about Missouri or to get a copy of your 2009 Official Missouri Vacation Planner, log on to www.VisitMO.com or call toll-free at 800-519-4800.
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