The newly formed A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Library, located in Kingston’s Ponckhockie area, kicks off its first community-wide celebration of Black History. The combination of events and activities, include history, song, dance, drama and reenactments citywide. Black History Month Kingston 2018 pays tribute to the legacy and contributions of African-Americans in Kingston and the surrounding areas. Art exhibits, performances, spoken word, and dance are happening throughout February:
February 3: Black History Month Kingston kick-off, 1-5pm, The Lace Mill, 165 Cornell Street, Kingston, Free:
– Bluu Motion Exhibit by Frank Waters: An interactive exhibit showcasing a variety of animated movies, series, music videos and stills using a machinima concept
– The Poetry Corner: Youth are reciting a variety of poems from
black poets from the 1800’s-1900’s
– Special African dance performance
– Center for Creative Education Energy Dance Company
February 3: Black History Today: Silence is Not an Option, 6-8pm, African Roots Library, 43 Gill Street, Kingston, Free
February 7: Comedy Slam, 6-9pm, Kingston Artist Collective, 63 Broadway, Kingston, suggested donation $5
February 14: Ruby Mae Sweetheart Love & Soul Night, 7-10pm, 331 Hasbrouck Avenue, Kingston, Food priced off the menu
February 18: MyKingstonKids Puzzle Party, 1-4pm, The Library at the A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center, 43 Gill Street, Kingston, Free
February 23: Ruby Mae Sweetheart Love & Soul Night, 7-10pm, 331 Hasbrouck Avenue, Kingston, Food priced off the menu
February 24: First-person re-enactment of Sojourner Truth, 1-4pm, The Sanctuary of The Old Dutch Reformed Church, 272 Wall Street, Kingston, Free. Historic interpreter Deborah Zull of Saugerties will present Sojourner’s famous “Ain’t I A Woman?” speech and conduct an interview of Sojourner by James Bartholomew “Jimmy” Olsen, a fictional reporter. Sojourner is one of Kingston’s most famous women, and most famous person of color, and in celebration of Black History Month, RUPCO brings this history moment to life.
February 24: Black History Month Kingston Gala, 7-11pm, Arts Society of Kingston, 97 Broadway, Kingston, Tickets on sale now. The celebration introduces the first Ben Wigfall Legacy Award to his family and the first community recipient, Tay Fisher of Kingston.
February 25: Giving Life-from Survival to LGBTQ, Black Excellence, 3-5pm, HVLGBTQ Center, 300 Wall Street, Kingston, Free
February 28: Closing event, 6-9pm, Broadway Arts, 694 Broadway, Kingston, Free
February 24: African drumming with Amabou Diallo, 10-30am-12:30pm, Kingston City Library, 55 Franklin Street, Kingston, Free
In addition to the month-long off-site events, schools are invited to visit the Black History Month Kingston exhibits in The Lace Mill’s three galleries. Students will have a chance to engage creatively in many different platforms showcasing African-American history and culture. The goal is to make African-American history a source of pride and awareness for everyone.
For more information, visit Black History Month Kingston.