We students have busy lives and don’t always have the time to acknowledge the events of the past or our distant cultural ties. But February is Black History Month and it’s the ideal time to connect with an important part of America’s history and origin.
South Florida’s own diverse culture has been greatly influenced by the rich culture of African Americans. These are some ways for college students to celebrate Black History Month in the community through art, music, food and local volunteer work.
Meet author Donna Washington
On Feb. 5 at 4 p.m., award-winning author and multicultural folklorist Donna Washington will visit West Dade Regional Library for a reading and meet and greet. She has written several books, including “The Story of Kwanzaa” and “A Pride of African Tales.” Admission is free. Call the library at 305-553-1134 for more information.
African arts and crafts
Miami Beach Regional Library is hosting a session of Batik, the ancient African method of dyeing and decorating clothing, on Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. Admission is free, but registration is required. Call the library at 305-535-4219 to register and for more information.
South Florida’s First African Fashion Week
Ankara Miami Inc., dedicated to “redefining African cultural trends,” will present their first annual African Fashion Week in Miami from Feb. 19 to 22. Their events will feature established and emerging designers from the Caribbean, Africa and the U.S., highlighting both trends in African apparel. For ticket information and a detailed schedule of events, visit anakramiami.com.
Black Tech Week at Miami Dade College
From Feb. 23 to 28, the college’s North Campus will host a week-long series of events celebrating African-American technological innovators. Local and global venture capitalists, grassroots activists and startup founders will present and participate in mixers with attendees and host a “community hackathon.” For ticket prices, search “Black Tech Week” on eventbrite.com.
Caribbean stories and rhythms
On Feb. 21 at 3 p.m., Norma Darby of the Jamaican Folk Revue will lead an interactive storytelling and music making session, featuring tales from plantation life and Caribbean musical influences. The event is hosted by the Miami-Dade County Public Library’s Homestead branch. Admission is free. For more information, call 305-246-0168.
African stories under the stars
On Feb. 24 at 7 p.m., award-winning storytellers Donna Washington and Judith Black and musician Teri Catlin will present “Moonlight Tales” in the Main Library Plaza in Fort Lauderdale. Admission is free. For more information, visit broward.org/library.
Tour guides needed at Black History Museum
The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum in Delray Beach is seeking volunteer tour guides to lead group tours of the city’s only Black history museum. Volunteers must attend a training workshop and also assist with setting up exhibits. To volunteer or for more information, contact Clarice Redding at creddin3@fau.edu.
Color All Around exhibit
From Feb. 1 to March 31, 42 original cut-paper collages by artist Ajoa Burrowes will be on display in the Main Library Auditorium in Miami. Burrowes’ colorful pieces feature organic shapes and angular forms unique to her acclaimed style. Admission is free. For more information, contact the library at 305-375-2665.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of ankaramiami.com
