The City of Dallas and surrounding areas have many events and shows to celebrate and experienceblack history month this February. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History sets the theme each year for the observance ofBlack History Month. For 2006, the theme is to be “Celebrating Community: A Tribute to Black Fraternal, Social and Civic Institutions”.
The Nordstrom store at the Galleria mall off I-635 will display a series of photographs from African American photographers. Their intent is to illustrate life and culture through fashion for the last 40 years.
The Dallas Black Dance Theatre located in Dallas features dancers in a vast array of performances. The company was founded in 1976 and has a repertoire of modern, jazz, African and spiritual styles. They have become well known for new and innovation portrayals and choreography with ten main dancers who perform. The students attending the academy also give performances for the public. During Black History month, they will perform as part of the Annual Cultural Awareness series at the Majestic Theatre. Student matinees will also be available. February 14 – 18 at the Majestic Theatre will feature an old song, “Mary, Don’t You Weep” as part of the program.
The African American Museum located at Fair Park in Dallas. This museum is the only one in the southwestern part of the U.S. dedicated to the preservation and showcase of African American historical materials including folk art and other visual art forms. They have many exhibits, permanent and touring, including “Facing the Rising Sun: Freedman’s Cemetery” and “Sankofa: A Century of African American Expression in the Decorative Arts”. On Saturday, February 11th will be ‘Creating a Community Quilt: Black History Month Family day”.
Pro-basketball sports team the Dallas Mavericks will honor Black History month by sponsoring an art contest. The art competition will feature art from their five Adopt-A-Schools’ students. One winner from each grade level at each school will attend a game and meet the players afterwards. In addition, during all home games, the Mavericks will feature “Did You Know?” questions on the center scoreboards about black history.
Baylor College of Dentistry is sponsoring Hindolo Brima on February 15th. His program is part of their Black History Month. He will be speaking about tobacco cessation in the African American community. It is targeted toward professionals in the medical field. Mr. Brima is the project coordinator for the National African American Tobacco Education Network.
The Black Academy of Arts and Letters have been around for 27 years. A cultural arts institution presents literary, visual and performing arts programs. Their unique presentations attracted over 700,000 visitors last year. This year, during Black History month, they will feature “The Man of Her Dreams” on the Naomi Bruton Main Stage. In addition, the National Touring Production presents “Issues! We All Got’em”, a show from Dallas writer Laterras R. Whitfield.
Do not miss the experience, at the Bruton Theatre – Dallas Convention Center Theatre on March 11, of a weekend of black dance from the Dallas Black Dance Theatre and the National Ensemble Instrumental and Dance Company of the Republic of Guinea West Africa.
