Event
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Black History Now offers a rich slate of captivating programming during Black History Month and throughout the year. Find an event that interests you and join us. Mark your calendar today!
Upcoming Events
Forged in Hampton Roads: A History of Black Labor explores the transformative impact of African American labor and how it profoundly shaped the character and lifestyle of the Hampton Roads region. Learn about John Mallory Phillips, who created one of the region’s first Black resorts and hotels in Hampton. Or read about Aaron, a former enslaved person who developed a unique style of canoe watermen used on the James and Elizabeth Rivers to make their livelihood. Forged in Hampton Roads examines the lives of some of the region’s most important workers, laborers, and entrepreneurs and the development of its most distinctive industries.
Step into the world of area shipyard workers through the lens of acclaimed photographer, artist, and Norfolk native Glen McClure. This striking exhibit pays tribute to the resilience, skill, and dedication of African American men and women who help keep the region’s maritime industry thriving. Each portrait captures not just their strength, but their stories – brought to life through compelling captions that reveal the depth of their experiences.
The Dry Dock Affair, 1829-1831: African American Labor in America’s Shipyard examines the history of both free and enslaved Black labor in the Gosport Shipyard during the 1830s. Dry Dock No.1 was completed in 1834 and became the first operational dry dock in the Western Hemisphere, mere weeks before the dry dock in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. The contributions of Black laborers hastened the speed and efficiency with which the project was completed, giving Dry Dock No. 1 its historic status. The Dry Dock Affair explores the tensions between white and Black workers during this period and the triumph and perseverance of one enslaved worker, George Teamoh, who later became a Virginia Senator and political activist.
The Hampton Road’s based 54-40 African American Quilters Guild of Virginia reflects on the novel The Color Purple in this exhibition of their latest works. On view in the 1st-floor gallery of the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center.
Artist and Portsmouth native Tony Snipes brings history to life through his creative vision. Join us as he shares how his company, the Portsmouth Aeroshipbuilding Co., blends the region’s rich maritime history with his unique artistic style. Hear how landmarks like the Lightship Portsmouth and Norfolk Naval Shipyard inspired him to highlight African American contributions during WWII—and turn his passion into a thriving creative business. Don’t miss this inspiring talk!
Past
Events
Dr. Newby-Alexander’s lecture will examine the history of Lord Dunmore’s Ethiopian Regiment. In November 1775, Lord Dunmore issued a proclamation promising freedom to enslaved Blacks that joined the British military to suppress the Revolution. Wearing uniforms emblazoned with the words “Liberty to Slaves,” approximately 300 men answered his call. This lecture will examine their motivations, wartime experiences, and the complications that arose surrounding their status as free men after the war.
Hear the story of Donald Mills’ incredible journey – from enlisting in the U.S. Army to studying business management to building a leading marine repair business on the East Coast, one of only a few black-owned companies of its kind. Don’t miss this powerful discussion on perseverance, innovation, and breaking barriers in the maritime industry.
In 1990, over a century after the manuscript was completed, God Made Man, Man Made the Slave, the Virginia-born George Teamoh’s 19th-century autobiography, was published. Before its publication, Teamoh’s story was little known, as its multiple, blue-bound copy books in the Carter Woodson Papers at the Library of Congress were seen mostly by historians of the 19th century United States. Teamoh’s hand-written pages illuminated not only his former enslavement but also his career as one of the earliest Black elected officials in the United States. In the course of co-editing her autobiography, Dr. Zafar, a direct Teamoh descendant working with the historians F. Nash Boney and Richard L. Hume, learned there was another Teamoh with a career as an elected official and author. This talk charts the parallel paths of an uncle and a nephew, both born in the 19th century, who led intriguingly parallel lives in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Dr. Upham-Bornstein’s lecture examines the use of urban enslaved labor in the construction of Dry Dock No. 1 at the Gosport Shipyard in the 1830s. Dry Dock No. 1 was constructed in the early 1830s and became the first operational dry dock in the Western Hemisphere. Without the use of enslaved labor, the dry dock in Boston would likely have been completed first. Dr. Upham-Bornstein will explore the nuanced and often tension-filled relationship that developed between both free and enslaved Black laborers and their white counterparts in the shipyard.
Join us for a special event celebrating the opening of Waves of Strength: Portraits of African American Shipyard Workers from Tidewater, Virginia, a powerful new exhibit by photographer Glen McClure. In this illustrated talk, Glen will share the inspiration behind his project, discussing why and how he began documenting the images and voices of African American shipyard workers. He’ll also provide insight into his unique approach to “street portraiture,” reflecting on past works such as Endangered Species: Watermen of the Chesapeake and A Random Portrait of Virginia. A Q&A session will follow the discussion.
The Spark in You by Andrea Pippins. “There is a spark in you. It shines when you smile.” Come hear one girl’s story as she gets ready for Carnival! Design your own mask to celebrate.
Join us on select Sundays for children with special needs and their families to visit the museum in a less overwhelming environment. The museum hopes to alleviate any stress by providing a special date and time for them to enjoy the museum through adapted programs and exhibits as well as a reduced number of visitors. Join us for this month’s Special Needs Sunday as we explore the theme of “What Makes a City?” through activities focused on city planning, community building, and the architecture that shapes our spaces. All the fun of Second Saturdays but quieter!
Join Cory Staten under the stars as he incorporates elements of traditional West African music and story telling using the style of the ancient griot tradition with a modern theatrical twist. Families will learn the basics of story telling and participate with a presentation before the planetarium showing of Constellations.
There are so many things that make a city work! Explore city planning through the eyes of black city planners, engineers, scientists and more throughout history.
Discover African American scientists and their significant contributions. Conduct experiments related to their work in our STEM Studio each weekend.
Join Cory Staten under the stars as he incorporates elements of traditional West African music and story telling using the style of the ancient griot tradition with a modern theatrical twist. Families will learn the basics of story telling and participate with a presentation before the planetarium showing of Constellations.
Discover African American scientists and their significant contributions. Conduct experiments related to their work in our STEM Studio each weekend.
Visit our Art is Revolutionary exhibit, and explore the lives of groundbreaking Hampton Roads
Artistry for the Soul, a celebration of the arts and human connection, is a special event curated by African-American Fellows for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s 23/24 season.
Join us Saturday during the Umoja Festival for a free one hour tour that includes a visit to the Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum. Transportation is provided from the festival grounds to the museum and back. The tour is free.
Attendees took part in a special screening & discussion of the award-winning film “Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia.”, executive produced by 757’s own & NBA Hall of Famer, Allen Iverson and his childhood friends Cleon Lockett and Paul Taylor.
Visit our Art is Revolutionary exhibit, and explore the lives of groundbreaking Hampton Roads’ artists.
Attendees at The Famous Venue in Portsmouth, VA indulged in a delectable feast that took their taste buds on a journey through Black history.