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Black History Month Focuses on Art

February 1, 2024 February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements made by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.

In 1926, Carter G. Woodson, the “father of Black history,” launched Negro History Week in the second week of February, coinciding with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The week eventually evolved into Black History Month, thanks in part to the Civil Rights Movement and growing awareness of Black identity.

In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, calling for people to honor the accomplishments of Black Americans.

This year’s theme for the month is African Americans and the Arts. African American artists have used art to preserve history and memories as well as to communicate experiences to others. Kettering Health has gathered a variety of events around the area to celebrate Black History Month through art:

February 8 – 2nd Street Market, Dayton

A Market Evening of Love Celebrating Black Culture – The Distinguished Men of Dayton present “History in Motion.” They teach dances like Chicago Stepping, Urban Ballroom, and Line Dancing. Attend to learn the steps or just watch the dancers. This event is free to the public.

February 10 and 24 – Woodland Cemetery, Dayton

Black History Mausoleum Tour – Attend a special tribute to the lives of many individuals resting peacefully in the mausoleum as the tour guide tells stories of George C. Cooper, James Parsons, W. S. McIntosh, Bob and Norma Ross, and many others. This event is free to the public.

February 24 – Arbogast Performing Arts Center, Troy

Motown with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and The Deron Bell Band – Attend a 75-minute performance that pays homage to the R&B, soul, jazz, and funk-inspired Motown Sound at the Arbogast Performing Arts Center.

February 24 – Victoria Theatre, Dayton

In Modern Moves – Dayton Contemporary Dance Company presents two works by Talley Beatty bridging Reconstruction to the culmination of the Great Migration. 

Kettering College celebrates our diverse campus, and we honor those who have impacted the world we live in today. We encourage you to celebrate the history of African Americans and the arts throughout February.


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