Black History Month is celebrated in February to acknowledge life struggles and accomplishments of African American people. It is an opportunity to reach others and establish relationships with other cultures. This month, you have an opportunity to meet a NASA astronaut, a famous storyteller, and view several interesting films and documentaries around the Sound.
Meet Astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris
Saturday, February 4
2:00pm – 3:30pm
The Museum of Flight
9404 East Marginal Way S
Seattle, WA 98108
206.764.5720
http://www.museumofflight.org
Join us for a lecture by Dr. Bernard Harris, NASA Astronaut and CEO of Vesalius Ventures, Inc. Dr Harris served on the first flight of the joint Russian-American Space Program, becoming the first African American to walk in space. He has logged more than 438 hours and traveled over 7.2 million miles in space.
At 2:30pm, the The Museum of Flight commemorates Black History Month with an inspiring panel presentation, “Reaching Your Potential.” Panelists include USAF and Alaska Airlines pilots, engineers and other aviation professionals discussing career opportunities in aerospace.
Storytelling with Eva Abram: Special Black History Month Storytelling
Thursday, February 9
11:00am – 11:45am
Northwest African American Museum
2300 S. Massachusetts Street
Seattle, WA 98144
206.518.6000 x 104
http://www.naamnw.org
Appropriate for all ages, Ms. Eva Abram, talented Storyteller, creates a special storytelling session focusing on The Little Rock Nine. This group of students was the first to attend an integrated school in Arkansas and changed US history forever. Space is limited. Call for reservations.
Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America
Friday, February 10
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Seattle Art Museum
Plestcheeff Auditorium
1300 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
206.654.3121
http://www.seattleartmuseum.org
Celebrating forty years of producer Don Cornelius’s breakthrough Chicago TV show and spotlights Gladys Knight and the Pips, the Staple Singers, Stevie Wonder and the Soul Train Dancers. Don Cornelius passed away February 1, 2012. He was 75.
Lincoln & Douglass: An American Friendship
Saturday,February 11
6:00pm
Meadowbrook Community Center
10750 30th Avenue NE
Seattle, WA 98125
http://www.seattle.gov
In celebration of Black History Month, you are invited to view this film based on the award-winning Scholastic book series.
The Race Factor: Perspectives on Leadership
Thursday, February 16
12:00pm – 1:30pm
Seattle City Hall
Bertha Knight Landes Room
600 4th Ave
Seattle, WA 98104
http://www.seattle.gov
Panel of local community leaders: Gil Gido, Fern Renville, Mazvita Maraire, Ricardo Sanchez.
An Evening of Art and Politics with Spoken-Word Artist Amber Flame
Thursday, February 16
7:30pm (Dinner at 6:30pm)
New Freeway Hall
5018 Rainier Ave S.
Seattle, WA
206.722.5057
http://www.RadicalWomen.org
Poet and singer Amber Flame is an award-winning entertainer, composer, activist and educator who works extensively with youth and adults dealing with issues of racial and sexual identity. She performs and records with her band, Last of the Redhot Mamas, produces multimedia shows, and teaches music and poetry to young people. Flame’s presentation will touch off a wide-ranging discussion on challenges and gains for African American women in the arts and the intersection of today’s movements for racial justice, women’s equality, and lesbian/gay/bi/transgender liberation. Dinner is served at 6:30pm for an $8.00 donation.
Muhammad Ali: The Long Lost Movie
Friday, February 17
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Seattle Art Museum
Plestcheeff Auditorium
1300 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
206.654.3121
http://www.seattleartmuseum.org
From the archive of filmmaker Anton Perich comes Muhammad Ali, the Long-Lost Movie, a warm, humorous portrait of Ali the boxing artist, poet, philosopher and humanist who dazzled the world. Perich had unprecedented access to the champ at his 1973 training camp.
More Than a Month
Thursday, February 23
7:00pm
Washington State History Museum
1911 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
888.BE.THERE
http://www.washingtonhistory.org
Shukree Hassan Tilghman, a 29 year old African American filmmaker, goes on a cross-country campaign to end Black History Month. With Morgan Freeman. A lecture or open discussion follows the film.
