Category Archives: Black Lives Matter

Celebrate Black History, Online and Around DC Through February — and Beyond

 

February is Black History Month, and if you’re looking for ways to celebrate it with kids, you have plenty of options, both virtually and in person around the DC area.  Museum programs, guided and self-guided tours, visits to significant sites, story time sessions, online concerts, and more will be enlightening and entertaining for all ages. And while some of these are happening on specific dates this month, many of them are ongoing for year-round enjoyment and education.  For even more good reads and related content, check out the Black Lives Matter page.

African American History and Culture
Where: NMAAHC | Online
When: Through February
Admission: Free

The National Museum of African American History & Culture may just be the best place to learn about Black history and culture in America. And while the actual place is closed right now, there still are lots of digital resources available through the website that let you explore it all, including online exhibits, programming for children and adults, and a whole section on talking about race.

The Underground Railroad Experience Trail
Where: Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park | Sandy Spring, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free

Take a hike that provides insight into the experience of enslaved peoples’ escape to freedom. This walk through woods and along edges of fields (with a map and explanation of the hike) is interesting and enlightening as well as an active, socially distanced way to spend time outdoors.

Visit BLM Plaza
Where: 16th Street NW | Downtown DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free

The two blocks along 16th Street NW, between K Street and Lafayette Park just across from the White House, was emboldened with the giant yellow BLACK LIVES MATTER statement this past summer as the BLM movement began to swell after the murder of George Floyd. The now pedestrian area became a meeting place and focal point of protests and other events — and a site of historic significance in DC. The protest signs that covered the fence around the park have been removed, but the location still provides good context for a conversation with kids about BLM.

Tour Memorials
Where: Several locations in DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free

Tour some memorials around the city that highlight notable African Americans and related historic events. Head to the MLK Memorial at the Tidal Basin, where you can view the grand sculpture of Dr. King and read some of his most inspiring quote engraved in surrounding walls. From there, head to the Lincoln Memorial, where even more MLK words, “I Have a Dream” are etched into the steps where he gave his famous speech. In the Shaw neighborhood, the African American Civil War Memorial honors the service and sacrifice of soldiers and sailors who served in the U.S. Army and Navy.  On Capitol Hill, the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial in Lincoln Park isa tribute to the civil rights leader.

Discover Women’s Landmarks
Where: Various locations around the DMV
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free

The Wander Women Project, a has gathered all the places honoring pioneer black women in the DMV area (and slightly further). Since many indoor museums are closed due to Covid-19, mostly outdoor sites and online resources are listed, making outings to visit to them perfect for social distancing.

Black History in Alexandria
Where: Throughout Alexandria, VA
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by activity
A new blog post from Visit Alexandria discusses their renewed commitment to racial equity that pre-dated the surge in the Black Lives Matter movement. There are new major projects and programs that highlight Black history experiences throughout the city, including the Duke Street Black History Trail, Courageous Journey: Alexandria’s Black History Driving Tour, a waterfront African American Heritage Trail and an Underground Railroad-themed tour from Manumission Tour Company.

Black History in MoCo Parks
Where: Parks around Montgomery County, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies

Several sites within the Montgomery Parks system have connections to Black history. See Civil War ruins, visit a place named for the man who inspired Uncle Tom’s Cabin, explore the site of a 19th century African American roadside community, and more. Get more details here.

Black History with PG Parks
Where: Parks around PG County, MD
When: Through February
Admission:

Celebrate and honor African American heritage with the PG County park system during Black History Month in February. From performances to history lessons to tours, there are a lot of exciting events and activities planned throughout Prince George’s County, both virtual and in person.

The Slave Memorial & Exhibits
Where: Mount Vernon Estate | Mount Vernon, VA
When: Ongoing
Admission: $20/adult, $12/ages 6-11, free/5 & under

Make a point to see these on a visit to George Washington’s estate in Northern Virginia. The memorial is located approximately 50 yards southwest of George and Martha Washington’s tomb, on a bluff above the Potomac River. A gray, truncated, granite column which represents “life unfinished” is the center of three concentric brick circles. The three steps leading up to the column are inscribed, respectively, “Faith,” “Hope” and “Love” — the virtues that sustained those living in bondage. The exhibit Lives Bound Together explores the personal stories of the people enslaved at Mount Vernon while providing insight into George Washington’s evolving opposition to slavery.

Introducing…
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Online
When: February 3, 10, 17, and 24
Admission:

The National Portrait Gallery’s program for children ages 3+ shines a light on Black historymakers and their portraits this month. Kids will learn more about art, hear the stories behind the portraits, and even hear some new vocabulary.

Royal Fun with Culture Queen
Where: Online
When: February 6, 2-2:30pm & February 21, 1:30-2pm
Admission: Free

Culture Queen, the children’s author, entertainer, and educator known for presenting empowering entertainment — music, movement, and storytelling — for kids, has a couple of online events this month. Join for Black History Live on February 6 and for a Virtual Dance Party on February 21.

Library Programs
Where: DC Public Library | Online
When: Throughout February
Admission: Free

The DC Public Library proudly celebrates Black History Month during February with all kinds of online programs — story times, book discussions, crafts, and more. Visit the website to see when they are taking place.

Let It Shine
Where: Port Discovery | Baltimore, MD
When: February 6 & 13
Admission: $17.95

At the wonderful children’s museum in Baltimore, celebrate Black History Month by reading festive stories inside The Oasis at the Reading Corner. Of course, plan to enjoy the multiple levels of fun and educational exhibits while you’re there.

Black History Month at the Tiny Desk
Where: NPR Music | Online
When: Through February
Admission: Free

NPR Music’s awesome Tiny Desk Concert series is celebrating Black History Month by featuring 13 Tiny Desk (home) concerts by Black artists across genres and highlighting performances by Black artists from the archives with weekly curated playlists. The celebration will spotlight different genres and generations each week.

 

*Do you know of a Black History Month event or activity that you don’t see listed here?  Feel free to share in the comments!

 

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Filed under 2021, All ages, Annual, Black Lives Matter, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Maryland, Museums, Ongoing, Outdoor, Social Distancing, Special Event, Virginia, Virtual Programs, Weekdays, Weekend, Winter

Ways to Celebrate MLK Day 2021

 

Perhaps now more than ever is the time to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dream of equality and justice — and continue the work to achieve it. Even during this unique time,  you can do just that, both virtually and in-person.   If you’re looking for ways to teach kids about MLK, want to give back on the Day of Service, or hope to join a special event — online or IRL — to celebrate his legacy, these recommendations will have you covered.

Day of Service
Where: Various locations around the DMV
When: January 18
Admission: Just your time

The Biden-Harris Inauguration Festivities honor MLK by including the annual Day of Service.  If you want to volunteer or be part of it by giving back, there are many ways and some places around the area where you can do, both virtually and in person. Start here to find opportunities that suit your family. (And see a specific one below.)

Weekend of Service
Where: Rock Creek Park | DC & MD
When: Throughout the long weekend
Admission: Just your time!

Through Rock Creek Conservancy’s MLK Weekend of Service, you can register to help with trash clean-up and invasive plant removal throughout Rock Creek Park. There are opportunities for all ages to volunteer on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

More Volunteer Ops
Where: Various locations around the DMV
When: Ongoing
Admission: Just your time

For more places to volunteer that aren’t included in the official MLK Day of Service database, this KFDC post has suggestions. All of the organizations listed welcome kids to help out, though some have age requirements, so be sure to note them. (Also note that some of places do not have volunteer ops rights now due to Covid, but it’s worth checking.)

Free Parking
Where: National Parks around the region
When: January 18
Admission: Free!

In honor of MLK Day, it’s the first fee free day of the year for national parks, which means there’s no cost for entry where they usually charge to get in. Take advantage of complimentary admission and the day off from school. Some ideas: Hit the trail at Shenandoah or Great Falls, explore Prince William Forest Park, go to Fort McHenry, or visit Harpers Ferry.

Be the Light — Celebrating the Legacy of MLK Jr.
Where: Port Discovery | Baltimore, MD
When: January 16-17
Admission: $17.95/ages 1+, free for members

Join Port Discovery in celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy during their “Be the Light” event. Experience the strength of celebrating differences and stories in our community, take part in interactive programs and virtual performances designed to educate, inspire and help children understand the positive impact that their dreams and creativity can have on the world around them, inspired by Dr. King’s message.

MLK Virtual Peace Parade
Where: Online
When: January 18, 12pm
Admission: Free

The annual MLK Parade & Peace walk is going virtual this year with a rally, but you can still commemorate the life of MLK, Jr. with a festive experience. Tune into YouTube at noon on Monday, and be sure to follow on on YouTubeFacebookTwitter, and Instagram @mlkholidaydc115 for any update.  The parade will also be viewable on mlkholidaydc.org; and the Washington Informer website.

Artsy MLK Days: A Virtual Community Event
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Online
When: January 16-18, 11am – 12pm
Admission: Free

Though the pandemic has forced Annmarie to change the format of this annual event, they’ve reinvented all the elements to create a virtual at-home experience to keep everyone safe, connected, and ready to honor the dream with creative activities! Dr. King left us with a wealth of wisdom on how to create a more just, humane, and peaceful world — and they celebrate his legacy with art-inspired experiences centered around his nonviolent philosophy. Visit the website to see how you can tour an art exhibit  and make inspired artwork with their visiting artist from the comfort of home. Read more about the wonderful Annmarie Sculpture Garden in this KFDC post.

MLK Virtual Dare to Dream Day
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Online
When: January 20, 11am
Admission: Free

Join in a free celebration honoring one of history’s greatest visionaries. Now accepting submissions for the Open Mic and Poetry Slam. Enjoy an artist talk with Kyle Yearwood, poetry slam and open mic, and a musical performance by Landis Expandis — all from the comfort of home. Read more about the fantastic AVAM here.

The People’s Holiday
Where: NMAAHC | Online
When: January 18, 4-5:30pm
Admission: Free

Tune into the National Museum of African American History & Culture its annual community program that honors Dr. Kings’ commitment to racial equality, justice, and service. Enjoy a digital performance by six-time Grammy award-winning bassist, composer, and educator Christian McBride inspired by his social justice-focused album entitled, The Movement Revisited: A Musical Portrait of Four Icons. The 45-minute concert of jazz and poetry will also feature performances of students from The Julliard School and a poetry reading by award winning poet, Evie Shockley. The program will conclude with a conversation between Christian McBride and Dr. Dwandalyn Reece, Associate Director for Curatorial Affairs | Curator of Music and Performing Arts.

 

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Filed under 2021, All ages, Annual, Art, Black Lives Matter, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Educational, Free, Holidays, Maryland, Seasonal, Social Distancing, Special Event, Virginia, Weekend, Winter

Five Things for Today: September 11, 2020

“Murals that Matter” outside the National Building Museum

 

1.  We can’t go in the National Building Museum right now, but you can stop by the west lawn (5th Street NW, between F and G streets) to see Murals That Matter: Activism Through Public Art, an exhibition featuring DC street art created earlier this summer in response to social justice protests in the nation’s capital and elsewhere.  It will be on display from now through November.

 

2. Catch an outdoor flick and pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman at the Union Market Drive-In tonight.  The weekly series is featuring the late actor’s films all month, this week showing the James Brown biopic Get On Up.  The lot opens at 7:15pm, and the movie starts at 8:30pm. Parking fee is $20 — book in advance here.  And see what else is playing at more drive-in movie series around the area this weekend.

 

3. The Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington is hosting its annual Unity Walk on Sunday.  Although virtual this year, the walk will offer an opportunity to visit houses of worship and faith centers from Baha’i to Zoroastrian, participate in meaningful dialogue, learn a new recipe from a local chef, and partake in service projects. Learn more and register for it here.

 

4. In case you missed it yesterday, there’s a new post on the blog with a round-up of places to go in DC if you just want to chill out in a lovely locale: Serenity Now: 10 Places to Find Peace and Calm in DC.

 

5. Scenes from San Francisco…  and how you can help victims of the west coast wildfires. (Update:  See the comments below on why I opted to highlight this today.)

 

PS:  As you’re making weekend plans, an easy way to find things to do… hover over the ADVENTURES tab at the top of the blog for a drop down of all kinds of ideas.

 

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Filed under 2020, All ages, Black Lives Matter, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Movies, Social Distancing, Summer, Virginia, Weekend

Five Things for Today: August 20, 2020

A peek into Ginkgo Gardens on Capitol Hill — a great place to purchase plants!

 

1. The gardens at Tudor Place in Georgetown have reopened. From 12-4pm Thursdays – Sundays, you can take a free self-guided tour through the 5 1/2 acres of flora with a reserved timed ticket entry. Tickets are for two hours of time, but you can reserve multiple slots for a longer visit.

 

2. The new National Children’s Museum was barely open a month before it closed due to COVID. But they’ve been providing online offerings for kids since then, including STEAMwork videos with cool experiments, virtual field trips, digital exhibits, a podcast, and more fun and educational activities to enjoy at home. Read a KFDC write-up about the museum from its brief pre-COVD days to see what you can look forward to when it’s accessible again.

 

3. The BlackStar Film Fest, an annual festival showcasing films by Black, Brown, and Indigenous people from around the world that usually takes place in Philadelphia is going digital this year. Starting today through August 26, view a variety of films, listen to panel discussions, and join more special events online. The schedule of events and “tickets” are available on the website.

 

4. An illustrated guide to house plants.  (Wow, didn’t realize so many are toxic to kids and pets!) And Real Simple has 5 things to consider before bringing a new plant home.

 

5. My, how they’ve grown!


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Filed under 2020, All ages, Black Lives Matter, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Reopened, Social Distancing, Summer, Virginia, Virtual Programs

Five Things for Today: July 15, 2020

Evening picnics in the park


1. Today, Opera Starts with Oh! is kicking off a weekly summer series with new opera lessons and experiences especially for kids every Wednesday. Sessions are live from 11:30am – 12pm on Zoom, and shortly after registrants will receive “at-home” activities to enjoy on their own time. Classes are ideal for ages 4-8, but all ages are more than welcome. Register for today’s “I Love to Act”-themed session and others coming up in July in August. Cost is pay-what-you-want ranging from free to $15.

2. Kids and families can embark on an urban farm adventure with the DC Farm Field Trip Challenge. Washington Youth Garden, Common Good City Farm, and City Blossoms have teamed up to bring youngsters across the DMV this fun challenge. It could be a backyard garden, an ant hill on your sidewalk, a local park — they want to see kids putting on their explorer eyes and learning about the natural world right in their own neighborhood or backyard. Enter by July 19 (it says June 30 on the website, but it’s still open) for a chance to win some cool prizes.

3. The annual Books in Bloom book festival — Columbia, Maryland’s ultimate celebration of the joy of books and reading — has gone virtual this year. Over the next six weeks, it will bring together some of the country’s best and brightest authors with panels, contests, workshops, and event partnerships with local businesses. This year’s festival will also continue its tradition of activism through literature by encouraging open dialogue on themes of diversity, racism, inequality, and culture through the art of books. Headlining the festival is sociologist Robin DiAngelo, author of White Fragility. View the schedule of upcoming events here.

4. Tips for picnicking during a pandemic. And a bunch of easy picnic food ideas.

5. Say his name: DJ Henry.

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Filed under 2020, All ages, Black Lives Matter, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Outdoor, Social Distancing, Summer