Quality Marketing Solutions: Community building

Black History Month is here, yes 6 days into it and I haven't done anything. I read about Carter G. Woodson, which I seem to do every year but nevertheless he basically founded Black History Month, making February the respected month. Because abolitionist Frederick Douglas and President Abraham Lincoln's birthdays were during that month. I greatly appreciate the thought of Douglas and only Lincoln because the emancipation proclamation was approved under his name but he was certainly for voluntary emancipation for a second and the initial proclamation only included 10 states. Anywho I want to take time to partake of some of the wonderful events happening in DC and in PG county. 

The Maryland National Capital Park & Planning commission, Prince George's County has a whole jammed pack calender full of Black History Month events to attend: 

Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Self-guided tours 
Cherry Hill Cemetery
This late 1800s African American family farm cemetery is the only intact African American family farm cemetery in the Bladensburg-Riversdale-Hyattsville area. 
Interpretive signage is on site.
6821 Ingraham Street, Riverdale 20737
301-627-1286; TTY 301-699-2544

Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Self-guided tours with interpretive signage.
Columbia Air Center Memorial
What is now a wide open field at Patuxent River Park in Upper Marlboro, used to be a booming airfield with several large aviation hangars in the mid-1900s. Visit our newest memorial park site and learn about the first African American-owned and -operated airfield in America. 
16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro 20772
301-627-6074; TTY 301-699-2544

Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Self-guided tours 
Northampton Slave Quarters and Archaeological Park
This historic site features reconstructed foundations of two slave quarters from the former Northampton Plantation (1673-1860). Interpretive signage is on site.
10915 Water Port Court, Bowie 20721
301-627-1286; TTY 301-699-2544

Monday, February 1-Sunday, February 28; Daily, 9 am-5 pm (daylight hours)
Self-Guided Walking Tour: “Three Towns - One Community”
Take a self-guided, walking tour of the historically black towns of Cedar Heights, Fairmount Heights, and Chapel Oaks. During your tour, you’ll see many historic homes and buildings, including the former home of Booker T. Washington’s daughter; the former home of the first black Superintendent of Prince George’s County’s Black Schools; the former home of one of Prince George’s County’s first black judges; and an 85+-year-old home built with plans from the Sears-Roebuck catalog. Also see one of the first black-owned gas stations and stop at the historic Chapel Oaks Fire Station, one of the first all-black fire departments in the country.
Cedar Heights Community Center
1200 Glen Willow Drive, Seat Pleasant 20743

301-773-8881; TTY 301-218-6768 


Events Starting tomorrow by days of the week! This is some interesting stuff for all ages!


Monday, February 8, 10:30 am
Travel to South Africa with Lesole
Dance your way to the tip of the African continent with Lesole Dancers. Experience traditional Ndlamu dance from Zulu villages that give a snapshot of the clothing, customs, live drumming and high energy of South Africa. Enjoy the percussive sounds of Gumboot, a kind of “instant messaging” dance slapped out on gold miners’ rubber boots, and learn about Pantsula, an upbeat urban dance like American hip-hop but with a cultural twist. Learn more about this performance and the post-performance lunch by calling the center.
Ages 60 & up
Tickets: $5/person
Harmony Hall Regional Center
10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington 20744
301-203-6040; TTY 301-203-6030

Monday, February 8, 6-8 pm
Black History Cinema: Black Magic
Samuel L. Jackson and Wynton Marsalis narrate this ESPN documentary chronicling the civil rights movement as experienced by black college basketball players and coaches who were a part of these events.
All ages welcome. FREE
Prince George’s Plaza Community Center
6600 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville 20785
301-864-1611; TTY 301-445-4512

Tuesday, February 9, 3-5 pm
The Traveling African American Memorabilia Museum
Learn about African American history through Donald Conway’s memorabilia exhibit. Reminisce and learn as you view a variety of items from postage stamps and baseball cards to U.S. money and cereal boxes.
All ages welcome. FREE
Langley Park Community Center
1500 Merrimac Drive, Hyattsville 20783
301-445-4508; TTY 301-445-4512

Tuesday, February 9, 6-8 pm
Scrapbooking Workshop
Bring your family photos and creativity to a scrapbooking workshop. Participants supply the memories and we’ll supply the materials to create a 2-page layout. 
Ages 13 & up
Fee: $8/person
Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex
8001 Sheriff Road, Landover 20785
301-583-2582; TTY 301-583-2483

Wednesday, February 10, 9 am-3 pm
African American Heritage Tour
Take a closer look at Prince George's County's African American history sites. We'll visit Charles Duckett Freedman's Cabin, Columbia Air Center (the 1st licensed African 
American-owned and -operated airfield in America), Northampton Plantation Slave Quarters and Dorsey Chapel.
All ages welcome.
Fee: Resident $10; Non-Resident $12
Temple Hills Community Center
5300 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills 20748
301-894-6616; TTY 301-203-6030
SMARTlink #154886

Wednesday, February 10, 10:30 am
Kids’ Day Out: Lions of Industry, Mothers of Invention
Unknown history is revealed as we learn about the giants of African American business and innovation. Do you know about the amazing ghost story of hair care entrepreneur Madame C.J. Walker? What about the paintings of agricultural chemist George Washington Carver, who made over 300 products from the peanut? Or the hilarious antics of George Crum, the inventor of the potato chip? ‘Host’ Booker T. Washington, mixes media and audience participation and brings these champions to life. 
All ages welcome.
Tickets: $5/person
Arts/Harmony Hall Regional Center
10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington 20744
301-203-6070; TTY 301-203-3803

Wednesday, February 10, 2-6 pm
Black Heritage Art Show
Learn about well known African American leaders and the schools in the county named after these prominent Americans. Light refreshments served.
All ages welcome. FREE
Marlow Heights Community Center
2800 St. Clair Drive, Marlow Heights 20748
301-423-0505; TTY 301-203-6030

Wednesday, February 10, 3-4 pm
African Dancers
Performers from the Lesole Dance Project present Zulu, Gumboot and street dances from South Africa. 
Ages 5-12; FREE/members of the Kids’ Care program
William Beanes Community Center
5108 Dianna Drive, Suitland 20746
301-568-7719; TTY 301-203-6030

Wednesday, February 10, 3:30-5 pm
African Mask Making
Show your creative side! Paint and decorate a mask with a variety of materials and colors. 
Ages 6-12
Fee: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6 
Baden Community Center
13601 Baden-Westwood Road, Brandywine 20613
301-888-1500; TTY 301-203-6030

Wednesdays, February 3, 10 & 17, 6:30-8 pm
Xtreme Teens: Black History Can You Dig It ~ Freedom Fighters
Teens, register for an interactive series of seminars focusing on six extraordinary ‘Freedom Fighters’ for African culture. Earn community service hours while learning about the lives of Nat Turner, Marcus Garvey, Huey Newton, Shirley Chisholm, Steve Biko and Nelson Mandela. Pre-registration required by January 27; space is limited. 
Ages 12-17; FREE
Bladensburg Community Center
4500 57th Avenue, Bladensburg 20710
301-277-2124; TTY 301-445-4512

Wednesdays, February 3, 10, 17 & 24, 6-9 pm
Throwback Theater
Join us on Wednesday evenings in February to watch movies featuring black actors and actresses. Scheduled movies include: February 3: They Call Me Mr. Tibbs; February 10: Car Wash; February 17: Uptown Saturday Night; and February 24: The Five Heartbeats. Nominal fees for concession food. 
Ages 13 (with parental guidance) & up; FREE
Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex
8001 Sheriff Road, Landover 20785
301-583-2582; TTY 301-583-2483

Thursday, February 11, 1:30 pm (This event date has changed to Thursday, February 18)
Grandma’s Cautionary Tales
Actress Debra Mims transforms herself into Grandmother Sally Kathryn Mims to tell ghost stories and folktales of African, African American and Caribbean literature.
Ages 5-12; FREE
Baden Community Center
13601 Baden-Westwood Road, Brandywine 20613
301-888-1500; TTY 301-203-6030

Friday, February 12, 11 am-12:30 pm
Celebrating Black History at its Best
Relive the civil rights movement by listening to personal stories of those who survived the trials and tribulations of that era. Engage in a Q&A session and answer trivia questions for prizes. Children will enjoy face painting. Light refreshments served.
Ages 17 & under; FREE
Glassmanor Community Center
1101 Marcy Avenue, Oxon Hill 20745
301-567-6033; TTY 301-203-6030

Fridays, February 5, 12, 19 & 26
Tours: 12 noon, 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm
The Bentley Family of Upper Marlborough
Join us for a tour that focuses on African American women who lived at Darnall’s Chance in the 18th century with a special focus on the Bentley Family. Tours are FREE on Fridays during February. Reservations not required.
Darnall’s Chance House Museum
14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro 20772
301-952-8010; TTY 301-699-2544

Friday, February 12, 12 noon-2 pm & 6-8 pm
Black Movie Cinema
Join staff from noon-2 pm to watch Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward’s operetta, Porgy and Bess. This classic tells the story of a crippled man who is in love with a beautiful, but troubled woman. Beginning at 6 pm, kids of all ages will love Akeelah and the Bee, a new classic about a young girl who learns to believe in herself. Popcorn and soda will be available. 
All ages welcome. FREE
Kentland Community Center
2411 Pinebrook Avenue, Landover 20785
301-386-2278; TTY 301-445-4512

Friday, February 12, 3-4 pm
Art Display and Gullah Cultural Storytelling
View a historical art display and listen to a “Gullah” story. Gullah stories reflect the traditions of West African and European cultures, which came together in the Sea Island communities of South Carolina and Georgia.
Ages 6-11; FREE
Patuxent Community Center
4410 Bishopmill Drive, Upper Marlboro 20772
301-780-7577; TTY 301-203-6030

Friday, February 12, 7 pm
Nada Brahma’s “World Music Concert”
Join us for an energetic, interactive performance that explores the vital core that music plays in many world cultures. Experience a variety of musical styles and instruments from the Caribbean, Andes Mountains, Central and Southern Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
All ages welcome. FREE
Vansville Community Center
6813 Ammendale Road, Beltsville 20705
301-937-6621; TTY 301-445-4512

Friday, February 12, 7-8:30 pm 
Follow the Drinking Gourd
Join a naturalist for a multimedia, star constellation presentation and hike to the lake to observe the evening sky. Before leaving, enjoy some hot cocoa and marshmallows around the campfire. Reservations recommended.
Ages 8 & up
Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
Clearwater Nature Center
11000 Thrift Road, Clinton 20735
301-297-4575; TTY 301-699-2544

Friday, February 12, 7-10 pm
Xtreme Teens/Pre-Teens: Open Mic Night
Area teens will share their visions of the past, present and future. Prizes will be awarded for best original readings. Light refreshments served. This program is open to Prince George’s County residents only.
Ages 10-17; FREE w/M-NCPPC Youth ID
Baden Community Center
13601 Baden-Westwood Road, Brandywine 20613
301-888-1500; TTY 301-203-6030

Saturday, February 13, 11 am-12:30 pm
Black History Storyteller
Enjoy a visit from Baba Jamal, a great storyteller of African American history. Light refreshments will be available.
All ages welcome. FREE
Berwyn Heights Community Center
6200 Pontiac Street, Berwyn Heights 20740
301-345-2808; TTY 301-445-4512

Saturdays, February 13 & 21, 12 noon-4 pm or 
Tours by appointment only
The Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park
Exhibit features American Indian, early colonial and African American history. By the mid-1800s, 51 enslaved African Americans lived and worked at Mount Calvert Plantation. View the on-site exhibit “A Confluence of Three Cultures.” 
16801 Mount Calvert Road 
Upper Marlboro 20772
301-627-1286; TTY 301 699-2544

Saturday, February 13, 1:15 pm
Xtreme Teens/Pre-Teens: Frederick Douglass House Trip
Visit the home of the “Sage of Anacostia” and learn about his fight against slavery and for civil rights. All participants must have a signed permission slip and M-NCPPC Youth ID.
Ages 10-17; FREE
Suitland Community Center
5600 Regency Lane, Forestville 20747
301-736-3518; TTY 301-203-6030

Saturday, February 13, 1:30-3 pm
Lions of Industry, Mothers of Invention
Unknown history is revealed as we learn about the giants of African American business and innovation. Learn about hair care entrepreneur Madame C.J. Walker and about the paintings of agricultural chemist George Washington Carver, who made over 300 products from the peanut. ‘Host’ Booker T. Washington leads the discussion through mixed media and audience participation.
All ages welcome. FREE
Stephen Decatur Community Center
8200 Pinewood Drive, Clinton 20735
301-297-4648; TTY 301-203-6030

Saturday, February 13, 2-4 pm
Buffalo Soldiers’ Reception
Join us for a reception honoring Buffalo Soldiers who were members of the historic 92nd Infantry Division from WWII. Many of these men made their homes in Prince George’s County, including Richard Johnson, William Gray, Joseph Stephenson, and Captain Charles H. Lancaster, one of the few black commissioned officers during WWII. Other Buffalo Soldiers from the region include Howard Fletcher, Albert Burke, Joseph Hairston, and Norris Bucksell. These men were featured in the 2008 People 
Magazine photo spread honoring Spike Lee’s movie, Miracle at St. Anna. The reception will include a presentation of the Governor’s Proclamation.
All ages welcome. FREE
Cedar Heights Community Center
1200 Glen Willow Drive, Seat Pleasant 20743
301-773-8881; TTY 301-218-6768

Saturday, February 13, 5-7 pm
Black History Extravaganza
Watch the unique talents of African dancers and drummers, and enjoy songs, stories, and poetry readings as we celebrate these influential aspects of African American culture. Door prizes will be awarded and light refreshments served.
All ages welcome.
Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $6 
Glassmanor Community Center
1101 Marcy Avenue, Oxon Hill 20745
301-567-6033; TTY 301-203-6030

Saturday, February 13, 7-9 pm
Step into Africa with an African Dance Show 
Be part of the festivities as we celebrate Black History Month. Watch a performance by African dancers as they bring the tribes and heritage of Africa to the audience.
All ages welcome.
Fee: Resident $5; Non-Resident $7
Marlow Heights Community Center
2800 St. Clair Drive, Marlow Heights 20748
301-423-0505; TTY 301-203-6030

Sponsored by: 

THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION

6600 Kenilworth Avenue, Riverdale, MD 20737 • 301-699-2255


Who's trying to go to the drinking gourd event with me on Friday the 12th? (3 bucks in Clinton) :)


-Dawn J. 
exposing what I come across.