February is Black History Month, a time to fully honor the countless triumphs, struggles and contributions of Black people to American culture, history and society. It also serves as a time to encourage and educate a deeper understanding of our nation’s past, a past that should never, ever be forgotten or undermined.
This year marks a century since Black History Month was first created in the United States, initially started by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, announcing the second week of February to be “Negro History Week.” Another fun fact: the specific week was honored as it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two indivduals widely celebrated throughout the Black community.
A quote from Douglass: “The American people have this to learn: that where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob, and degrade them, neither person nor property is safe.”
For the remainder of this month, here’s how to honor Black History Month in the Hamptons.
Bridgehampton’s Hampton Library partners with the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreation Center (551 Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, 631-537-0616) for “Stories That Unite Us: A Community Read-In Celebrating Black Writers” tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. Adults and teens are invited to read a short passage aloud, while younger kids can enjoy a special storytime. Click here to reserve a spot.
Two art exhibitions, held at SAAM (left) and Stella Flame Gallery (right) will be up for Black History Month. (Left photo courtesy of Southampton African American Museum, right photo courtesy of Stella Flame Gallery)
On Feb. 5, “Arte De La Soul” opened at Stella Flame Gallery (2385 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, 631-899-4424) in honor and recognition of Black History Month. Featuring works from Craig Anthony Miller (CAM), Sharon Van Liempt, Stan Squirewell and Edward Wilkerson, the exhibition, which features photographer, paintings and collage works, will be on display for at least the next month.
“The Power of Resilience,” a special art exhibition and community celebration, is at the Southampton African American Museum (aka SAAM, located at 245 North Sea Road, Southampton, 631-353-3299) starting this Saturday, Feb. 7, from 3 to 5 p.m. Slated to be an afternoon of celebrating Black history, voices and stories while showcasing artistic expression, the exhibition includes works from local artists Kyna Eleazer, Denise Williams, Gail Thompson, Daria Whisant, Justine Moody, Sean Johnson, Maya Parthenia-Green Jones along with students Ahmyri Wright, Johan Diaz, Tessa DeLalio, Esafany Santos and Vitoria Araujo. Free and open to the public. SAAM is open Fridays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., by appointment only.
The 18th Annual African-American Read-In, where great American literature is celebrated through the talents of African American writers, is on Wednesday, Feb. 11, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at John Jermain Memorial Library in Sag Harbor. Part of a national reading tradition celebrating African American writers and voices, the event — co-hosted by Canio’s Cultural Café, Eastville Historical Society and JJML — invites both listeners and readers to gather at the library (201 Main St., 631-725-0049). Register here or email [email protected], making sure to indicate the title and author you’ve chosen to read an excerpt from.
Dr. Nedra Lee leads the next installment in the Tom Twomey Series at East Hampton Library (159 Main St., 631-324-0222) on Thursday, Feb. 26, starting at 5:30 p.m. “Uncovering the Past: Archaeology at Sylvester Manor,” presented by the library and the East Hampton Historical Society, shares Lee and her team’s discoveries about the lives of local Black and indigenous people, particularly those enslaved people who lived and worked on the Manor. Free to attend and you can register here.
Southampton Arts Center and Hamptons Doc Fest celebrate Black History Month with a film screening of “I Was Born This Way” at SAC (25 Jobs Lane, Southampton, 631-283-0967) on Saturday, Feb. 28, beginning at 4 p.m. Directed by Oscar-winner Daniel Junge and Oscar-nominee Sam Pollard, the film follows the life of the late African-American singer, activist, and later founding Archbishop of the Unity Fellowship Church Movement, Carl Bean. Bean — an abuse survivor, Motown singer and gay pioneer who founded the Minority AIDS Project — was probably best known for his early gay liberation song “I Was Born This Way,” which inspired Lady Gaga’s 2011 album and song of the same name. A screening of the film will be followed by a Q&A with Pollard. Tickets are $15, $10 for members. Snag yours here.
