Black History Month: 2011
February is Black History Month and Kansas City's local libraries, museums, and sites, are honoring the legacy of African Americans with special events all month long.
Black History Month Events in Kansas City 2011:
Step Afrika!
Feb. 1-2, Yardley Hall at the Johnson County Community College. Stepping comes from a long and rich tradition in African-based communities that use movement, words and sounds to communicate allegiance to a group. School/Community Shows: 9:45 a.m., Tuesday-Wednesday, Feb. 1-2, 2011. Grades 6 and up. School/Community Shows are hour-long performances that connect students with curriculum standards. $5/ea. 913.469.8500 www.jccc.edu/performing-arts-series/events/2010-2011/event-step-afrika.html
Anansi, The Spiderman of Africa
Feb. 1-19, H&R Block City Stage on level B at Union Station. Theatre for Young America celebrates Black History Month with ANANSI, THE SPIDERMAN OF AFRICA adapted from the West African tales. Popular, classic “trickster tales” such as Anansi's Feast, and Anansi's Hat Shaking Dance will be done in storytelling style with African costumes, drumming, and music. For 4th grade and up. The single ticket price is $8.00. Groups of 15 or more are $5.00 per person with a reservation. . 816.460.2083 www.tya.org/shows_Acurrent.htm
Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin was like the other children in his neighborhood. We have gotten to know the man through history, but not the child. Who was he, and what was his journey to becoming a civil rights activist and leader? In this program the audience will listen to stories of Martin's childhood and college years. They will get to know his family and his connection to them and others. Participants will sing songs of the civil rights movement, retell stories with puppets, and reenact some of the events that led to changes in our history. With the use of puppets and musical instruments, participants can learn the history surrounding MLK and the Civil Rights Movement of the 50s and 60s. ages 8 and up. Registration required. www.mymcpl.org
- Feb. 1 at 7:00 PM, North Oak Branch Mid-Continent Public Library. 816.436.4385
- Feb. 10 at 1:00 PM, Red Bridge Branch Mid-Continent Public Library. 816.942.1780
- Feb. 15 at 7:00 PM, Boardwalk Branch Mid-Continent Public Library. 816.741.9011
George Washington Carver: What about peanuts?
Feb. 3 at 10:00 AM, Lee's Summit Branch Mid-Continent Public Library. Program includes; biography, discoveries & fun activities. 816.524.0567 www.mymcpl.org
Triumph of the Spirit: A Story About Harriet Tubman
This performance is an authentic, heartbreakingly sincere, and witty two act play based on the life of Harriet Tubman. Shirley Johnson’s portrayal of Tubman enlightens, inspires, and empowers all at once. The audience shares in the trials and tribulations that made Tubman a great historical figure. Ages 6 and up, Family. www.mymcpl.org
- Feb. 3 at 7:00 PM, Grandview Mid-Continent Public Library. 816.763.0550
- Feb. 15 at 7:00 PM, North Independence Branch Mid-Continent Public Library. 816.252.0950
Black History Month: Discovery Club
Smithville Branch Mid-Continent Public Library. Ages 7 and up. Registration required. 816.532.0116 www.mymcpl.org
- Feb. 3 at 10:30 AM, Learn about the Underground Railroad and the dangers that escaping slaves faced and the things they used to help them find their way.
- Feb. 17 at 10:30 AM, Come learn about George Washington Carver, and join us as we make peanut butter!
- Feb. 24 at 10:30 AM, Learn about the story of Dr. King and the ideas he shared with others.
Storling Dance Theatre's "Underground"
February 18 at 8:00 PM, Yardley Hall at the Johnson County Community College. Störling Dance Theater's "Underground" will light up the stage at 8:00pm on Friday, February 18, 2011 at The Carlsen Center - Yardley Hall on the campus of Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas. Storling Dance Theatre
Exhibits Celebrating Black History: 2011
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO 64111
816.751.1ART (816.751.1278)
African Art Collection: The African collection comprises approximately 300 objects that are diverse in form and in media.
American Jazz Museum
1616 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO 64108
816.474.8463
Exhibits include the history of the African-American experience on 18th & Vine and its contributions to the cultural, social and economic development of Kansas City.
Black Archives of Mid-America
2033 Vine, Kansas City, MO 64108
816.483.1300
Collections featuring paintings, sculptures and writings by black artists. Archive of information on local writers, musicians and leaders in Kansas City.
Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center
3700 Blue Pkwy., Kansas City, MO 64130
816.513.0700
www.KCMO.org/Parks.nsf/web/Watkins
This museum is a tribute to the legacy of Kansas City’s early African-American pioneers, portraying the artistic, cultural and social history of the African-American experience.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
1616 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO 64108
816.221.1920
Museum dedicated to the history of Negro Leagues Baseball, with interactive exhibits for all ages.
U.S. National Archives
400 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO 64108
816.268.8000
Kansas City is one of the 11 branches of the National Archives. Current Exhibit at National Archives: Documented Rights (Through March 19). The exhibition features documents that give voice to the national struggle for human and civil rights.
Note: This list was compiled by the staff of KC Parent Magazine and may not be reproduced in print or online without permission. Please email kristina@kcparent.com if you have an addition to this list.