Fairfax County Libraries welcome adults, teens, and grade school students to join together and celebrate Black History Month in February 2022. All month there is something to do in the arts including, activities, watching documentaries & movies, and storytelling of the accomplishments of African Americans. Families can join together and learn more about the Black culture, from author speaking, lectures, genealogy studies to music and theater performances. Honor and explore the past, present, and future of Black people with informative, educational events and programs.
Arts and Activities in Fairfax County, City of Falls Church & City of Fairfax
Patrick Henry Library started Black History Month with the theme, Celebrate Black History Month for kindergarten to six-grade students. All month and day during opening hours, children can enjoy art activities, including coloring sheets, word searches, crossword puzzles, and more. On February 25 at 7:00 PM, the library hosts the Civil Rights in Alexandria: Audrey P. Davis for adults.
Dolley Madison Library is featuring the Adventures in History: Civil Rights Movement on February 11 at 1:00 PM for children ages 6-12. Learn about the Civil Rights Movement and history through art, games, stories, and skill-building exercises. Let the children wear their favorite costumes.
Martha Washington Library is debuting Black History Month Movie: The Express on February 14 at 1:00 PM for teens and adults. The Express is about the first African American Heisman Trophy winner, Ernie Davis (Rob Brown).
Scheduled on February 28 is the Black History Month Movie: Harriet at 1:00 PM for teens and adults.
Oakton Library presents Bright Star Theatre Presents: African Folk Tales on February 15 at 2:00 PM for kindergartners to six-grade students. Listen to folk tale stories about the music traditions of Africa.
Reston Regional Library welcomes adults to join the Podcast Club to discuss monthly podcasts selections on February 19 at 6:30 PM. Listen to the podcast on your mobile device or computer the theme for Black History Month, Historically Black: Washington’s Post Coverage of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The City of Fairfax Regional Library is hosting Researching Enslaved Ancestors & Finding Calvin: A Case Study on February 22 at 10:30 AM for teens and adults. Join genealogist Renate Sanders and learn about enslaved people from 10:30 until 11:30 AM. From 12:00 to 1:00 PM, explore resources about Finding Calvin: A Case Study.
Pohick Regional Library presents Burke Historical Society Present: Enslaved Women and Midwifery in Early America for adults on February 23 at 3:30 PM.
The City of Fairfax Regional Library is welcoming teens and adults to come and watch I Am Ali: A Documentary Film on February 24 at 7:00 PM.
On February 26 at 7:00 PM, the Fairfax regional library invites teens and adults to watch Thunder Soul: A Documentary Film, the second part movie series about a man, “Prof” Johnson transforming Kashmere High School Stage Band into a funk powerhouse in the 1970s.
Come to all the activities and events scheduled in February for 2022 Black History Month. Libraries in Fairfax County, the City of Falls Church, and the City of Fairfax invite local communities and families to join together with support. There are plenty of activities and events for children and adults of all ages.
Historic Places to Visit
In addition to the activities going on this month, there are also significant historical landmarks that you may want to consider visiting! Some places include:
– Gum Springs- This town of around 2,500 residents located near Mount Vernon was established in 1833 by freed slave, West Ford. This town acted as a safe haven for those who were freed or for those who escaped their servitude. It is revered as one of the oldest African American communities in the country.
– Sully Historic Site- Guided tours of this historic site in Chantilly Virginia feature outbuildings, slave quarters, gardens, and a main house representing what life may have looked like for an enslaved person. It is also located along the Underground Railroad network.
– Laurel Grove School Museum- Located in Alexandria, Virginia, Laurel Grove is a historic site restored throughout the years by descendants as well as private citizens. This is the only ‘colored’ school that is maintained and opened to the public in the region. Tours have temporarily been put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic but the site is expected to open in the coming months.
It is important to learn more about black history every day. These places encourage learning and contribute to a better understanding of black history in Virginia.