Black history will be celebrated this month in Northwest Philadelphia with opportunities to learn about historic figures in colonial history, musicians who rocked the genre and unsung artists finally getting their due. Looking for a chance to learn more? Here are a few ideas.
Dinah Memorial
Join artist Karyn Olivier, who will discuss her design of the memorial to Dinah, the enslaved woman who saved Stenton House from the British. After the discussion, attendees are invited to stay for a screening of “Remember My Name: Dinah’s Story,” a 2021 film about the woman who lived and labored at Stenton during the 18th century. Free. 6 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 2. 4601 N. 18th St. For information, and to register, visit historicgermantown.org. Dinah will also be the subject of a Zoom talk led by Adrienne Whaley, director of education and community engagement at the Museum of the American Revolution, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 22. For the info and the link, visit the calendar page at historicgermantown.org
Brother 2 Brother
A seminar on gun violence hosted by Trust Factor, a youth health organization, and Emir Healing Center, a nonprofit that supports family and friends affected by homicide. Free. 6:30 to 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 2. Pleasant Recreation Center. 6757 Chew Ave. For more information contact kallel@emirphilly.org or trustfactororg@gmail.com.
Historic Germantown
The partnership that includes 18 historic houses, destinations and museums in Northwest Philadelphia collaborates with members Lest We Forget Museum of Slavery, Cliveden, Concord School House and Upper Burial Ground, and the Germantown Historical Society to host an open house, 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3, at 5501 Germantown Avenue. The event will feature talks, tours and information on Black History resources. For the info, visit the calendar page at historicgermantown.org
All That Philly Jazz
Celebrate Germantown and Mt. Airy’s Jazz musicians and learn about Northwest Philadelphia’s rich history of jazz, and the musicians who lived and performed in the neighborhood. Famed trumpeter Lee Morgan’s nephew will be a guest and the instrument that Morgan played will be on display. 2 to 4 p.m., Sat., Feb. 3. Free. Johnson House Historic Site, 6306 Germantown Ave. For information to rsvp, visit historicgermantown.org
Art Reception
The La Salle University Art Museum hosts a reception in celebration of Black History Month and to mark the opening of an exhibit that will feature 14 works created by African American artists. The works are part of the school’s permanent collection and highlight the impact of major Black artistic movements. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb 5. La Salle Art Museum (lower level of Hayman Hall), 1900 W. Olney Ave.
Diversity in Music & Art
This three-session program at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church features discussions and presentations by artists and creators who discuss their work as people of color in the arts. Jonene Lee, owner of NoName Gallery in Chestnut Hill, 7 p.m., Wed., Feb. 7; David Hurd, organist and music director at The Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Manhattan, 7 p.m.; Wed., Feb. 21; Vinroy David Brown, conductor and educator, at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, 7 p.m., Wed., Feb. 28. The church is at 8000 St. Martin’s Lane in Chestnut Hill. For info, visit stmartinec.org.
Afrofuturism
A discussion of Afrofuturism presented by the Philadelphia/Montco branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life (ASALH) and History and the SIFTMedia 215 Collective. Afrofuturism is a movement in literature, music, art, etc., featuring futuristic or science fiction themes that incorporate elements of Black history and culture. The event at Germantown Mennonite Church, 21 W. Washington Lane, is co-sponsored by the Johnson House Historic Site and ASALH Philadelphia Heritage Branch. Free. 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 25. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
Style and Stories
Enjoy an evening of shopping at a Black-owned boutique: Perfectly Flawless in Germantown, which will also include a special reading by Gwen Ragsdale, executive director of the "Lest We Forget Museum of Slavery." Ragsdale will read from her book "Peculiar Relationships." 3 to 7 p.m. For information, visit eventbrite.com
