BROADCAST
WNET – Channel 13
Documentary: “Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll,” the American Masters season opener that celebrates the rich history of the African-American gospel singer and guitar virtuoso who has been described as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Her work inspired Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and others.
Date/Time: Feb. 22 at 9 p.m.
HBO
Documentary: “Beyoncé: A Documentary Special.” The feature-length HBO film, directed by the superstar, features a look at her childhood in Houston, behind-the-scene peeks and dynamic live performances.
“HBO has a history of pushing every boundary with class and authenticity,” said Beyoncé, who is executive producer of the film. “Some of my favorite shows are on HBO, so I am excited that my film will be part of its bold programming. This film was so personal to me, it had to have the right home.”
“Everybody knows Beyoncé’s music, but few know Beyoncé the person,” said Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming. “Along with electrifying footage of Beyoncé onstage, this unique special looks beyond the glamour to reveal a vibrant, vulnerable, unforgettable woman.”
Date/Time: Feb. 16 at 9 p.m.
BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS AND AGENCIES
The Queens casino culminates a month-long celebration of Black History Month with an exhibit featuring photographic work from the archives of the Daily News and a reception.
“Our Queens community is well known for its impact on African American culture, and we are proud to join in that tradition and provide an exciting and unique experience for guests,” said Michael Speller, president of Resorts World Casino New York City. “We are thrilled to have embraced the diversity of this community, with 91 percent of our employees being people of color or women, and look forward to helping tell the constantly evolving story of Queens’ ever-changing communities.”
Exhibition: “Game Changers” is an display of classis and recent photographs of African- American and international sports stars, courtesy of the New York Daily News.
Date/Time: Now through Feb 28.
Place: Times Square Casino Atrium
Reception: The casino’s celebration of Black History Month ends with a reception, featuring the Resort World Gives Community Concert, Bob Law and DJ Marky the People Pleaser of WBLS radio (107.5 FM) and representatives the Daily News.
Place: Central Park Events Space
Info: Resorts World Casino is at Aqueduct Raceway in Queens, adjacent to JFK International Airport. A shuttle to and from the casino is available for guests arriving from the Jamaica Station. For more information, visit www.rwnewyork.com.
HUE-MAN BOOKSTORE
The bookstore is presenting a number of events and programs during Black History Month.
Talk: A special evening with Harlem-raised performer Keith Sweat. The entertainer talks about his start in the business, his stint as a radio show host and his book of relationship advice, “Make It Last Forever: The Dos and Don’t.”
Date/Time: Feb. 20 a 7 p.m.
Place: MIST Harlem, 46 W. 116th St. (between Fifth Ave. and Malcolm X Blvd.)
Info: Visit www.huemanbookstore.com, call (646) 480-2268 or send email to Info@hueman-bookstore.com.
KEN2013
Town Hall Meeting: Former New York Gov. David Paterson, the first African-American to hold the office, will share his thoughts on Black History in New York and the West Side of Manhattan in a free talk, organized by Ken Biberaj, a candidate for the 6th City Council District, covering Manhattan’s upper West Side .
“I am excited that Ken Biberaj has organized this event. It’s just one more demonstration of his ability to unite communities by celebrating the past and embracing how it can best influence our future as New Yorkers,” said Paterson”
The event also features the music of jazz musician Thelonious Monk, a former Amsterdam Houses resident, performed by a trio from Juilliard School.
Date/Time: Feb. 12, 2013 at 6 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Place: Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center, 250 W. 65th St.
Info: RSVP by sending email to mediha@ken2013.com or calling (646) 707-0817.
ABRAMS BOOKS
Book: “Discovering Black America: From the Age of Exploration to the Twenty-First Century“
For years, Linda Tarrant-Reid has been living in the past – and it has paid off for the veteran writer again.
The New Rochelle-based author, who has written on books on historical topics, has scored a hit with her latest work – “Discovering Black America: From the Age of Exploration to the Twenty-First Century” on the Abrams Books for Young Readers imprint of Abrams publishers.
Penned with students and adults in mind, the richly informative and enjoyable work is comprehensive and fascinating for everyday readers of all ages.
Even the seasoned author was amazed by some of the historical revelations she made while doing research for “Discovering Black America.”
“Oh my goodness, there were so many,” she said, noting that her research debunked the popular myth that the first blacks arrived in America in Jamestown, Va., in 1619.
“I immediately found that that was not true,” said Tarrant-Reid, adding that blacks had arrived on the continent much earlier — with Spanish explorers in the 1500s.
“The early conquistadors had brought over this extraordinary (black) gentleman. The conquistadors documented their exploration – from the Southwest to Florida and Mexico – and the talked specifically about how amazing he was.”
Captured during Spanish conquests in Africa, the man was made a slave. He accompanied explorers, took part in series of exciting New World exploits and greatly aided the Spanish.
“At that point, he was no longer considered an enslaved person. He had a way with the dialect; he understood the Native American language. He became a lead person – he became a guide.”
Painted on a backdrop of American and international events, “Discovering Black America” covers more than 400 years of history – starting with the arrival of the first Africans in America.
Tarrant-Reid worked on the book for six years, meticulously researching, gathering and confirming information and artwork for the 244-page book, which was gotten good reviews and high praise from educational publications.
The work was also named as a “Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2013” by the National Council for the Social Studies.
Info: The book is available online and in stores. For information, visit discoverblackamerican.com and www.abramsbooks.com.
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Musical Show: “Black Stars of the Great White Way,” will bring some of Broadway’s greatest musical talents to the Queensboro Performing Arts Center, in a show created by veteran Broadway choral director/arranger Chapman Roberts.
The “Great White Way” stars, include Tony Award nominees are Keith David and Ted Levy (“Jelly’s Last Jam”), Andre DeShields (“The Wiz,” “Ain’t Misbehavin”), Ben Vereen (“Hair,” “Pippn,” and “Wicked”) Larry Marshall and Norm Lewis, “Bubbling Brown Sugar” trumpeter Longineu Parsons and a special salute to Louis Armstrong by “Bring In The Noise Bring In The Funk” dancer Omar Edwards
In the production, Roberts (veteran of “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” “Your Arms Too Short To Box With God” and other shows), salutes legendary performers such as Louis Jordan, Eubie Blake, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Fats Waller, Sammy Davis Jr. and Nat King Cole.
Tunes from these shows including – “I Got It Bad And That Ain’t Good,” “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” “Minnie the Moocher,” “Five Guys Named Moe,” “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby” and other classics have been arranged specifically for Broadway and the original cast albums by
Roberts. There will also be performances by the York College Big Band and Robert Mann Dancers
Date/Time: Feb. 17 at 3 p.m.
Place: Queensboro Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Ave. in Queens
Info: All seats are $35. Tickets can be obtained online: www.visitqpac.org or calling (718) 631-6311.
NEW YORK CITY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
Panel Discussion: The free “Health and Wellness in Black Communities,” is a historical overview of health and wellness in Africana communities followed by a discussion of psychological health challenges, and traditional and alternative health and wellness approaches.
Panelists will include City Tech faculty members Christine Thorpe (Human Services), Rosalyn Forbes (Nursing) and Gwen Cohen-Brown (Dental Hygiene). A question-and-answer period will follow. The panel discussion will take place at 11:30 a.m., with performances by the City Tech Community Choir and Black Theater students, a student slide show, and informational displays on health and wellness
Date/Time: Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.;
Place: N.Y. City College of Technology, 300 Jay St. (at Tillary St.) Brooklyn in Atrium Amphitheater
Info: Contact Hazel Gibbs at (718) 260-5205 or hgibbs@citytech.cuny.edu
QUEENS COLLEGE
The college, part of the City University of New York, celebrates Black History Month with a number of events and programs. The college is at 65-30 Kissena Blvd. in Queens.
Concert: Grammy-award winner gospel star Donnie McClurkin will perform an exclusive concert at the college, presented by the Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College. The Long Island-born singer/songwriter is known for his platinum selling albums such as “Stand” and “We Fall Down,” his nationally syndicated radio program and is captivating tenor voice.
Date/Time: Feb. 23 at 8 p.m.
Place: Colden Auditorium at Queens College.
Info: Tickets range from $38 to $50. Call the box office at (718) 793-8080 or visit www.kupferbergcenter.org online. Group tickets and discount tickets are available for students, seniors and Queens College staff, faculty and alumni and available.
Lecture: Montgomery Wilkinson, an architectural technologist and member of the firm responsible for completing the Freedom Tower at One World Trade Center, will lecture on “Architecture, Community, and Us.” Wilkinson’s other efforts include curating a 2012 Queens College exhibit on Oscar Micheaux, the first major African-American filmmaker of the 20th-century.
Date/Time: Feb. 13 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Place: Queens College’s Rosenthal Library, Room 230.
Talk: “The Significance of Obama’s Reelection,” will be examined by State Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry, who has represented District 35 in Queens since 1992.
Date/Time: Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Place: Queens College’s Rosenthal Library, room 230
Exhibition: African American art exhibition by Khalil Koromantee and His Young Black Artists
Date/Time: Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Place: Queens College’s Rosenthal Library, room 230
Musical Show: “The Ghetto Chronicles, by writer-director Duane DWhit Witley, will be performed.
Date/Time: Feb. 27 at 6 p.m.
Place: College’s Goldstein Theatre
Info: For information about events at the college, call (718) 997-5000.
Long Island University
Play: Celeste Bedford Walker’s “Black Wall Street” is the true story an affluent, early 20th century African-American town in Tulsa, Oklahoma that was intentionally burned down.
Date/Time: Feb. 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Place: LIU’s Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts
Info: Tickets are $30, and $15 students with ID or groups of 20 or more. Contact info@kumbletheater.org or call (718) 488-1624.
CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
APOLLO THEATER
The famed Harlem venue celebrates Black History Month with a series of special programs.
“The Apollo has always been about what’s next, and our Black History Month programs honor the past while looking forward into our future,” said Apollo Executive Producer Mikki Shepard. “Apollo Club Harlem uses contemporary performers to invoke the Golden Age of Jazz, while Apollo Music Café recreates a lounge-like atmosphere where audiences can hear new work by up-and-coming artists. Our Open House Weekend welcomes the community in to hear performances and reconnect with the Theater, and our new “Live Wire” series will focus on the Apollo’s seminal role in the development of American culture.”
Apollo Music Café: The venue showcases diverse underground artists – performing R&B, hip hop, soul, jazz, pop, funk, rock and spoken word – in a lounge-like atmosphere.
Date/Time: Visit www.apollotheater.org for schedule.
Info: General admission is $20 and $15 in advance persons on the Apollo’s A-List. For tickets, call the Apollo Theater Box Office at (212) 531-5305 and Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
Stage Show: Apollo Club Harlem, is a fast-paced 90 minute, revue transforms the legendary theater into a nightclub reminiscent of Harlem music clubs of the 1930s and 40s. It’s hosted by actor, director, jazz singer and choreographer. Maurice Hines and features singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, rising jazz star Cecile McLorin Salvant, street dancer Storyboard P, tap dancer Dormeshia, and a cast of dancers and musicians under the direction of music director David Berger and musical conductor Daryl Waters.
Time/Date: Feb. 18, 22 and 23 at 8:30 p.m.
Place: 253 W. 125th St. (between Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.
Info: For information, visit www.apollotheater.org or call (212) 531-5300.
IRADAC (INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH ON THE AFRICAN DIASPORA IN THE AMERICAS AND THE CARIBBEAN)
Concert: “Black Women in Jazz: Featuring Dona Carter and her Quartet” performs classic music from jazz greats Kenny Dorham, Stanley Turrentine, Dexter Gordon and others in a free show, which also pays tribute women’s contributions to the art form.
Date/Time: Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Place: The Elebash Recital Hall of The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Ave. in Manhattan.
Info: Seating is limited and reservations are required. To RSVP, call (212) 817-2076 or send email to iradac@gc.cuny.edu.
BROOKLYN YOUNG FILMMAKERS
Seminar: “Careers in Film Salon: Black Professionals in Film” is an examination of African-Americans in the industry’s independent film and union productions and a variety of positions including wardrobe master, sound engineer, scenic artist, driver, a gaffer (electrician), and a production assistant. Hear first person stories, network and enjoy the refreshments. The Film Salon is part of the “Black ArtStory Month on Myrtle!” program. Watch a preview of the session at http://bit.ly/filmsalon.
Date/Time: Feb. 19, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Place: 143 Waverly Ave. in Brooklyn
Info: Suggested donation is $5. Send email to communityfilm@wearebyfc.org, call (718) 935-0490 for information and visit www.wearebyfc.org.
HUBERT HARRISON AND THEODORE W. ALLEN SOCIETY
Course: “The Invention of the White Race,” is an eight-week course supplemented by the work of Hubert Harrison, with special focus on Theodore W. Allen’s “The Origin of Racial Oppression in Anglo-America, the second volume of the book “The Invention of the White Race.” The event is being presented by the Hubert Harrison and Theodore W. Allen Society and the Brecht Forum.
Date/Time: Feb. 15 through April 5, Fridays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Place: Brecht Forum, 451 West St.
Info: Email at jeffreybperry@gmail.com
POPMIDTOWN
Exhibition: “MADIBA – Images of Nelson Mandela” features large-scale photographs by South African photojournalist Benny Gool, who covered Mandela’s public and private life for more than 30 years – including from his incarceration to his election as South Africa’s leader and beyond. Gool is scheduled to attend the show’s opening night.
“We are excited to not only put together a truly inspiring show, but to host the man behind it all. Benny Gool, adds greatly to the impact of this momentous event,” said Jeff Jaffe, owner of POP International Galleries.
Date/Time: Feb. 13, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Place: The Atrium at 153 E. 53rd St. (the former Citicorp Building), at Lexington Ave. in Manhattan.
Info: Visit www.popInternational.com
RONALD K. BROWN AND THE EVIDENCE, A DANCE COMPANY
Dance: Ronald K. Brown and the Evidence, A Dance Company will be holding a special two-part Black History Month performance, which features classic works and a dance premier — “Torch.”
Program A features a performance of the 2005 work dance Order My Steps, featuring the music of Terry Riley, Fred Hammond and Bob Marley and an excerpt of IFE/My Heart, performed by guest artist Matthew Rushing of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
There will also be excerpts from Incidents (1998), a work with images of women and slavery life along with the music of The Staple Singers, Aretha Franklin and Wunmi Olaiya. The world premiere of Torch, a zealous dance number in celebration of the late dance enthusiast Beth Young completes the program.
A full-length version of the company’s 2001 “Walking Out The Dark, Upside Down (1998) set to the music of Fela Kuti’s song “Upside Down” and Malian vocalist Oumou Sangare’s “Kun Fe Ko (The Uncertainty of Things)” are featured works in Program B.
Date/Time: Program A (Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 16 at 2 p.m). Program B (Feb. 14 at 8 p.m.; Feb. 15 at 8 p.m.; Feb. 16 at 8 p.m.; and Feb. 17 at 2 p.m.)
Place: The Joyce Theater is at 175 Eighth Ave. (at W. 19th St.)
Info: For tickets call JoyceCharge at (212) 242-0800. For more information, visit joyce.org and www. evidencedance.com.
LIBRARIES
SCHOMBURG CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN BLACK CULTURE
Exhibit: “Visualizing Emancipation,” commemorates the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation with pre- and post- Civil War era photographs of enslaved and free black women, men, children, black soldiers and workers in the American South.
Date/Time: Now through March 16, all day.
Exhibit: “Africans in India: From Slaves to Generals and Rulers” traces the lives of East African Habshis (Abyssinians) and Sidis through more than 100 photographic reproductions of paintings and contemporary photographs. These East Africans have greatly distinguished themselves in India as generals, commanders, admirals, architects, prime ministers, and rulers. The exhibit is curated by Dr. Sylviane A. Diouf and Dr. Kenneth X. Robbins.
Date/Time: Now through July 6, 2013 (All day)
Info: For more on Africans in India and the Visualizing Emancipation exhibits www.nypl.org/locations/schomburg and click the “Exhibitions” link.
The Schomburg is at 515 Malcolm X Blvd. ( at W. 135th St.) in Manhattan. To learn about more events, visit www.nypl.org and click the “Celebrate Black History” link to sign up to receive free weekly emails from the Schomburg Center during Black History Month.
BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Photo Exhibition: “Jamel Shabazz: Men of Honor and Women of Distinction,” a series of photographs
paying homage to men and women who uphold the principles of family, community, and civil service.
“The very idea to document groups and distinguished individuals came from viewing photographs from a renowned member of one of the most notorious street gangs of their time – the Jolly Stompers in Brooklyn, New York. Observing the many classic color images of these young men of various hues marveled me. Most of them came from strong Caribbean roots, dapperly dressed in the finest clothing, and were standing erect and dignified. From that moment on I knew that I wanted to create a similar body of work,” said the photographer about the comprehensive collection.
Date: Through Feb. 28, during library hours.
Place: Central Library, 2nd floor Balcony Cases
Shabazz’s online exhibition,” Prospect Park – An Oasis in Brooklyn,” on the Brooklyn Collection’s website at http://bit.ly/jamel-shabazz-prospect-park. And visit the photographer’s website: www.jamelshabazz.com.
Reading Group: Black History Month Reading Circle. Participants bring their favorite work by a great African-American poet or novelist, or a speech or book by an inspiring African-American leader, to read out loud and discuss with the group. Circle attendees are also encouraged to share their own writings.
Date/Time: Feb 21, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Canarsie Library branch, 1580 Rockaway Parkway
Info: (718) 257-6547
Talk: “Words are Freedom: Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave,” focuses on the Douglass’s narrative – detailing his barbaric treatment, his struggle to become literate and his eventual escape from slavery. Pick up a copy of the book at Central Library before the event, which will be hosted by Sterling Bland, Jr., chair of African American and African Studies at Rutgers University and author of “Voices of the Fugitives: Runaway Slave Stories and Their Fictions of Self-Creation.”
Date/Time: Feb. 10, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Place: Dweck Center of the Central branch, Eastern Parkway and Flatbush Ave.
Info: (718) 230-2100
MUSEUMS
U.S. Navy Photo
INTREPID AIR SEA AND SPACE MUSEUM COMPLEX
Online Exhibit: “Intrepid Remembers Historic Contributions This Black History Month,” looks at the contributions of black sailors aboard Intrepid through facts and photographs, especially touching on the men of Gun Tub 10, who fought bravely during the ship’s first kamikaze attack.
Place: Online, visit http://bit.ly/Intrepidblackhistory.
Tour/Lecture: The “With Bravery & Distinction Tour Guide Talk,” is a 45-minute session celebrating the accomplishments of little known African-Americans pioneers in the fields of sea, air and space.
Date/Time: Saturdays and Sundays through Feb. 28 at 3:30 p.m.
Place: Information Desk in Hangar 1
Info: The tour is free with museum admission.
The museum in Manhattan on Pier 86, at W. 46th St and 12th Ave. Call (212) 245-0072 visit the Intrepid Air Sea and Space Museum Complex website at www.intrepidmuseum.org.
BROOKLYN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
The world’s first museum designed specifically for children has a schedule of events celebrating Black History Month and other February holidays. The museum is at 145 Brooklyn Ave. (at St. Marks Ave.)
Music Performance: Metlife Early Learner Performance Series- “Wo Famatou: African Dance & Drumming Duet,” a family performance of traditional African dance and drumming by Wo Famatou group members Ibrahima Kolipe Camara and Yalani Bangoura.
Date/Time: Feb. 16, from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Event: “Game Show: Black History Month, a fun an interactive about Black History facts for contestant 5 years old and up.
Date/Time: Feb. 16, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Event: “3, 2, 1 Blast off! Celebrating Mae Jemison,” examines the career of the first African American woman in space. The event is for children age 5 and under.
Date/Time: Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m.
Info: Call (718) 735-4400 and visit www.brooklynkids.org for more on these and other programs.
