For Immediate Release:
January 20, 2022
Media Contact:
Jennifer Munoz, 301-446-3317
M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, in Prince George’s County Announces 2022 Black History Month Programming
Riverdale, MD – The Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is pleased to announce its robust programming schedule in honor of Black History Month 2022. From performances, to history lessons, and virtual festivals, there is an abundance of exciting events and activities planned for the community.
“Each year, the M-NCPPC Black History Program strives to bring an engaging month of African American history and educational and cultural experiences, and 2022 is no exception,” says Bill Tyler, Director, M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation. “In the coming weeks, the public can expect a month of virtual and in-person programming for people of all ages, including intellectual panel discussions, art exhibitions, book discussions, documentary screenings, interpretative tours, and musical recitals.”
The following are just a few of the programs available. For a full list of Black History Month offerings, and to register, visit blackhistory.pgparks.com.
- SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2-3:30 PM
Virtual Opening Reception
This year’s exhibition commemorates the 40th anniversary of the M-NCPPC Black History Program. Founded in 1982, the program was born out of grassroots activism as members of Prince George’s County’s growing Black community pushed for more research and historic site identification and preservation highlighting Black narratives within the County.
- TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1-2 PM
Black Aviators Tour
This tour highlights some of history’s Black aviators, from the legendary Eugene Bullard to local aviator Gus McLeod, and their impacts on aviation. We’ll also dig deeper into the story of nearby Columbia Air Center, which was the first licensed airfield owned and operated by Black aviators in the country.
- SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1-2 PM
Panel Discussion: Get Up!: Music and Black Wellness
This panel discussion featuring musicians, social scientists, medical professionals, and music historians is produced by the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) in collaboration with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s (ASALH) national theme.
- SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 10 AM-3 PM
M-NCPPC Black History Program Family Day
View the annual Black History Month exhibit, “More Than a Month: Commemorating 40 Years of the M-NCPPC Black History Program, 1982-2022,” and engage in a range of activities for all ages. Activities include film screenings, storytelling, art activities, and guided tours of the exhibition.
- SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 3-4:30 PM
A Stone of Hope: The Little-Known Writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Join actor, orator, social commentator, and activist Keith Snipes in the celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through song, poetry, and prose. Calling upon Dr. King’s not-so-familiar writings and speeches, the audience will be reacquainted and inspired with his remarkable vision and courage.
- SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1-3 PM
Mount Calvert Archaeology Lab Experience
Join archaeologists as they discuss recent discoveries in the Mount Calvert slave quarter excavation. Participants will clean and identify recently discovered artifacts including nails and bricks from the buildings, animal bones and oyster shells discarded after meals, fragments of plates and bottles, and personal items like buttons, keys, and tobacco pipes.
“These events reflect the Department’s ongoing commitment to honor and celebrate African American history and culture during the month of February as well as throughout the year,” says Dr. Dennis Doster, the Department’s Black History Program Manager.
To register and learn more about these and many more offerings in February, visit blackhistory.pgparks.com.
About the Department
The Department of Parks and Recreation delivers an award-winning park system through progressive, innovative leadership and a commitment to the community and the environment in Prince George’s County. For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and Instagram. The M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services.
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