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Celebrating Black History Month in Seattle 2017

February marks the beginning of Black History Month, but residents of Seattle are able to celebrate and learn about the rich cultural history of Blacks and African-Americans all year long. In honor of Black History Month we have compiled a few events to mark on your calendar in February. 

ONYX Fine Art 12th annual exhibit
Thru February 18, 2017 King Street Station, 3rd Floor
303 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, WA 98104
FREE

Truth B Told, exhibiting visual artistic expressions by artists of African descent in the Pacific Northwest.

Northwest African American Museum
What the Griot Said: Black History Month Storytelling at NAAM with Eva Abram
Thursday, February 2, 12 – 1:00 p.m.
2300 S Massachusetts Street
Seattle, 98144

Gifted griots—or storytellers—will enchant young and old with tales recounted following oral traditions. Children of all ages are invited to experience the ancient art of storytelling with stories from around the world or just around the corner. This is our first program for Black History Month to kick off February at the Northwest African American Museum! The storytelling will be accompanied by a public docent-led tour for adults, introducing our new exhibit, An Elegant Utility. Open to all ages.

Rosenwald film screening
Presented by Atlantic Street Center
Thursday, February 2, 6 p.m.
LHPAI
104 17th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98144
FREE

Rosenwald is the incredible story of Julius Rosenwald, who never finished high school, but rose to become the President of Seers. Influenced by the writings of Booker T. Washington, Jewish philanthropist Rosenwald joined forces with African American communities in the Jim Crow South to build 5,300 schools during the early part of the 20th century.  There will be a Q and A session with Philip Rome, Julius Rosenwald’s great-grandson. To RSVP contact Marcella Taylor at (206) 454-3923 or marcellat@atlanticstreet.org 

Through the Eyes of Art
MoPOP
Friday, February 3, 8 – 11:00 p.m.
325 5th Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
$15 ($12 MoPOP members)

Presented by MoPOP and Brandkings, the city’s premier Black History Month celebration will look at the topic of building a strong black economy. Featuring a speech by CNN correspondent and Seattle native Angela Rye, live performance from Josephine Howell, and a special reunion show by Seattle hip-hop group Ghetto Chilldren. The Servant of the People Award will be presented to Ezell’s Famous Chicken co-founders Lewis Rudd, Darnell Rudd, and Faye Stephens. The evening will be hosted by Isiah Anderson.

Jacob Lawrence: The Migration Series
Seattle Art Museum
Thru April 23, 2017
1300 First Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of this city’s most beloved artists, Jacob Lawrence, the Seattle Art Museum presents Jacob Lawrence: The Migration Series. Acclaimed as Lawrence’s masterwork, this epic series chronicles in words and pictures the exodus of African Americans from the rural South to the industrial North in the decades after the First World War. Tickets and program information can be found at www.seattleartmuseum.org 

I Am Not Your Negro
SIFF Cinema Egyptian
Opens February 3, 2017
USA | 2016 | 95 Minutes | Raoul Peck
Oscar® nominee for Best Documentary.

Panelists are scheduled to be in attendance for a discussion following the 7pm screening on Feb 3. Director Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished – “Remember This House,”  a radical narration about race in America, through the lives and assassinations of three of his friends: Martin Luther King Jr., Medgar Evers and Malcolm X. using only the writer’s original words.

Black History Month Cultural Xpressions
Sundiata African American Cultural Association
Friday, February 10, 6 – 9 p.m.
Art Show and Reception

Saturday and Sunday, February 11 – 12, opening at noon
Live performances
LHPAI
104 17th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98144

Dialogues in Art: Exhibitions on Racial Injustice
Xenobia Bailey artist talk
Paradise Under Reconstruction in the Aesthetic of Funk: A Quantum Leap, Starting From The Top…!!!
Seattle Presents Gallery
Friday, February 10, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Free

Xenobia Bailey has created an immersive installation featuring African-American homemakers and caregivers that honors and celebrates their innovative, soulful lifestyle. The installation references connections to the African-American community and Seattle’s history. These life-sized figures play an important role in cultivating and rebuilding homes and communities, while providing nurturing and guidance for African-American youth.

Dialogues in Art: Exhibitions on Racial Injustice is a yearlong series of exhibitions that explore artists’ and curators’ interpretations of racial injustice and systemic racism impacting Black and African-American people throughout America.

Resonance a celebration of Black American composers
Two performances presented by North Corner Chamber Orchestra
Saturday, February 18, 2 p.m.
New Holly Gathering Hall
7054 32nd Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98144

Sunday, February 19, 7:30 p.m.
LHPAI
104 17th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98144

Tickets are available at www.nocco.org and at the door. Group pricing available. $25 general; $15 seniors and ages 19-30. Free for ages 18 and under and music students.