Hello Good Folks!

Happy Black History Month!

As a child, I loved black history month.  I loved the talent shows, the “I Have a Dream” oratorical competitions, the black history month choirs and the dance recitals.  I loved singing the national black anthem,  hearing Sounds of Blackness sing “As long as you keep your head to the sky, you can win, be OPTIMISTIC!”, and  Denise Williams singing “Black Butterfly“.  I love all the pageantry that came with black history month.

Growing up, these activities occurred either at church or in an academic setting.  So as I have gotten older, I have to make a conscious effort to be a part of the celebration.  We easily get caught up in the daily routine or feel like we already know our history.  However, what we know is usually just the basics.   I encourage everyone to participate in a black history celebration because it offers a renewed sense of pride and thanksgiving of our culture.  It is inspiring and makes you appreciative of those who sacrificed so much for future generations.  As well as knowing your cultural history, learn and celebrate your family history.  It is important to know where you came from to understand who you are.  You might learn that the entrepreneurial spirit runs in your family, or becoming aware of some chains or cycles that need to be broken.  Either way, you are building a  legacy.  It is up to you to determine what that life legacy will look like.

Here is a list of some of the black history month programs occurring in the District.

Peace and blessings!

The National Geographic Museum presents “America I Am: The African American Imprint,” a touring exhibition celebrating more than 500 years of African-American contributions to the United States. The exhibit presents pivotal moments in courage, conviction and creativity through 200 rare historic objects, documents, photographs, and multimedia.

Feb. 2 – May 1, 2011

National Geographic Museum

17th and M Sts. NW

—————————————————————————–

Cheeky Sasso Entertainment Presents: Park Unplugged with Special Live Performance By Bilal.  If you are up for the crowd, it’s a great way to see some of your fav singers for free. Complimentary Admission until 10PM with rsvp to cheekysasso2006@gmail.com

Friday February 4

The Park

920 14th St. NW

3rd Floor opens at 7PM

—————————————————————–

One of the best poets I have seen, Messiah will be hosting “Messiah & Friends”.  Check it out!

Friday, February 4

Cre8 Art Gallery

1314 9th St NW

7PM

—————————————————————–

Klimaxx Ent. & East Coast Caribbean Events Present…Caribbean 1st Fridays / Fresh Fete

Friday, February 4

Liv

2001 11th St NW

10PM-3AM

Free before midnight

—————————————————————–

Soul maven Patti LaBelle’s strong vocals and pop, R&B and gospel renditions have earned her two Grammys and numerous chart-topping hits like “Lady Marmalade,” “New Attitude” and “ If You Asked Me To.”

Saturday, February 5

Strathmore

5301 Tuckerman Lane Bethesda, MD 20852

8-10PM

Get tickets here.

———————————————————————–

ESL & Lil SoSo Productions Present: The Sol Power-All Stars.  After an extra month off due to the new year, their residency continues. From here on out, Sol Power will be there the first Saturdays every OTHER month.

Saturday, February 5

ESL

1212 18th St NW

5 bucks before 11PM, 10 bucks after

————————————————————————-

This Saturday, Adrian Loving and Jonah Brotman will be in the house. In The Cut offers something for everyone. We have taken over the entire second floor so we have space for you and your friends. This is the alternative, local legends, no out of town big names, no big lines, no hassles or egos, just great house music and great DJs.

Saturday, February 5

Mie N Yu

3125 M Street, NW

11PM

————————————————————————-

Rescheduled due to the inclement weather on 1/26, Questlove will be deejaying on Sunday while you catch the game.

Sunday, February 6

Liv

2001 11th St NW

6PM-2AM

—————————————–

Join I&I Productions on Sunday, February 6 for an all day Bob Marley’s Birthday Celebration (born Feb 6 1945) & Super Bowl XLV Watch party called TRENCHTOWN ROCK. It will start with a Jamaican Style Brunch, then a viewing of Rebel Music: the Bob Marley Story, then ending with the Super Bowl.

Sunday, February 6

Ras Lounge

4809 Georgia Ave. NW

Noon-2AM

——————————————

Enjoy the weekend!  Go BLACK & GOLD! 🙂