Art of Life/Donna Parker
Celebrate Black History Month 2024
The theme for the 2024 Black History Month focuses on “African Americans and the Arts.” A theme infused with African, Caribbean, and Black American life experiences, in the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression.
The African-American influence has been paramount in the development of the United States. African-American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, we examine the varied history and life of African-American arts and artisans.
For centuries, Western intellectuals denied or minimized the contributions of people of African descent to the arts as well as history, even as their artistry in many genres was mimicked and/or stolen.
However, we can still see the unbroken chain of Black art production from antiquity to the present, from across Africa, from Europe to the New World. By celebrating the entire history of African Americans and the arts, a spot light shines on our contributions, in the national spotlight, highlighting the richness of the past and present, with an eye towards what the rest of the twenty-first century will bring.
How to Celebrate Black History Month
There are numerous ways to participate in and commemorate Black History Month. Here are just a few ideas on how individuals, families and communities can get involved:
- Educational Programs: Attend or organize educational programs, lectures, and workshops that explore the history and achievements of African Americans.
- Art and Culture: Explore African American art, literature, music, and cinema through exhibitions, performances, and readings.
- Community Events: Participate in or host community events such as parades, cultural festivals, and heritage celebrations.
- Support Black-Owned Businesses: Show support for Black entrepreneurs and businesses by shopping locally and promoting Black-owned enterprises.
- Share Knowledge: Share information about African American history and achievements with friends, family, and social networks.
- Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to organizations that promote racial equality and social justice.
FREE Madison Events
The following are just a few of Madison, WI, 2024 events:
Madison College-Truax Mitby Theater
February 10 | 2:00 pm, RSVP
The Meeting by Jeff Stetson - a powerful and compelling play about the imaginary meeting of two of the most important people of modern times: Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Goodman South, Madison's Friday Family Films
Friday’s in February, 5:30-7:45PM | Goodman South Madison Library
- Feb 3, Ruby Bridges
- Feb 10, 42
- Feb 17, The Great Debaters
- Feb 24, Harriet
Madison Children's Museum Thursday, February 16 | 5-8PM
Free Night Black History Month Celebration
Wisconsin Book Festival Love Released Again
Sunday, February 19 | 2PM | Central Library
Book launch of new works by local authors: Poet Fabu, Sherry Lucille and Catrina J. Sparkman.
