Where to Celebrate Black History Month in DowntownDC

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January 31, 2019

There’s no better place to celebrate Black History Month than DowntownDC, where you can find film screenings, shows and So Much More! Here’s a list of events where you can learn, engage and commemorate black history. 

One Year: 1968, An American Odyssey – Now until May 19, 2019 

Visit the National Portrait Gallery (8th St & F Street) for this one-room exhibition of thirty portraits that tell the story of 1968, a memorable year in American history. Journey through portraits of significant figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Aretha Franklin and Jimi Hendrix. 

Bluff City: The Secret Life of Photographer Ernest Withers – Feb. 5 at 12pm 

Journey to the National Archives (700 Pennsylvania Ave) to learn about the photographer responsible for some of the most iconic images of the Civil Rights Movement. A book signing will follow the program. 

Movies at SAAM: Black is the Color – Feb. 9 at 3pm 

Don’t miss the screening of this documentary that looks at African American art since 1867 at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (F Street & 8th Street). Come early to hear an opening rap from hip-hop artist and lecturer Jason Nichols and stay after for a film discussion. 

Chisholm ‘72: Unbought and Unbossed  Feb. 14 at 12pm 

Take an in-depth look at the 1972 presidential campaign of Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress and the first to seek nomination for President of the United States. View this documentary at the National Archives’ William G. McGowan Theater (700 Pennsylvania Ave). 

Bright Star Theatre: Meet Dr. King  Feb. 23 at 9:30am 

Watch this dramatic retelling of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement at The National Theatre (1321 Pennsylvania Ave). 

Have an event to add to the list? Contact Alexis Neely at alexis@downtowndc.org.