February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the numerous achievements made by African Americans through time, as well as a reflection and recognition of their central role in U.S. history. There are many great events and places to visit in Denver to celebrate Black History Month, and the Clarion has you covered with all the best spots.
Two performers at the 2016 We Speak Talent Show. Photo courtesy of DU Black Student AllianceDU Black History Month Celebration
The DU chapter of the Black Student Alliance (BSA) has put together a schedule full of different events to celebrate Black History Month, including the We Speak Talent Show on Feb. 4 and a performance by the Black Actors Guild on Feb. 11.
Still remaining on the calendar are Spokentainment by SlamNuba at Craig Hall on Feb. 18 and a screening of “Straight Outta Compton” in Davis Auditorium on Feb. 25. Also of note is the fact that representatives of BSA will be attending the Big 12 Council on Black Student Government in Lawrence, Kansas from Feb. 25-27.
Black History Month Film Series
The People Presbyterian Church is putting on a film series throughout the month to celebrate and reflect. Still on the schedule are “Black or White” on Feb. 20 at 12 p.m. and “Soul Food” on Feb. 27 at 12 p.m., both at the People Presbyterian Church at 2780 York St. A short talk will be conducted after each viewing.
The Denver Public Library has a schedule full of events in honor of Black History Month, from exhibits to lectures. Through Feb. 27, “All the Way: An Exhibit Presented by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts,” a tribute to the award-winning play “All the Way” will be displayed at the Blair-Caldwell Branch Library (the play itself is being put on at the Denver Center for Performing Arts until Feb. 28). Also on display at the Blair-Caldwell Branch at the same time is the “Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame Presents: Legacies as Tall as Mountains” exhibit, celebrating Colorado’s female African American trailblazers.
Upcoming one-day events include “Colorado Humanities Presents: Black History Live – Rosa Parks” on Feb. 20 and “The Freedom To Choose: Is Skin Color Really an Issue? with Author Mary Ellen Danuser” on Feb. 27, both at 2 p.m. at the Blair-Caldwell Branch. “Black History Live – Rosa Parks” is a portrayal of Parks that explores her brave decision to refuse her bus seat to a white man in 1955, sparking the Civil Rights Movement. “The Freedom to Choose” is a look at interracial marriage that explores theme of race, personal choice and intent.
Known as the “Harlem of the West,” this melting pot of history and culture was historically a predominantly African American neighborhood, becoming a thriving center of commerce that rose to prominence when many famous jazz musicians performed at clubs on Welton Street. Today you can walk around the area and enjoy the many tributes to its rich history, including the Stiles African American Heritage Center (2607 Glenarm Pl.), the Black American West Museum (3091 California St.) and the Denver Story Trek, a self-guided tour of Denver that takes you through the city’s most historic sites with a digital map, including Five Points.
