February is just around the corner. Looking for ways to celebrate Black History Month? Here are six ways to participate in Flint & Genesee.
- Kick off the celebration with the Genesee District Library 18th Annual Black History Month Brunch, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, at 10 a.m. This year the event will feature three-time Grammy-nominated gospel singer Anita Wilson. For more information, visit thegdl.org.
- Visit the Flint Institute of Arts featuring two largest exhibitions focusing on African and African American art. “Engaging African Art: Highlights from the Horn Collection” features African artworks from the collection of Dr. Robert Horn, and “Vanessa German: Miracles and Glory Abound” which features art from Vanessa German, self-proclaimed citizen artist and activist.
- Catch one of these powerful shows at the Whiting: “We Shall Overcome” and “Freedom Bound.” The first performance showcases repertoire from across African American music traditions inspired by and interwoven with spoken word from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s recorded speeches. The latter show is a theater production by Mad River Theater Works. The story revolves around stories connected to the Underground Railroad.
- Patronize Mott-Warsh Gallery – a private collection of fine art created by artists of the African diaspora. MW Gallery’s newest exhibition “Music as Muse: Melodic Inspirations in Art,” features the work of artists such as Xenobia Bailey and Anthony Barboza.
- Watch a movie at the Flint Public Library. Fridays in February, the library is hosting Black History Month Movies at 2 p.m. Movies include Disney’s Princess and the Frog, Akeelah and the Bee and Perfect Harmony.
- See the final film in Communities First, Inc African American Film Series at the Flint Institute of Arts: Love Jacked. Directed by Alfons Adetuyi, this romantic comedy centers around Maya, a 28-year-old with artistic ambitions who decides to travel to Africa for inspiration and returns with a fiancé. Showtime is on February 14 at 7 p.m., doors open at 5:30 p.m.
