The Black History Showcase, the nation’s premier celebration of African American achievement and history, will take place during Easter Weekend, April 23rd and 24th, 2011, 11 AM to 7 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, 13th and Arch Street
This annual showcase of African American history features a diverse mix of educational exhibits and activities that use “Real People, Real Artifacts and Real Stories” to present the extraordinary achievements, events and eras in Black history.
The BHS was started in 2004 by Everett Staten as a way to promote a greater awareness and appreciation of African American history. According to Staten, “the history of Black people in America is one of unbelievable resilience and achievement. However, in most instances our contributions are not included in the presentation of history. Our history remains the greatest story that has never been told. The Black History Showcase is committed to use our words, our images and our cherished belongings to remind America about our invaluable contributions to history.” Staten adds, “what makes the Black History Showcase so unique is that many of the exhibits have never been shown in museums. These privately owned interactive and inspiring exhibits contain priceless artifacts and rare photographs amassed by devoted Black history collectors.”
The 2011 schedule of exhibits and activities include:
Exhibits
Museum of African American Slavery: Lest We Forget – Phila, PA
This exhibit features the most extensive collection of slavery artifacts, Jim Crow memorabilia and information ever assembled for public examination free of charge. The collection includes shackles, branding irons, photos, documents and more.
The International Black Inventions Museum – Los Angeles, CA
Pays tribute to the invaluable intellectual contributions African Americans have made to the progress of society.
George Washington Carver – Washington, DC
A tribute to the man born into slavery, who went on to become a world renowned agricultural scientist.
Granville T. Woods: The Black Edison – NY
A tribute to the prolific inventor and electrical genius who patented over 45 electrical and mechanical inventions that was critical to communications and the development of rail transportation.
Additional participating exhibits and museums include: Tuskegee Airmen, Negro League Baseball, Black Fire fighters, Clef Club, Black Writers Museum, Paul Robeson House, Marian Anderson Residence, Johnson House, African American Museum of Philadelphia, Blacks In Hockey, African American History & Archaeology, Blacks and Swimming and Wilt Chamberlain.
Activities include: A workshop “Introduction to Genealogy” conducted by the African American Genealogy Group of Philadelphia is on Saturday at 12 PM. Guest speaker Dr Ed Robinson on Saturday at 1PM will discuss “The Ancient Egyptian Formula to Obtain Personal Power”. This will be followed at 3 PM by the WURD Speaks symposium, “State of Mind: The Impact of Race, Culture and History on Body, Mind and Spirit. Four of the nation’s most powerful voices on behavioral health and emotional well-being, oy DeGruy, Dr. Robin Smith, Ruth King and moderator Dr Dan Collins are featured participants. This is a ticketed session. Those interested should contact WURD. On Sunday there will be a performance by the Clef Club Youth Jazz Band at 1 PM. This is followed at 3 PM by the Marion Anderson Scholars performing a reenactment of the historical 1939 Easter Sunday concert at the Lincoln Memorial.
In addition, the Showcase has attack History marketplace where attendees can purchase historical items like posters, stamps, figurines Obama campaign memorabilia and more.
The 2011 Black History Showcase is hosted once again by the Pennsylvania Convention Center located in Philadelphia at 13th and Arch Street. Ahmeenah Young, President and CEO of the Convention Center Authority stated, “Philadelphia is recognized as the nation’s most historic city and we are delighted to partner with Euerett in presenting such an educational and historically relevant event. The Black History Showcase has become an integral part of the mosaic that represents Philadelphia and it is also an essential component of our hospitality and tourism attractions.”
The Black History Showcase is free to attend and everyone is welcome.
It is an initiative of the Proud African American Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to producing community events and activities that provide positive portrayals of African American people.
It is produced by Everett & Associates, Inc. Sponsors and media partners are Colgate-Palmolive Company, Unique School Apparel, the Philadelphia Tribune, WDAS FM, the Philadelphia Sun, WURD 900 AM, and the Black Professional News.
For more information about the Black History Showcase visit www.blackhistoryshowcase.org.
Leave a Comment