Observed every February, Black History Month honors the experiences, accomplishments and sacrifices of Black Americans throughout U.S. history. Read on to find several ways to celebrate Black History Month in the Lehigh Valley.
L.A. Rebellion
Sigal Museum
As part of Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society’s “Museum and a Movie” series, which showcases independent, international and historical short films relevant to the museum exhibits and the communities they observe, Sigal Museum will feature L.A. Rebellion: A Cinematic Movement on Sunday, February 11. Produced by PBS as part of their Artbound culture series, the film captures the oral histories of members of UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film and Television, which enacted affirmative action policies in the wake of the Watts Uprising of 1965. The film, which is an hour long, will be shown at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. inside the John R. Austen Auditorium. Admission is free.
Phorgotten No More
Sigal Museum
RESCHEDULED: Saturday, March 9 at 1 p.m.
Join author Rev. Wayne C. Sherrer on Saturday, February 17 as he discusses his newly released book Phorgotten No More: Glimpses of the African-American Presence in Phillipsburg, NJ 1777–2021. Born in Phillipsburg, NJ, Sherrer is a sixth-generation resident. He is a past president of the Phillipsburg Area Historical Society and a research associate of the Warren County Historical and Genealogical Society. The event will take place at 1 p.m. inside the John R. Austen Auditorium; it is free for members and $5 for non-members.
The Allentown Band
Christ Lutheran Church
Founded in 1828, The Allentown Band draws musicians within a 50-mile radius of the Lehigh Valley to join them on their mission of creating and preserving concert band music at a level of excellence rarely heard from a community band. The Allentown Band will celebrate Black History Month through a performance at Christ Lutheran Church on Sunday, February 18 at 3 p.m. View the program here.
allentownband.com | christ-atown.org
Black Wall Street: Part III
Asante Art Gallery
The African American Business Leaders Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Asante Art Gallery to present Black Wall Street: Part III, offering attendees the opportunity to hear from panel experts discussing economic empowerment and diverse business certifications. Taking place at Asante Art Gallery, the event will run from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, February 22. The panel will be moderated by Kevin Greene, CEO of Faces International; panelists include Russell Fletcher, founder and CEO of Mishka Vodka and This Life Forever, artist Michael Freeman, and Audrey Smith, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities at PA Department of General Services. Located inside Palmer Park Mall in Easton, Asante also invites locals to celebrate the rich tapestry of African American culture through vibrant works of art and cultural brilliance. Attendees will enjoy a limited-time offer of 50 percent off all original pieces.
Soul Food Celebration
Hampton Winds Restaurant
Northampton Community College’s Hampton Winds Restaurant, a training ground for the college’s highly-regarded Culinary Arts program, will host a Soul Food Celebration in honor of Black History Month on Friday, February 23 from 6–9 p.m. Celebrate the rich history and culture of Black Americans through a culinary journey that features a three-course tasting menu. Guest Chef Robert Rhymes will be serving Cajun Gumbo, a Soul Food Platter and a Sweet Potato Trifle. The cost to attend is $50; tickets are available here.
Clinical Testing and the Black Community
Allentown Public Library
On Tuesday, February 27, the Allentown Public Library will explore the topic of clinical testing and the Black community, with Pharmaceutical Executive Alfred Chester presenting the historical abuses of the Black community in clinical trials. The event begins at 2 p.m.; click here to register.
