2021 Black History Month Events in Westchester

On-going list of ways to support and teach your kids about Black History Month in Westchester.

Exhibit: Ossining Black History & Culture: RESILIENCE. DEDICATION. EXCELLENCE

When: Feb 5-March 5

There is an absence of documented history and lore of the Ossining black community. This exhibit reveals an unseen glimpse into local black culture. Through their drive, resilience, and perseverance, the black community has been an integral component of the growth and prosperity of Ossining, laying foundations that we still benefit from today. Highlighting and amplifying their contributions (spanning two centuries), this exhibit will acknowledge the challenges they faced, celebrate their triumphs, and recognize their commitment to the Ossining community. Thought-provoking, eye-opening, and inspirational, Ossining Black History & Culture is an effort to connect, empathize, and honor the generations of black citizens that broke through barriers to benefit the community of Ossining as a whole. Learn more here.

The photographs and ephemera were loaned/donated by the black community of Ossining past and present.

Gallery Hours:
Monday – Friday (10am-12pm & 1pm-4pm)
Saturday Feb 6 (opening) (10am – 2pm)
Saturday Feb 20 (10am – 2pm)
Wednesday Feb 17 additional evening hours (5pm – 8pm)

Honoring Outstanding Black Scientists, Hudson River Museum in Yonkers

When: Monday, February 15–Friday, February 19, 12:30pm

In honor of Black History Month, a tour of the sky will include a look at the contributions and discoveries of Black Americans, including NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, astronomer and cartographer Benjamin Banneker, astronaut and NASA administrator Charles F. Bolden, astrophysicist and engineer George Carruthers, and X-ray physicist and engineer George Alcorn, Jr. Register here.

Zoom Concert with Karlus Trapp, Chappaqua Children’s Library

When: February 15th from  2:00pm – 3:00pm

Join educator and performer Karlus Trapp on a joyful 100-year interactive journey, tracing the roots of Black Music in America. Geared for all ages, Karlus combines music performance with history in a fun, engaging, and educational manner.

”The Roots of Black Music in America” is a 100-year journey back through time to hear, experience anew, and learn about the music of America’s black musical giants- a joyful, lively show. Please be warned: you may find yourself uncontrollably smiling, singing or humming for hours afterward.

Hosted by the Chappaqua Library Teen Zone and Children’s Room. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED (click the green register button in the upper right hand corner. You will receive Zoom information prior to the show)

Black Musicians Film and Discussion – with Philip Harwood, Chappaqua Library

When: Mon Feb 15th 7:00pm

“Songs of Freedom: Musician and Activist Paul Robeson”

Paul Robeson began his career as a lawyer, but then became one of the great performing artists of the 20th century. The government attempted to stop him from performing because of his political ideals, as seen in this film portrait.

RSVP to [email protected].

How to Talk to Your Kids About Race, Katonah Library

When: Tuesday, February 23, at 6:30pm

Yawson brings light to the importance of a loving and open dialogue about race conversations with children. Ama Yawson is an attorney, author, publisher and educator who gives workshops on various topics. To register for this Zoom event, click below to send Claudia an email. Please put “Ama Yawson” in the email subject heading. Email [email protected] to sign up

Virtual Lecture: Slavery and the Jay Family: A 7-Generation Story

When: February 24, 20217:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Founding Father John Jay was descended from three generations of slavers. Jay himself is something of an enigma: he argued for abolition in the new state of New York as early as 1777, but he did not abolish slavery in his own household for another four decades. Yet his legacy included three generations of descendants who were abolitionists and civil rights activists. This illustrated program, presented via Zoom, examines the arc of slavery through seven generations of the Jay family.  It is a story that goes back almost to the introduction of slaves into the Dutch colony that became New York, and ends just months before the 13^th Amendment abolished slavery everywhere in the nation.

Registration is free but required. A Zoom link will be sent to registered attendees the day before the lecture.