Events
Scroll for more details on upcoming events!
UPCOMING
SUMMER 2026
MCAAHC August 2026 Public Meeting
MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis MD 21401
Exploring Kunta: ROOTS Commemorative Experience 50th Anniversary Symposium & Celebration | Partner Event with Kunta Kinte Celebrations, Inc.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2026
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis MD 21401
Schedule:
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11:00am – 12:00pm | Annapolis City Dock | Kunta Kinte – Alex Haley Memorial
Libations Ceremony at the Waterfront
*Honoring the point of arrival & ancestral crossing
*Light Lunch Served
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12:00pm – 6:00pm | Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum
Panel Discussions & Evening Commemorative Celebration
*Oral History & Storytelling
*Small Bites Menu Served
This event also serves as a fundraiser for the upcoming 36th Annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival in September. Tickets starting at $20. Get your tickets today!
Gallery to Classroom: Visual Thinking Strategy Workshop & Author Talk with Marley Dias & Family
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis MD 21401
And in recognition of National Literacy Month, the program also features an author talk with special guests Marley Dias, Dr. Janice Johnson Dias, and Scott Dias, authors of I Am the Dream Come True, presented by Baltimore Read Aloud. Stories live here — and this one starts with family. As the new school year kicks off, join activist and author Marley Dias and her parents, Dr. Janice Johnson Dias and Scott Dias, for a warm, real conversation about their new picture book, I Am the Dream Come True. Walk away with fresh ideas for celebrating family legacy and Black history with the young readers in your life, a behind-the-scenes look at how one family chose to share their story, and inspiration to carry into your classroom or living room all year long.
This program is generously sponsored by the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County.
FALL 2026
MCAAHC October 2026 Public Meeting
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
TBA
Oral History Training & Workshop: Crownsville Hospital Historic Documentation and Storytelling Project (Partner Event)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis MD 21401
PREVIOUS EVENTS
Senegal Expeditionary Learning Excursion Community Send Off
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026
1:30 – 3:30 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 FRANKLIN STREET
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
Join us for a vibrant community send-off led by the BDTM Youth Arts & Leadership Afterschool Program—our young travelers embarking on an unforgettable journey to Senegal. This event celebrates the deep cultural ties between West Africa and Maryland, honoring the stories, resilience, and rhythms that connect us across the Atlantic. Throughout the program, our students will share what they’ve learned throughout the year, from history and heritage to music and movement. Experience drumming and dancing workshops by Ni Dembaya, delicious food tastings, dazzling fashion spotlights, and so much more—all guided by the energy and vision of our youth. Come support our travelers as we send them off with pride, music, and community spirit. A celebration of heritage, learning, and the bridges we continue to build.
The Temple of Our Survival: Alisha B. Wormsley Installation, Performance & Conversation
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2026
1:00 – 4:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 FRANKLIN STREET
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
As the nation marks 250 years since its founding, we are called to ask: whose survival made this nation possible? Join artist Alisha B. Wormsley for a special activation of The Temple of Our Survival (Children of NAN: A Survival Guide)—a mobile cinematic altar and gathering space dedicated to Black femme survival, care, and reMatriation. Presented in collaboration with artist Tsedaye Makonnen and harpist Megan-Joie Coleman, this immersive event brings together ritual, sound, and collective storytelling as an act of historical reckoning and remembrance.
The program will feature a live ritual performance honoring Black femme survival, including a guided group dreaming meditation and opportunities for audience members to participate by reading their own survival stories alongside those of historical Black femmes from Maryland and beyond — centering voices that the official record of nationhood too often left out.
The event will conclude with a panel conversation on the project and the ongoing practices of Black femme survival, moderated by curator Martina Dodd, exploring what it means to commemorate 250 years through the lens of those who were never meant to survive it — and did.
Thank you to our sponsors: the City of Annapolis and the Association of African American Museums (AAAM).
Annapolis Art Walk
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026
5:00 – 8:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 FRANKLIN STREET
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
In celebration of Annapolis Arts Week, the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum opens its doors for an exclusive evening event during Annapolis Art Walk, inviting visitors to experience its rich collections and exhibits after hours. Throughout the evening, guests can explore the galleries of Annapolis and visit BDTM to uncover stories of African American history and culture. As part of the evening, experience the powerful She Speaks: Black Women Artists and the Power of Historical Memory exhibition, which celebrates the voices and visions of Black women artists. This is a rare opportunity to step inside the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum after hours.
For more information on Annapolis Art Walk, visit artinannapolis.com. For more information on Annapolis Arts Week, visit annapolisartsweek.com.
MCAAHC Memorial Day Ceremony
MONDAY, MAY 25, 2026
11:00 AM
LOUDON PARK NATIONAL CEMETERY
3445 Frederick Ave, Baltimore, MD 21229
Join the Baltimore National Cemetery and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture for the 2026 Memorial Day Ceremony. This year’s ceremony will be held at Loudon Park National Cemetery in Baltimore City. Expect the playing of taps, guest speakers, a special guest performance, and more!
Due to parking limitations, we ask that you park at Saint Joseph’s Monastery Parish Office, 251 S. Morley Street, Baltimore, MD 21229.
MCAAHC April 2026 Public Meeting
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Career Programs Building, 11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21742
Featured Speaker:
- Greetings by Dr. James Klauber, HCC President & Mrs. Carolyn Brooks
- Dr. Emilie Amt, Historian/Activist, Washington County
- Mrs. Carmen Jackson, Historian/Activist, Allegany County
Virtual General Overview Webinar Session
FRIDAY, MARCH 27TH
1:00 PM
VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM
This spring, Maryland Historical Trust and Maryland Commission African American History and Culture will hold three live webinars and two in-person workshops for prospective AAHPP applicants. Attend a virtual session or in-person workshop to learn if your project is eligible, how to submit an application, selection criteria, and more.
Artist Talk and Harriet Tubman Spirit Awards
SATURDAY, MARCH 21ST
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 FRANKLIN STREET
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
Maryland Day Celebration & Tubman Spirit Award Ceremony
Join the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture and the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum for a special two-part Maryland Day celebration honoring heritage, creativity, and courage.
12:00 PM- 1:30 PM | Artist Talk
The day begins with an intimate artist talk featuring participating artists Charlyn Griffith-Oro, Darlene R. Taylor, and Savannah G. M. Wood, from the ‘She Speaks: Black Women Artists and the Power of Historical Memory’ exhibition. Hear directly from the creators as they discuss their work, inspirations, and the powerful narratives of Black women’s voices reflected in the exhibition. This conversation will offer unique insights into the artistic process and the cultural significance of the works on display.
2:00 PM- 4:00 PM | Annual Harriet Tubman Spirit Award Ceremony
The celebration continues with our inspiring Harriet Tubman Spirit Award Ceremony, honoring local leaders who embody Harriet Tubman’s courage and compassion through their work in justice and community empowerment.
Awardees:
Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper
Patrice Hawkins
Dr. Tuajuanda Jordan
The afternoon will feature a powerful keynote address from Latoya Jenkins, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the presentation of awards to our community’s modern-day conductors of change. Be part of this celebration of resilience and activism.
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is highly encouraged due to limited seating.
Maryland Day Celebration 2026
SATURDAY, MARCH 19 – 25, 2026
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 FRANKLIN STREET
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
BDTM will join more than 50 partners as they host special events, programs and activities that showcase local museums, historic buildings, heritage sites, art galleries, natural resources, archaeological sites, parks, trails and historic communities throughout the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area.
Explore how Annapolis and Anne Arundel County has been central to the history, evolution, and legacy of Maryland. We commemorate not just that day in 1634 when Europeans first alighted on Piscataway lands, but we encourage you to explore the full arc of our history. This is a chance to discover, reflect, commemorate, and celebrate this crossroads of culture, while recognizing our region’s unique role as a place where social change helped in our collective… and still ongoing struggle for equality and freedom.
She Speaks Exhibition Opening Reception & Black History Month Celebration
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 FRANKLIN STREET
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum Presents: She Speaks – Black Women Artists and the Power of Historical Memory
Throughout history, Black women have been the architects of resistance, the keepers of resilience, and the visionaries of transformation. She Speaks is a groundbreaking exhibition that amplifies their voices through the powerful lens of contemporary art. Featuring works by Black women artists, this collection documents untold histories, reclaims stolen narratives, and boldly reimagines the future.
From intimate portraits to sweeping installations, each piece challenges dominant stories, offering new perspectives on struggle, triumph, and legacy.
Join us for a day of inspiration, dialogue, and celebration:
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Curated Tours – Explore the exhibition with guided insights into its themes and creators.
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Live Music & Performances – Experience the rhythm of resistance and joy.
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Community Conversations – Engage in meaningful dialogue about art, history, and liberation.
She Speaks is more than an exhibition—it is a declaration. A reminder that Black women have always spoken, always created, always led. Now, it’s time to listen.
This event is free and open to the public.
MCAAHC February 2026 Public Meeting
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
NOW VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM*
Featured Speaker:
- Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway, “Thurgood Marshall: From Classroom Suspension to Supreme Court”
Join us to learn about upcoming initiatives, and to hear from engaging speakers in the heritage and preservation community.
Due to an abundance of caution, the February 2026 Public Meeting has been changed to a virtual format via Zoom. This event is free and open to the public.
Sacred Ground, Shared Hands: Volunteer Power and the Preservation of Maryland’s Black Sacred Spaces | Virtual Workshop
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15TH
6:00 PM
VIRTUAL
Honor MLK’s legacy of service! Join the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum for “Sacred Ground, Shared Hands,” a deep dive into how volunteers are preserving Maryland’s historic Black cemeteries. Learn the impact, the best practices, and be inspired by success stories.
Moderated by MCAAHC’s Research Specialist, Alexandria Anderson, this program is more than a discussion; it is a call to action. As we celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, you will learn how you can contribute to this vital work, honoring the legacy of Dr. King by serving your community and helping to preserve the sacred ground that holds the stories of our nation’s past. Together, we can keep the memory alive.
Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13TH
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 FRANKLIN STREET
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
Celebrate Kwanzaa in unity and joy at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum’s Annual Kwanzaa Celebration! This vibrant festival of art, music, food, storytelling, and community honors the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles) and reflects on Black heritage, resilience, and joy.
Experience powerful discussions, move to the rhythm of live performances rooted in African diasporic traditions, and savor Afrocentric cuisine that connects us to ancestral flavors. Explore the Black-owned vendors market, discover meaningful holiday gifts, and contribute to our Memory Session, preserving stories that will inspire generations to come.
Let’s honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future—together.
MCAAHC December 2025 Public Meeting
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1ST
11:00 – 1:00 PM
SILVER SPRING CIVIC CENTER
1 VETERANS PLAZA
SILVER SPRING, MD 20910
Host: Commissioner Jean Bailey, Montgomery County
Join us to learn about upcoming initiatives, and to hear from engaging speakers in the heritage and preservation community.
This event is free and open to the public.
Honoring the Legacy: Black Veterans from the Revolution to the Present | Virtual Discussion
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH
6:00 – 7:30 PM
VIRTUAL
In celebration of Veterans’ Day and America 250, join the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum for a powerful virtual discussion exploring the complex and courageous history of Black veterans in the United States. From the Battle of Bunker Hill to the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, we will discuss their journey of service and sacrifice in the face of systemic inequality, a fight for a nation that often denied them their full rights at home.
Presented by U.S. Veteran and BTDM Education Coordinator, O. Abiola Akintola, the program will also turn a critical eye to the present. As America grapples with the militarization of its city streets, we will examine the unique and often conflicted role Black veterans and active-duty service members play during this time, standing at the intersection of sworn duty, community protection, and the fight for racial justice.
This event is free, but registration is required to receive the link to join.
Annapolis Jazz and Roots Festival at BDTM | Jabari and J.C. Jefferson Interview, Exhibit, and Performance
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH
1:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 FRANKLIN STREET
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
This year’s Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival honors the rich jazz legacy of Annapolis while showcasing vibrant new voices in jazz and world music. From free community concerts to ticketed performances and lectures, the AJRF’s diverse lineup offers something for everyone—adults, families, and music lovers alike.
Don’t miss a special afternoon with exhibiting artist Jabari Jefferson in conversation with his father, legendary jazz musician J.C. Jefferson, for a unique blend of art, music, and storytelling entitled “Art, Music and the Muse” at 1pm. Following the discussion, experience the “Salute to Quincy Jones” by the J.C. Jefferson Quartet in concert at 2pm.
Join us as we bridge traditions and innovation in the heart of Annapolis.
Events on the second day of the Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival are free admission! Registration is strongly encouraged.
A Conversation with Abby Phillip
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12TH
6:00 – 7:00 PM
MARYLAND HALL
801 CHASE STREET, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
Join the conversation with Abby Phillip, anchor of CNN’s NewsNight with Abby Phillip, as she shares thoughts on her lived experience from her Maryland childhood to her noteworthy career as a journalist. The conversation will be led by WHUR radio news host Harold T. Fisher.
This program is presented by Historic Annapolis, Inc. in partnership with Maryland Hall and the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum.
This event is free, but registration is required.
Sacred Spaces Artist Talk: Featuring Jabari Jefferson & Rush Baker IV
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11TH
1:00 – 3:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 FRANKLIN STREET
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
Join us for a compelling afternoon as exhibiting artist Jabari Jefferson engages in a dynamic dialogue with cultural curator Rush Baker IV, exploring the intersections of art, identity, and history within Jefferson’s striking body of work.
Jefferson’s evocative pieces challenge narratives of race, memory, and resilience, weaving together personal and collective stories through bold imagery and layered symbolism. In this intimate conversation between Jefferson and Baker, the two will explore the inspirations, techniques, and socio-political undercurrents shaping Jefferson’s practice—and what it means to create in today’s cultural landscape.
Audience Q&A will follow the moderated discussion, and light refreshments will be provided. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience art as a catalyst for dialogue at the heart of Annapolis’ premier African American heritage institution.
MCAAHC October 2025 Public Meeting
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6TH
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
Allen J. Singleton Multi-Purpose Room in Student Services Center
11868 Academic Oval, Princess Anne, MD 21853
The Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC) invites you to our October 2025 Public Meeting, hosted by Vice Chair Jaelon T. Moaney and Commissioner Dina Daly, both representing Talbot County.
Join us as we celebrate Maryland’s Black history, culture, and innovation while learning about the Commission’s upcoming initiatives to preserve, promote, and interpret the rich African American heritage of Maryland
Annapolis Songwriters Festival
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 FRANKLIN STREET
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
BDTM will once again join the festival as a host site for Songwriters in the Round.
Modeled after the hugely successful Key West Songwriters Festival, the largest festival of its kind in the world, the Annapolis Songwriters Festival brings our love for music to the bay! Like Key West, Annapolis has its own world-renowned watering holes and intimate theater settings, making our historic capital on the bay the perfect location for live music enthusiasts to get acquainted with the faces, voices, and stories behind the songs.
If you are interested in volunteering at the event, please email O. Abiola Akintola at [email protected].
35th Annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
NAVY-MARINE CORPS STADIUM (BLUE LOT)
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
MCAAHC and BDTM will once again join the festivities as a vendor for the 35th annual celebration.
Celebrated as one of the largest African American cultural festivals on the East Coast, the event honors the legacy of Kunta Kinte and highlights the history, heritage, and achievements of the African American community. This year’s festival features a full day of live entertainment, cultural exhibits, food, education, and community engagement. Free admission.
If you are interested in volunteering at our booth, please email O. Abiola Akintola at [email protected].
August 2025 MCAAHC Public Meeting
MONDAY, AUGUST 4TH
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 FRANKLIN STREET
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
Join us to learn about upcoming initiatives, and to hear from engaging speakers in the heritage and preservation community.
Harmony & Heritage Block Party: Celebrating Family, Music & Cultural Legacy
SATURDAY, JUNE 28TH
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis MD 21401
Join the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum and the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture for a day of rhythm, creativity, and community!
Immerse yourself in:
Music | Youth Art Exhibition | Family-Friendly Activities | Mindfulness & Wellness | Artist Talks | Black History Walking Tour | Live Performance by The Silopanna Band | Local Vendors & More!
Let the beats of music move you, the power of art inspire you, and the warmth of community uplift you.
Echoes of Our Ancestors Remembrance Ceremony: Building Bridges Between Our Past, Present, and Future
TUESDAY, JUNE 24th
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Mt. Calvary Methodist Church
1236 Jones Station Road, Arnold, MD 21012
Join the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture’s Ancestral Remains Committee for a powerful remembrance ceremony.
This gathering honors the sacred memory of our ancestors and marks the continuing work of the Ancestral Remains Project, in partnership with the Maryland Historical Trust and the Maryland Archaeological Conservation (MAC) Laboratory. Together, we reflect on the journey of recovery, respect, and reconnection. We hope you will stand with us in remembrance and reverence.
Creative Connections: Community Gatherings for the Soul ft. Michele Blu Yoga
SATURDAY, JUNE 21st
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis MD 21401
This Creative-Connections session will feature Michele Blu of Michele Blu Yoga, who will guide participants through a unique blend of kemetic yoga, voice & sound immersion/healing, and mindfulness. Michelle’s approach to mindfulness is inclusive and adaptable, making these classes open to all skill levels—whether you’re a beginner, expert, or somewhere in between—and are ideal for individuals and families alike. Join us for an enriching experience that nurtures both body and mind in our sacred space!
AAHPP Q&A Workshop
FRIDAY, JUNE 6TH
10:30 AM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis MD 21401
Registration is now open for the FY 2026 African American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHPP) Webinars & In-Person Workshops!
Come to a Q&A Session ready to talk about your specific project. Be prepared to ask detailed questions about your project, general questions about the program, or just listen in.
Before joining a Q&A Session it is recommended to have participated in a General Overview webinar or in-person workshop, but not required. View FY26 General Overview Webinar here.
June 2025 MCAAHC Public Meeting
MONDAY, JUNE 2ND
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
JOSIAH HENSON MUSEUM & PARK
11410 Old Georgetown Road
North Bethesda, MD 20852
Host: Chair Maya Davis & Commissioner Robert Patterson, both representing Prince George’s County
Join us to learn about upcoming initiatives, and to hear from engaging speakers in the heritage and preservation community.
Preserving Sacred Spaces | Virtual Discussion
SATURDAY, MAY 17TH
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
VIRTUAL
In celebration of National Preservation Month, we invite you to an inspiring virtual discussion as we honor the remarkable story of Charity Folks, a formerly enslaved woman who self-emancipated and owned property in Annapolis, MD–some of which the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum stands on today.
Join us for a conversation featuring author, historian, and professor Dr. Jessica Millward, guided by Annapolis historian Janice Hayes-Williams, as they shed light on Folks’ significant contributions and highlight the importance of preserving sacred spaces. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with individuals who are committed to safeguarding vital cultural landmarks and ensuring their stories endure.
Dr. Jessica Millward is a media savvy historian and podcast host who specializes in bringing a historical perspective to modern times. An Associate Professor in the Department of History and Core Faculty member of African American Studies at UC Irvine, Dr. Millward’s first book, Finding Charity’s Folk: Enslaved and Free Black women in Maryland was published as part of the Race in the Atlantic World series, Athens: University of Georgia Press (2015).
AAHPP Q&A Workshop
FRIDAY, MAY 9TH
1:00 PM
VIRTUAL
Registration is now open for the FY 2026 African American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHPP) Webinars & In-Person Workshops!
Come to a Q&A Session ready to talk about your specific project. Be prepared to ask detailed questions about your project, general questions about the program, or just listen in.
Before joining a Q&A Session it is recommended to have participated in a General Overview webinar or in-person workshop, but not required. View FY26 General Overview Webinar here.
MCAAHC April 2025 Public Meeting
MONDAY, APRIL 7TH
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Quinn Chapel Christian Life Center
132 East 4th Street, Frederick, MD 21701
Join us for the upcoming April 2025 MCAAHC Public Meeting! This public meeting is hosted by Commissioner Kennedi Wilson representing Frederick County. Join us to learn about upcoming initiatives, and to hear from engaging speakers in the heritage and preservation community.
Night of Sacred Sounds: An Evening of Jazz + The Spoken Word
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30TH
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis MD 21401
In solidarity with UNESCO’s International Jazz Day, join the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum for Night of Sacred Sounds: An Evening of Jazz + The Spoken Word—a celebration of rhythm, soul, and inspiration featuring the Kweku Sumbry Quartet and Wesley “Panama” Watkins, Jr. and the Count the Cost Band! This special fundraiser will support the museum’s upcoming programming while honoring the rich cultural heritage of jazz and poetry, two art forms deeply rooted in the African Diaspora.
Set against the backdrop of the museum’s Sacred Spaces exhibition, this event will explore the profound ties between spirituality, artistry, and the African diasporic experience, offering a night of reflection, joy, and community.
Whether you’re captivated by the rhythm of the drums, moved by the eloquence of poetry, or simply drawn to the warmth of shared moments, Night of Sacred Sounds promises to uplift your spirit and energize your soul.
Maryland Day Weekend
SATURDAY, MARCH 22ND
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis MD 21401
Join us this Maryland Day Weekend to celebrate Women’s History Month with a special tour led by the museum’s Curator, Martina Dodd, and Exhibits Manager, Leslie Rose, highlighting the contributions of Black women in our collection.
This tour honors the legacy of pioneering Black women like our namesake Harriet Tubman, Senator Verda Freeman Welcome, Anna Murray Douglass, Charity Folks, Dr. Lillie Carroll Jackson, and many more. We’re proud to center the ongoing contributions of African American women to Maryland’s rich culture, history, and social movements.
The day will also feature a morning mindfulness program with Michele Blu Yoga and an afternoon children’s activity with Baltimore Read Aloud. While visiting, learn more about the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture’s Book Drive and explore over 40 events celebrating Maryland’s Birthday, heritage, and culture across Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. We look forward to welcoming you for a meaningful day of art, history, and community!
Limited spots are available for the mindfulness activity and tour — register to reserve your spot.
Creative Connections: Community Gatherings for the Soul ft. Michele Blu Yoga
TUESDAY, MARCH 11TH
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis MD 21401
In celebration of our new exhibit, Sacred Spaces, and to nurture a true sense of community, we’re excited to offer the museum as a welcoming venue for creatives, artists, mindfulness practitioners, and more to host public classes. Join us as we welcome Michelle Blu Yoga!
Creative Connections: Community Gatherings for the Soul ft. Ni Dembaya African Dance and Drum Ensemble
SATURDAY, MARCH 8TH
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis MD 21401
In celebration of our new exhibit, Sacred Spaces, and to nurture a true sense of community, we’re excited to launch a new initiative: Creative Connections! We’re offering the museum as a welcoming venue for creatives, artists, mindfulness practitioners, and more to host public classes.
To kick off this initiative, we’ll be offering African dance and drum classes led by the Maryland-based collective Ni Dembaya. These classes are open to all skill levels—whether you’re a beginner, expert, or somewhere in between—and are ideal for individuals and families alike. Join us to learn, connect, and experience the energy of this “sacred space.” We can’t wait to welcome you!
Sacred Spaces Exhibition Opening Reception
& Black History Month Celebration
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis MD 21401
Join us for the opening reception of “Sacred Spaces,” an art and augmented reality exhibition featuring artwork by Maryland based artist Jabari Jefferson, that explores the spiritual and cultural contributions of the African American community. In celebration of Black History Month, this program is presented by the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and will include an artist talk, exhibition tour and more! Join us for this unique opportunity to mingle with artists, curators, and fellow art enthusiasts as we kick off this exciting exhibition.
MCAAHC February 2025 Public Meeting
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
REGINALD F. LEWIS MUSEUM
830 E Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Join us for the Black History Month edition of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture Public Meeting, to learn about upcoming initiatives, and to hear from engaging speakers in the heritage and preservation community!
Guest speaker: Bibi Brenda Brown, Adjunct Instructor, Department of History, Geography and Museum Studies, Morgan State University, will speak on the topic of “African American Me”.
Creative Connections: Community Gatherings for the Soul ft. Ni Dembaya African Dance and Drum Ensemble
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis MD 21401
In celebration of our new exhibit, Sacred Spaces, and to nurture a true sense of community, we’re excited to launch a new initiative: Creative Connections! We’re offering the museum as a welcoming venue for creatives, artists, mindfulness practitioners, and more to host public classes.
To kick off this initiative, we’ll be offering African dance and drum classes led by the Maryland-based collective Ni Dembaya. These classes are open to all skill levels—whether you’re a beginner, expert, or somewhere in between—and are ideal for individuals and families alike. Join us to learn, connect, and experience the energy of this “sacred space.” We can’t wait to welcome you!
MLK Program: Decolonize Your Dream!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS-TUBMAN MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis MD 21401
In celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, join us for Decolonize Your Dream!, an inspirational performance and workshop featuring anti-disciplinary artist, curator, and DJ, Muse Dodd. A native of Severn, MD, Muse’s work explores the profound questions: “How do you remember, and what do you choose to forget?” With a focus on channeling trauma, Muse transforms both personal and collective pain into powerful expressions of movement, ritual, and collective dreaming.
Artist Muse Dodd (they/them) will lead the audience through their artistic practice as an anti-disciplinary artist who works in moving image, performance, and sound. The program will include a live performance and sound bath by the artist under their MUSE(O)FIRE moniker, as well as an artist talk and Q&A followed by a hands-on workshop where participants will be invited to create a collectively sourced video collage. Participants will be asked to share a piece of media, be it a short video clip, image or sound that will explore our co-created collective dream for a more just and embodied present and future.
This program promises to be a deeply moving exploration of memory, identity, and the healing potential of art. Light refreshments will be provided.
1-888-373-7888
233733