Events
UPCOMING
MCAAHC December 2023 Public Meeting
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4TH
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
RIVERSDALE HOUSE MUSEUM
4811 Riverdale Rd, Riverdale Park, MD
Join us to learn about upcoming initiatives of the commission, as well as hear from engaging speakers in the heritage and preservation community.
This month’s host will be Vice Chair Maya Davis (representing Prince George’s County). Vice Chair Davis is the Director of the Riversdale House Museum and brings 20 years of public history experience to the Commission.
Guest speakers will be announced. Refreshments will be provided.
A Story to Tell Opening Reception & Kwanzaa Celebration
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9TH
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Join us for our annual Kwanzaa celebration as we highlight our newest exhibit, A Story to Tell, featuring the art of Maryland artist Ernest Shaw and a selection of children’s and young adults books by Baltimore Read Aloud.
This exhibit, curated by Chanel C. Johnson, is an arts and literacy exhibition celebrating the beauty and importance of Black history, art, & literature.
The Banneker-Douglass Museum invites families, art lovers, and readers to explore the exhibited art and literature to build greater connections, appreciation, and understanding of Black history and heritage.
Civil Rights Lecture Part I
SATURDAY, JANUARY 13TH
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Save the date! Join us for the start of our Civil Rights lecture series in commemorating 2024 as the Maryland Year of Civil Rights.
Revisit/Reimagine
Opening Reception
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Guest Curator: Thomas James
Join us for the opening reception of the Revisit/Reimagine, a multidisciplinary exhibition that features historical photographs from the Afro Newspaper archive that chronicle the African American experience, civil rights leaders, and activities in Maryland. Artwork from Maryland Black artists are included to interpret the themes of the photographs.
PREVIOUS EVENTS
Maryland’s Year of Civil Rights Virtual Launch Event
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25
12PM – 2PM
YOUTUBE AND FACEBOOK
The Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and Banneker-Douglass Museum are declaring 2024 as “Maryland’s Year of Civil Rights” with exciting and relevant programming, exhibitions, and partnerships. The commission will launch this initiative with guest speakers Gov. Wes Moore, First Lady Dawn Moore, MCAAHC Chair Dr. Edwin T. Johnson, and Executive Director of AAAM Dr. Vedet Coleman-Robinson.
MCAAHC October 2023 Public Meeting
MONDAY, OCTOBER 2
11:00AM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
The host of this month’s Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture (MCAAHC) Public Meeting is Commissioner Elinor Thompson, representing Anne Arundel County.
Guest Speakers:
- Lou Fields – President, African American Tourism Council of Maryland
- Dr. Travis Parno – Acting Executive Director/Director of Research and Collections, Historic St. Mary’s City
- Edward Dean – Founder and Director, Lower Shore Cemetery Preservation Organization Inc., Dorchester County
Artist Talk Part II & Closing Program: The Radical Voice of Blackness Speaks of Resistance and Joy
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
11:00AM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Moderator: Myrtis Bedolla
Panelists: Oletha DeVane, Jerrell Gibbs, Phylicia Ghee, Edward D. Ghee, Sr., Wendel Patrick
Join us as we bid farewell to our current exhibit, The Radical Voice of Blackness Speaks of Resistance and Joy. During this program we will engage with some of the talented artists behind the artworks on display and have a final chance to gain unique insights into their creative processes. This event promises to be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the culmination of this extraordinary exhibition while connecting with fellow art and history enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on this memorable afternoon of culture, conversation, and inspiration.
March on Washington 60th Anniversary March | Maryland Commemoration
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
ANNAPOLIS, MD
TOGETHER WE CAN BE THE DREAM AS WE COMMEMORATE, EDUCATE, AND ACTIVATE!
In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, the Caucus of African American Leaders (CAAL) and partners are planning a two-day event in Annapolis to include a march reenactment, youth program, and a commemorative civil rights mural at Banneker-Douglass Museum.
August 2023 Public Meeting
MONDAY, AUGUST 7
11:00AM
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
University Student Center, Room 316
1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251
Our new Chair, Dr. Edwin T. Johnson, will be the host of this month’s meeting. Join us to meet new commissioners and learn about upcoming initiatives of the commission, as well as hear from engaging speakers in the heritage and preservation community. Maryland Historical Trust will give a special presentation on the Maryland statewide preservation plan.
African American Heritage Virtual Focus Group
MONDAY, AUGUST 2
12:30PM – 2:00PM
VIRTUAL
The Maryland Historical Trust and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture invite you to participate in a virtual focus group to discuss issues facing African American heritage in Maryland, with a special focus on needs and priorities for the African American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHPP). These meetings will inform program efforts as well as MHT’s 2024-2031 update to the Maryland statewide preservation plan.
MCAAHC Harriet Tubman & Women’s History Award
*NEW DATE!
SATURDAY, JULY 15
6:00PM – 8:00PM
MT. OLIVE A.M.E CHURCH & BREONNA TAYLOR MURAL
2 Hicks Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401
Honoring Erricka Bridgeford and Baltimore Peace Movement
Ms. Erricka Bridgeford’s recognition is coupled with commemorating Breonna Taylor, who would have celebrated her 30th birthday on June 5th. They were chosen because their efforts symbolize “Black Resistance” and “(Women) Telling Our Stories”.
AngelWing Project
SATURDAY, JUNE 24
1:00PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
The AngelWing Project, a non-profit performing arts group based in Glen Burnie, MD will present Vincent Stovall in his one-man show entitled, I Got Somethin’ to Say and I’m Gon’ Say It at BDM.
Stovall will perform his original poetry about family, love, racism, loss, joy, and laughter. The performance also features percussionist Michael Friend, founder of Soul in Motion Players, Inc. and cellist Mikenzie Sweeting, of Howard University.
For mature audiences due to the nature of topics covered in this performance.
Annapolis Juneteenth Parade
SATURDAY, JUNE 17
12:00PM – 1:00PM
MAIN & WEST STREETS
Annapolis, MD 21401
The museum, the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, and our friends and foundation groups will all be participating again this year in the Annapolis Juneteenth parade, and would love to have some of you join us for this celebratory event!
Volunteering would involve walking the parade route and greeting onlookers, carrying/handling our parade banner, and distributing paraphernalia to parade attendees. We plan to be in alignment with current COVID-19 restrictions to keep everyone safe.
Youth Art Exhibit and After-School Program Finale
SATURDAY, JUNE 17
10:00AM – 11:30AM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Join us and special guest Dawn Moore, First Lady of Maryland, for a celebration of creativity and expression! Over the past several months, our dedicated young artists have honed their skills and explored their passions through a variety of mediums, from painting and drawing to photography and mixed media, led by teaching artist Nikki Brooks.
At the exhibit, you’ll have the chance to view stunning works of art created by our talented students, meet the artists, and learn about their inspirations and creative processes.
Bring your friends and family to enjoy a day of art, inspiration, and celebration! Breakfast fare will be served. Sign language (ASL) interpretation will be available at this program.
The After-School Program is organized in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis, and supported by BGE, Anne Arundel County, Annapolis Symphony Academy, and Maryland Hall.
MCAAHC Public Meeting
MONDAY, JUNE 5
11:00AM – 1:00PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Learn about upcoming events and initiatives of the commission at this month’s public meeting hosted by Chair Rev. Dr. Tamara E. Wilson, as well as hear from engaging speakers in the heritage and preservation community.
FY24 African American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHPP) Grant Q&A Webinar
FRIDAY, MAY 12 & THURSDAY, JUNE 8
11:00AM – 1:00PM
VIRTUAL *Register to receive link to join!
For the first time, AAHPP has a new annual appropriation of $5 million, up from $1 million annually! AAHPP provides grants to assist in the preservation of buildings, sites, or communities of historical and cultural importance to the African American experience in Maryland. Attend this general in-person overview to learn how to apply and more.
MD Day Celebration 2023
*UPDATED* SATURDAY, APRIL 1 – SUNDAY, APRIL 2
10:00AM – 4:00PM Each Day
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
*The museum will be open on Sunday for this weekend only!
Stop by BDM for drop-in activities for the whole family. On Sunday, April 2nd be sure to also stop by Maryland Hall, our Maryland Day partner, to contribute to a collaborative mural of Harriet Tubman. Maryland Day Weekend is a unique heritage-based group of events in Annapolis and southern Anne Arundel County. For more info, visit www.marylandday.org.
MCAAHC Public Meeting
MONDAY, APRIL 3
11:00AM – 1:00PM
GRASONVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER
5601 Main Street, Grasonville, MD 21638
Learn about upcoming events and initiatives of the commission at this month’s public meeting, as well as hear from engaging speakers in the heritage and preservation community.
Conversation with the Curator: The Radical Voice of Blackness Speaks of Resistance and Joy
SATURDAY, MARCH 18
1:00 – 3:00PM EST
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Join us for a conversation with Myrtis Bedolla, exhibit guest curator and renowned owner of Galerie Myrtis. Moderated by our very own executive director, Chanel Johnson, we delve into the world of African American art and learn more about the inspiration behind our current exhibition, The Radical Voice of Blackness Speaks of Resistance and Joy.
Artist Talk Part I: The Radical Voice of Blackness Speaks of Resistance and Joy
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18
1:00 – 3:00PM EST
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Join us for a panel discussion with selected exhibiting artists from the current exhibition, The Radical Voice of Blackness Speaks of Resistance and Joy. Panel discussion moderated by Myrtis Bedolla, exhibit guest curator and renowned owner of Galerie Myrtis.
Black History Month Portrait and Collage Activity
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11
11:00AM – 2:30PM
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Join us for a Portrait and Collage Activity with Executive Director and Artist, Chanel C. Johnson. Families with children of all ages can drop-in to explore the museum’s Black history exhibitions and engage in a hands-on portrait and collage activity that celebrates Maryland Civil Rights leaders such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Thurgood Marshall.
Students will learn the art of collage, principles in portraiture, and Maryland history that will inspire young people of all ages.
Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10
11:00 – 3:00PM EST
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Join us for our 2022 Kwanzaa celebration! This year’s festivities will focus on the creativity (Kuumba) of the people of the African Diaspora. We will highlight the museum’s current exhibit, The Radical Voice of Blackness Speaks of Resistance and Joy, while presenting live African dance by Keur Khaleyi African Dance Company, storytelling by Nas I. Afi, Lighting of the kinara and Kwanzaa table presentation by Commissioner Cheryl McLeod, Black-owned businesses, and a catered luncheon of delicious soul food.
Exhibit Opening Reception: The Radical Voice of Blackness Speaks of Resistance and Joy
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10
6:00 – 9:00PM EST
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
You are invited to join us as we celebrate the museum’s newest exhibit, The Radical Voice of Blackness Speaks of Resistance and Joy. In collaboration with world renowned curator, Myrtis Bedolla, the Banneker-Douglass Museum will feature works by fifteen Black Maryland-based artists and portraits from BDM’s Fine Art collection. On this day attendees will enjoy art, music, light fare, the museum’s permanent exhibits and of course, each other!
MCAAHC Fall 2022 Symposium: The Pursuit of Organizational Health, Healing and Wholeness in the African American Community
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 8:00AM – 3:00PM & FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 8:00AM – 5:00PM
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
University Student Center, 1700 Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251
We invite you to join the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC) for this year’s symposium, which aims to focus on, The Pursuit of Organizational Health, Healing and Wholeness in the African American Community. This two-day symposium is presented in partnership with the Dubois Diggs Center for Racial Justice and the Benjamin A. Quarles Humanities and Social Science Institute, both of Morgan State University. Please join us as we keep in the tradition of the commission’s upliftment of Maryland’s African American communities through mentorship, the providing of training and technical assistance and fellowship.
Session recordings will be posted soon!
From 1619 to Today Part III: Youth Community Mural Project
SATURDAY, JUNE 11
11:00 – 4:00 pm EDT
BANNEKER-DOUGLASS MUSEUM
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
In Partnership with Baltimore Read Aloud, Lambda Delta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and the Bowie State University Department of Fine and Performing Arts
On June 11th, we invite you to join us for Part III of the series From 1619 to Today as we create a community mural at the Banneker-Douglass Museum (BDM)!
Youth and community members, led by Chanel Compton, Executive Director of BDM, and Gina Lewis, Professor of Art at Bowie State University, will create a mural of Harriet Tubman (in celebration of Tubman’s year-long 200th Birthday Celebration) incorporating themes from The New York Times bestseller, The 1619 Project by Nicole Hannah-Jones. There will also be a book giveaway of The 1619 Project while supplies last!
American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation will be available for the program portion of this event. Also, youth can receive service learning hours for participation.
In this three part series, we explore the influence of race on the Annapolis community from 1619 to today through public readings, youth presentations, group discussions, and this community mural project.
From 1619 to Today: The Influence of Race on the Annapolis Community (Part II)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
6:00 – 7:30 pm EDT
Virtual
In Partnership with Baltimore Read Aloud, Lambda Delta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and the Bowie State University Department of Fine and Performing Arts
In this three part series, we will explore the influence of race on the Annapolis community from 1619 to today through public readings, youth presentations, group discussions, and a community mural project.
Part II of the series will be a virtual event that features a youth presentation and a public reading of excerpts from the #1 New York Times bestseller, The 1619 Project by Nicole Hannah-Jones. Through intergenerational group discussions after the readings, we will make connections from slavery to the segregation of Annapolis and explore the after-effects of race and racism in Annapolis. We want to know from you, how far have we come and where are we going?
HONOR Exhibit Opening
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19
OPENING RECEPTION: MAY 7
12:00 – 3:00 pm
Join us for our latest exhibit celebrating Black women’s art, HONOR.
Honor: high respect, great esteem.
For centuries, art has been used as a way of expression. We honor the expression of six Black Maryland-based women artists with HONOR, an exhibition co-curated by the Banneker-Douglass Museum and ArtFarm Studios.
BLACK VOTE MURAL PROJECT PANEL DISCUSSION
THURSDAY, APRIL 28
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Virtual
Join us for a panel discussion as we revisit the 2020 critically acclaimed Banneker-Douglass Museum exhibit, The Black Vote Mural Project. During this panel discussion we will explore what was involved in the creation of the exhibit, current projects of some of the exhibit’s artists/curators, and how current social justice movements align with the 2020 art project.
To learn more about The Black Vote Mural Project, click here.
From 1619 to Today: The Influence of Race on the Annapolis Community (Pt. 1)
SATURDAY, APRIL 23
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Virtual
In Partnership with Baltimore Read Aloud, Lambda Delta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and the Bowie State University Department of Fine and Performing Arts
In this three part series, we will explore the influence of race on the Annapolis community from 1619 to today through public readings, youth presentations, group discussions, and a community mural project.
Parts 1 of the series will be a virtual event on April 23rd, 11:00am-1:00pm that features youth presentations and public readings of excerpts from the #1 New York Times bestseller, The 1619 Project by Nicole Hannah-Jones. ASL interpretation will be available. Through intergenerational group discussions after the readings, we will make connections from slavery to the segregation of Annapolis and explore the after-effects of race and racism in Annapolis. We want to know from you, how far have we come and where are we going?
Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Celebration
SATURDAY, MARCH 26
2:00 – 4:00 pm
The world will honor Harriet Tubman throughout 2022, marking 200 years since her birth in Dorchester County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. People from far and wide will be sharing and reflecting on her remarkable story.
Join the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and Banneker-Douglass Museum as we present the “Harriet Tubman Women of Courage and Maryland Day” celebration.
During this virtual program we will highlight the winners of the Harriet Tubman Women’s History Month Women of Courage Video Contest and present the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman.
Reparations Now!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Kojt3mMqRseWPAF4w1kD9w
This discussion will explore why and how reparations should and can be paid to Black communities affected by legacies of systemic oppression, such as slavery and racial violence, in the United States. The conversation will focus deeply on the urgency of reparations and how we all can be a part of this important restorative process. Topics will include the past and present economic implications of slavery and racial violence on Black people in the U.S., among other issues.
Discussion will be between Dr. David Fakunle, Chair of the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and Ms. Maxine Gross, Chair of Lakeland Heritage Project.
The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established by House Bill 307. The Commission is authorized to research cases of racially motivated lynchings and hold public meetings and regional hearings where a lynching of an African American by a white mob has been documented.
As the Chair of the Lakeland Heritage Project, Maxine Gross also serves as a member of the College Park City Council’s Restorative Justice Steering Committee. The Committee is in the process of helping Black residents who were harmed by urban renewal tell their stories and will figure out the best way to compensate them for those harms.
Sign Language interpreters will be present at this event.
Teen Sculpture Workshop
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
12:00 – 3:00 pm
In partnership with the year-long David Hayes sculpture installation around the City of Annapolis, ArtFarm and The Banneker-Douglass Museum will be hosting a teen sculpture workshop led by local artist Scott Newcomb.
In this workshop, students will learn about the artwork of David Hayes, create a small sculpture of their own using cardboard and mat board based on his style and process and then they will create their own patterns and decorate the surfaces of their sculpture after learning about the patterns found in the “code quilts” made to help people navigate the Underground Railroad.
This workshop is part of Banneker-Douglass’ Celebration of Harriet Tubman’s 200th Birthday.
Following the workshop, the public will be invited to view the works and listen to the son of artist David Hayes (also David Hayes) give an art talk about his father’s lifelong works and inspiration.
*Masks will be required for all who attend*
MCAAHC Public Meeting – Virtual
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
2022 is the 200th anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s birth. Join the Commission on African American History and Culture for our February meeting, where we will celebrate the bicentennial of Harriet Tubman with special presentations and guest speakers.
https://zoom.us/j/99723719425?pwd=NzFhYzE2TVpJMlZ6Q29tOGFGWVo5QT09
Meeting ID: 997 2371 9425
Passcode: eDsS1w
Banneker Mural Unveiling – Virtual
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Watch Mural Unveiling on YouTube
The historic “Andrew Ellicott & Benjamin Banneker Surveying the Boundaries of Washington, DC”, painted by William Arthur Smith in 1968, was conserved and will be permanently hung at the Banneker-Douglass Museum. Join us at the unveiling ceremony next Saturday, February 5.
Sign Language interpreters will be present at this event.
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