Black History Month is a celebration of our collective and community history, but it’s also a celebration of history in the making.
Beginning last year, Black History Month Columbus undertook an unprecedented effort to better share the story of the lived Black experience in Columbus, unveiling an outstanding website, blackhistorycolumbus.com, that lists numerous community events throughout February and curates resources and information in one convenient location.
“Black History is for everyone” is the welcoming statement on the website, which earlier this week listed 29 Black History Month events in Columbus — an average of one for every day of this month. And looking through these thoughtfully planned events, you will find there truly is something for everyone.
Today, for instance, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at The Commons downtown is a free First Fridays performing arts show geared for the whole family. Bright Star Children’s Theatre will present “Empowered, Brilliant & Brave: Great Women Of Black History.”
Tomorrow, a series of events sets the local Black History Month celebration in full stride. From 9 to noon at Second Baptist Church, 1325 10th St., will be a program on connecting storytelling to creating music. Also tomorrow morning at 9:30, YES Cinema will host a free screening of the acclaimed Chris Rock documentary “Good Hair,” and finally, at 2 p.m. at Central Middle School will be the “Taste of Soul: Soul Food Cookoff”. Tickets are $15 to $25 and available on the blackhistorycolumbus.com website.
We said at the top that Black History Month also is a celebration of history in the making, and that’s because on Feb. 15, the African American Foundation of Bartholomew County will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a gala event also at The Commons.
As The Republic’s Brian Blair reported, the foundation, which previously was known as the African American Fund of Bartholomew County and is linked to the The Heritage Fund — The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County, is well on its way to a goal of having raised $1 million by 2026.
“We want to thank the community for all their support for the past decade,” said Lori Thompson, one of the organization’s founders.
The foundation has put the money it raises to good use. It funds scholarships, education, leadership development, health awareness, arts and culture, and economic and career development, particularly for young people. It also “emphasizes the importance of investing in the next generation to build a stronger community, celebrating diversity and fostering collaboration.”
A multitude of community organizations are hosting or partnering with Black History Month Columbus organizers to bring this month’s events to the public. And those events range from instructional classes and academic discussions to celebrations of music and fine spirits.
And thanks to the efforts of Black History Month Columbus, these events have been more visible and accessible to all members of the community than they ever have been before.
Check out the events at blackhistorycolumbus.com/community-events, and make a point to attend those that interest you. Like the organizers say, “Black History is for everyone.”
