Aug. 23, 2008. African American Story Telling & Craft Activity. 12 noon-2pm. Since the beginning of time storytelling has been important event in African American communities.  Children will be enriched with folktales followed by a craft. Theme of the event will be preserving family history.  Free, however Pre-registration is required.

 

September 6 – October 25, 2008.  “Don’t Grieve After Me” – The Black Experience in Virginia 1619- 2005.  Co-produced by Virginia Foundation for Humanities and Hampton University, contributes to the understanding of the African-American experience in Virginia over nearly 400 years by documenting some of the state’s untold stories, beginning to fill in historical gaps, and correcting past omissions and misrepresentations.  Opening reception Saturday, September 6, 2008 12 noon-2pm.

 

October 18, 2008. 2pm – 4pm. Dylan Pritchett, Virginia’s Premier Storyteller, presents"Scraps of History," which uses actual documents from the 18th and 19th centuries to weave African-American history into the fabric of the American past, to make learning come alive for students of all ages.  Free to the public. 

 

October 25, 2008. The Voting Rights Act of 1965- 12 noon-3pm.  We will examine the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that outlawed the requirements of would be voters.  During the day we will have live re-enactments from activists, protestors & voters; try your hand at re-creations of the illegal voter registration “tests”; and learn about the amendments that effected voter rights change in the wake of the November 2008 elections.

 

November 1 – November 30, 2008.  “Creations in Paint” works by artist, Mal Cann.  Featuring lifelike portraits and other painted works of art.  Exhibit opening reception November 1, 2008 12 noon - 2pm. 

 

November 15, 2008. African American Story Telling & Craft Activity

12 noon-2pm. Since the beginning of time storytelling has been important event in African American communities.  Children will be enriched with folktales followed by a craft.  Theme of this event is holiday celebrations. Free, however Pre-registration is required

 

December 1, 2008.  “Keeping Hope Alive” – Observance of World AIDS Day.   Posters created by area high school students will be on display. 12pm – Showing of documentary about AIDS in the African American community.   2pm - Free screening of movie, “Life Support” starring Queen Latifah.  Testimonies of Hope all day; health and prevention information provided by local HIV/AIDS community agencies.  Photographic display of children affected by HIV/AIDS around the world.

 

December 6, 2008 – January 6, 2009.  “Quilted Images Inspired by The Color Purple” – Experience this unique exhibit of quilted art created by members of the 54-40 African American Quilter’s Guild.  Each piece is an interpretation of a scene from the book by Alice Walker, “The Color Purple”.  Opening reception Saturday Dec. 6, 2008 – 12 noon – 2pm.

 

December 13, 2008.  Soulful Christmas Celebration.   12 noon – 4pm.  A full day of holiday happenings!  Visit and take pictures with our African American Santa.  Enjoy sounds of the season provided by area youth choirs.  Shop for that special gift from local craftsmen/women.  Give back to the community by donating to Toys-4-Tots.

 

December 20, 2008.  “Habari Gani!” - Kwanzaa Workshop. 1pm – 4pm. A family workshop that will provide information to help families celebrate this cultural, week long celebration.  The principles of Kwanzaa, craft ideas and recipes will be discussed and demonstrated.