Staff from Danville Parks and Recreation and Danville Public Library hosted Black History Month programming last week to kick off the month-long celebration.
On Saturday, library staff in conjunction with Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History screened the film “The Movement 1963” with Jonathan Parker. Over 60 individuals attended the event at the museum which included a guest panel comprised of local community members who were featured in the documentary.
On Thursday, Ballou Recreation Center staff hosted Tales of South Africa. During the event, Deloris Crews of Parks and Recreation along with several special guests shared photos, modeled African attire and jewelry, and shared testimonies of their travel experiences to a guest list of over 150 individuals.
Both events were the first of several hosted by Parks and Recreation and Library staff that celebrate African American history and culture to be held this month.
Upcoming/Ongoing Programs at Ruby B. Archie Public Library
Seen & Heard
Stop by the library to view the Seen & Heard display which features historical record of extraordinary African Americans from Danville and surrounding areas. The exhibit is free and open to the public during library hours and will be on display throughout the month of February. The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Also, on loan this year is a copy of IBe Crawley’s Artist Book “63 Women.”
March Through the Stacks
For younger library patrons, March Through the Stacks is an engaging hands-on experience featuring history and activities that celebrate Black History Month. This event is for youth under the age of 17 and will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 20. There is no fee to participate; however, registration is required. To register, call 434-799-5195. Spaces are limited.
Upcoming Programs at Ballou Recreation Center
International Civil Rights Tour Trip
Tour Greensboro, North Carolina’s Civil Rights Center & Museum from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 20. The museum commemorates the February 1, 1960, sit-ins at a whites-only counter in Greensboro by four Black college students from North Carolina A&T State University-David Richmond, Frank McCain, Ezell Blair, and Joseph McNeil. Their non-violent action ignited the Sit-In Movement that renewed the Civil Rights Movement. Engage in galleries with pictorial depictions, artifacts, and interactive components. The cost of this trip is $65 per person. Spaces are limited. To register, call 434-799-5216. At the time of this release, this program’s registration was nearing capacity.
August Wilson’s “Fences” Trip
On February 21, travel with Ballou staff to Roxboro, North Carolina as Roxboro Little Theater presents August Wilson’s “Fences.” The play features Troy Maxson, a former star of the Negro baseball leagues, who now works as a garbage man in 1957 Pittsburgh. A towering figure facing thwarted aspirations, Troy attempts to assert control in his life through his relationships with his wife and son. But even as he takes responsibility for their safety and well-being, he betrays them each in ways that will forever alter their lives. Fences explores the walls we build around ourselves and our loved ones, while also illuminating one family’s struggles in a racist society. The show is Directed by Fred Motley. The cost is $25 per person. Spaces are limited. To register, call 434-799-5216. At the time of this release, this program’s registration was nearing capacity.
A Life in Stitches
Visit Ballou Recreation Center from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on February 26 and travel through time with Ms. Edith Edmunds, 99-years young, as she takes you on The Underground Railroad through her quilt exhibits. Ms. Edmunds will explain the imagery and symbols of this gateway to freedom as she displays her craftmanship. There is no fee to participate. To register, call 434-799-5216.