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Blog, Cultural Heritage Preservation, Main Channel

Black History Month 2017

February 6, 2017 Faye Anderson

February is Black History Month. This year’s commemoration is special because we are still celebrating the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

NMAAHC - Collage

I have visited the museum twice; my next visit is later this month. The museum can be overwhelming so I methodically focus on one floor at a time, beginning with the History Galleries.

History Galleries

It is as emotionally wrenching as you would imagine. It is also motivating and inspiring. I thanked the ancestors for surviving the brutality of slavery and maintaining their humanity, their “soul value.” I am empowered by their enduring legacy of struggle and resistance.

Last week, I checked out the Culture Galleries.

Culture Galleries - Music

It was sheer joy to experience black culture in all its glory – music, fashion, dance, culinary and visual arts, as well as the performing arts. Philadelphia’s music legends are in the house, including Marian Anderson, John Coltrane, Dixie Hummingbirds, Kenny Gamble, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, Leon Huff, Patti LaBelle, Paul Robeson and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. There’s an image of a billboard advertising an appearance by Fats Waller at the Lincoln Theater, a Philly landmark.

Lincoln Theater - NMAAHC 1.0

I ended each visit at Contemplative Court where I sat and, well, contemplated how we got over.

Contemplative Court - MLK

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#BlackCultureMatters#BluesAretha FranklinBlack History MonthCivic EngagementCivil RightsCultural Heritage PreservationJazzMarian AndersonRaceWilliam Still

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