In February, 1926, American historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History established the first week centered on the commemoration of Black history and life, “Negro History Week.” A hundred years later, the national theme of this year’s Black History Month is: “A Century of Black History Commemorations.”
The Hudson Valley is a crucial site of Black history. The first non-Indigenous settler of Manhattan, Juan Rodriguez—a man of mixed African and Iberian ancestry—traded fur with the Munsee Lenape people indigenous to the Hudson Valley after he immigrated in 1613. And, legendary abolitionist Sojourner Truth became the first Black woman in the United States to sue a white man and win after filing a habeas corpus petition in the Ulster County Courthouse in March of 1828. (It’s also worth noting Albany—then known as Fort Orange—and New York City were two of the largest slave markets in the country prior to the American Revolution.
Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers notes that the history and experiences of Black individuals are integral to understanding the city’s past and future. “The history of Poughkeepsie should be recognized. Enslaved people were once brought and sold in our city, and their labor helped build the very fabric of our community. Fast forward to today, and we now have Black leaders who are creating legislation and leading our city toward a better future,” explains Flowers.
Flowers, who is the first Black mayor in the city’s history, went on to note, “As we lead, we recognize that we are standing on the shoulders of Black ancestors who fought for our freedom and civil rights. They paved the way so that we could be the next generation of city leaders, and we carry that responsibility with pride.”
To mark the historic anniversary and its ties to the Hudson Valley, many organizations and businesses are hosting events where there will not only be moments to reflect on the countless contributions Black Americans have made to our society at large, but also opportunities to envision ways in which we can commit to anti-racism.
Black History Month Events
Black History Month Reading Series at the Kingston Library
Every Tuesday this month
For fans of books, reading, and literary discussion, the Kingston Library is hosting an author series every Tuesday during the month of February. Each event will consist of a discussion centered around a different African American author. While drop-ins are welcome, registration is recommended. 12pm.
The Du Bois Freedom Center Presents The Scottsboro Boys Traveling Exhibit
Opening February 10
Presented in collaboration with The Scottsboro Boys Museum in Scottsboro, Alabama, this exhibit will tell the story of the nine Black, teenage boys who were wrongly accused of raping two white women aboard a Southern Railroad freight train in northern Alabama. Connections between the case and paramount Supreme Court decisions will be explored, as well as how the boys’ legacy fits into the broader goals and mission of W.E.B. Du Bois. The exhibit is free and reservations are recommended in advance. Moreover, a talk accompanying the exhibit will be held on February 12, 5-7:30pm.
“Fashion and Faith: Hats from the Great Migration” at the New York State Museum
Opens February 14
Between 1910 and 1970, more than seven million African Americans left the South for other states; many of these individuals moved to New York State. This exhibit at the New York State Museum specifically focuses on Albany as a location where fashion—specifically, church hats—was used as a vehicle to express their identity and aspirations.
Kingston Land Trust’s Land in Black Hands Initiative
All Month
The Land in Black Hands initiative at the Kingston Land Trust, which focuses on creating connections (and reconnections) between Black and Indigenous communities with the land in the Hudson Valley. You can fill out the volunteer interest form on the Kingston Land Trust website.
Be the Poem: Living Beyond Our Fears Tour: A Performance and Book Signing with Poet Gold at Vassar College, at the AULA at Ely Hall
February 19
Award-winning, multidisciplinary artist Poet Gold is delivering a lecture and spoken word performance at Vassar College. Poet Gold most recently came out with the book “ Be The Poem: Living Beyond Our Fears.” Local poets will be featured prior to the performance. 6:30 pm.
Seventh Annual Sojourner Truth Life Walk
February 21
Honoring the abolitionist born in Ulster County, this tour will take participants to various locations integral to Truth’s life from the Jug Tavern to the statue honoring her childhood in Port Ewen. Cups of hot chocolate will be provided for the tour, and you can register at the Ulster County Tourism website. 11am-5pm.
Solidifying Our Legacy — Community Poetry Reading at the Rockland Center for the Arts
February 21
Community leaders and artists from Nyack and West Nyack will work from historical Black literary figures and writers. Some featured writers include: Phyllis Wheatley, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison. 7:30-9pm.
Faith Ringgold Presentation at Moffat Library
February 23
Educator Laura Nicholls will lead a presentation about artist and Civil Rights activist Faith Ringgold. Known for her vibrant, illustrative quilts and the American People painting series, Ringgold also led antiwar and antiracist protests in the mid-twentieth century. You can register for the event at Washingtonville’s Moffat Library website. 6pm.
Celebrate Black History Month at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum
February 25
The Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum is celebrating Black pioneers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) with a crafting event for all ages. Books spotlighting influential Black historical figures will also be featured. 12pm.
