CLEVELAND (Jan. 25, 2018) - During Black History Month 2018, residents can take a moment to pay tribute to African-Americans from Cleveland and around the country who helped to create positive change and innovation in the city and beyond. Throughout the month of February, Destination Cleveland encourages people of all races, background, ethnicities and creeds to explore the city's rich diversity.
Cleveland History Center
- At the Cleveland History Center, residents can learn about the African-American Clevelanders whose work benefited the city, such as Garrett Morgan, the inventor of the electric traffic light and the gas mask. Locals can even see a replica of Morgan's first-three-position traffic light on display. At the new Carl & Louis Stokes Making History exhibit, residents can learn about the achievements and legacies of Cleveland Mayor Carl Stokes, the first African-American mayor of a major city, and his brother Congressman Louis Stokes. The Cleveland History Center will also be hosting "Black History on Tap: My Corner of Cleveland," which will celebrate some of Cleveland's historic African-American communities, including the Hough, Glenville, Central and Cudell neighborhoods.
- 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland
- Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon - 5 p.m.
- Event: Black History on Tap: My Corner of Cleveland: Saturday, Feb. 10, 1 - 4 p.m.
Karamu House
- Located in Cleveland's Fairfax neighborhood, the Karamu House is the oldest African-American theater in the nation, and the century-old theater company boasts notable alums like Langston Hughes, Ruby Dee and Robert Guillame. As a part of its 2017-2018 season, Karamu House will produce the regional premiere of the show "Sassy Mamas," a romantic comedy that focuses on three women of a certain age who end up pursuing much younger men.
- 2355 E 89th St., Cleveland
- "Sassy Mamas" runs from February 8 - March 4
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will celebrate Black History Month throughout February with different special events. Locals can listen to 2016 Inductee DJ Yella of N.W.A. and Lil Eazy-E discuss their careers, influences and impact as a part of the "Hall of Fame Series." A question and answer session and DJ demonstration will follow the interview. Residents can also go to a screening of the hip-hop documentary "Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap," which was directed and produced by Ice-T. Clevelanders can participate in an interactive technology seminar with BLK Hack, a creative group aimed at educating African-Americans about technology and startup opportunities.
- 1100 E 9th St., Cleveland
- Hours: Sunday - Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- For more information on specific dates and times for special events please visit rockhall.com
Cleveland Cavaliers
- The Cleveland Cavaliers will continue their Black Heritage Celebrations at various February home games. On February 3, the team will remember and recognize the first African-Americans in the NBA, both on the court and in the front office. At the February 22 game, the Cavs will honor African-American women who helped to shape the country we live in today. Finally on February 25, the team will spotlight African-Americans who have made contributions in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
- 1 Center Court, Cleveland
- Signature Black Heritage Celebration theme nights: Saturday, February 3; Thursday, February 22;
and Sunday, February 25
Cleveland Public Library
- Throughout February the Cleveland Public Library will be hosting different programs for Black History Month. Some of the events at the main branch include a visit from author Angie Thomas, a performance by Jah Messengers, and book readings and discussions. Other Cleveland Public Library branches will offer programs on Black History cinema and a Black History Month scavenger hunt for kids.
- For Cleveland Public Library locations and event information, visit www.cpl.org
International Women's Air and Space Museum
- Residents can enjoy "Dinner with a Slice of History" at the International Women's Air and Space Museum. The special event for Black History Month will feature a presentation about the career of local pilot Stephanie Johnson who became the first African-American female captain for Delta Air Lines in September 2016.
- Burke Lakefront Airport, 1501 N. Marginal Road, Cleveland
- Friday, February 2, 6:30 p.m.
Cleveland Play House
- Residents can grab a front row seat to music history in the making at the Cleveland Play House's production of "Marie and Rosetta." The show centers on singers Marie Knight and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who was just named a 2018 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Early Influence Inductee. The two "challenge one another on music, life and The Almighty" throughout a show full of spectacular performances.
- Allen Theatre, 1407 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
- "Marie and Rosetta" runs until February 11.
Cuyahoga County Public Library
For more Black History Month events or to learn more about new attractions and activities or Destination Cleveland, please visit thisiscleveland.com, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our channels on YouTube and Pinterest.
DON'T FORGET: Destination Cleveland's Concierge Team is also available to help residents and their visiting family and friends explore the region. Contact our team through email at cleconcierge@destinationcle.org, live chat at thisiscleveland.com or stop in the Cleveland Visitors Center (334 Euclid Ave., Cleveland) Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. to plan your adventure.
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ABOUT DESTINATION CLEVELAND: Destination Cleveland is Cleveland's convention and visitors bureau. This private, non-profit organization's mission is to drive economic impact and stimulate community vitality for Greater Cleveland through leisure and business travel. Cleveland welcomes 18 million visitors annually. For more information, visit thisiscleveland.com.