15 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month 2021

CLEVELAND (Jan. 29, 2021) – Black Clevelanders have and continue to create change and foster innovation in the community, the country and across the world. As Americans work to dismantle systemic racism in the country and in our city by prioritizing the essential learning and engagement with the Black community, Destination Cleveland encourages locals, during Black History Month, to attend or visit one or more of the virtual or socially distanced events, exhibits and attractions throughout the area to further their knowledge and understanding.

PRIMER ON PROMINENT PEOPLE AND PLACES
Cleveland boasts a strong history of Black influence. From history and science to art, culture and education, many groundbreaking moments and places in Black history exist in Cleveland. Online resources, including the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History, Cleveland Historical and Cleveland Restoration Society, offer lessons about the region’s prominent Black figures and organizations.

EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS AND LEARNING LECTURES
Western Reserve Historical Society/Cleveland History Center
This year, residents can learn more about Black influence in Cleveland from the comfort of their homes with virtual programming from the Western Reserve Historical Society and Cleveland History Center. Locals can immerse themselves in the area’s Black history with the Speaking of Cleveland lectures that cover important figures and community practices and the online exhibit Celebrate Those Who Give Black, which explores the rich history of Black charitable giving and tells the story of Black philanthropy in Cleveland.

The Rise of Black Glenville
This virtual exhibit dives deep into Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood, a historic landmark of the Civil Rights movement. Curator Shelli Reeves worked to gather stories, history and photos of the neighborhood for the exhibit. In addition to viewing online, Cleveland residents can also set up an appointment to view the exhibit at ThirdSpace Action Lab in Cleveland.

Cleveland Museum of Art: The Politics of Sound
February 3 at 12:00 p.m.
How has music served as a tool for political change? Join Andrew Cappetta, Manager of Exhibition and Collection Programs at the Cleveland Museum of Art, and Nwaka Onwusa, Vice President of Curatorial Affairs & Chief Curator at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, for a conversation about the power of music and artists who have harnessed word and sound to fight for social justice and racial equality.

Cleveland Public Library and 19 News: And Justice for All
February 20 at 7:00 p.m. on WUAB CW 43
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cleveland Public Library put a new twist on its traditional programming by partnering with WOIO 19 News to broadcast its 36^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration. The segment, which debuted in January, will again air on WUAB CW 43 on February 20 at 7:00 p.m. and is also available on the 19 News website here.

Kent State University: The Black American Experience
February 18 from 12 to 1:30 p.m.
Kent State University is hosting a virtual program to foster awareness about the experiences Black Americans face in a country founded on racism and slavery and start discussions on how we can move forward. All are welcome to attend.

CELEBRATIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Karamu House: The Impact of “Shuffle Along”
February 1 – February 28
Karamu House, America’s oldest Black producing theatre, is offering a virtual, on-demand and free musical documentary about Shuffle Along. Presented in partnership with The Musical Theatre Project, the multimedia concert features songs from the first-ever jazz musical and tells the story and history behind the groundbreaking production, which is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2021. Karamu House will also host virtual live events each Friday throughout Black History Month as part of its In the Tradition community program series.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
This year, Clevelanders can enjoy the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Black History Month Celebration in-person or virtually through the “It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope & Empowerment” exhibit, which features Black artists and their use of music to respond to racism, fight for human rights and promote social justice. Rock and roll fans can also enjoy a musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the museum’s YouTube page as well as a number of lectures that will take place throughout Black History Month. Locals can visit the Rock Hall’s online events calendar for information.

Playhouse Square: Rhapsody in Black
February 22-28
Cleveland residents can enjoy the virtual one-man show, written and performed by LeLand Gantt, which details his personal journey to understanding racism in America. In addition to the on-demand show, Playhouse Square will host Mr. Gantt for a live Q&A on February 28 at 7:00 p.m.

COMMERATIVE MURALS AND MEANINGFUL ART INSTALLATIONS
Black Lives Matter Street Mural
East 93^rd Street, Cleveland
In 2020, more than 20 artists teamed up to paint the mural, each artist taking one letter to celebrate Black culture in Cleveland. The mural follows a trend started by Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser that has since spread to Akron, Cincinnati, Oakland, Sacramento and more.

“Storytime BLM” Mural
Moodie Building at 410 E. 156^th Street, Cleveland
Collinwood residents and community activists Chanell and Donald Boyd commissioned a mural dedicated to Black legacy and history. With the support of Black Lives Matter Cleveland, four local artists created “Storytime (BLM)” to celebrate children, education and the community collaboration in the Collinwood neighborhood and the Waterloo Arts District.

Underground Railroad Mural
Willis Street, Bedford
A public mural designed and created by three local artists to celebrate the unique role the City of Bedford played on slaves’ road to freedom. The mural is feet from the railroad tracks that Abraham Lincoln traveled to his inauguration and later as part of his funeral procession. The mural features iconic figures like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass.