NORRISTOWN PA – The influence of Blacks and African Americans in visual arts, performance arts, and fashion and hair styles are the subjects of three separate February virtual discussions hosted by the Black History Month Committee of Montgomery County, its Health and Human Services Department said.
Additionally, the committee will round out the month with an in-person celebration of “African Americans’ contributions to the arts, with music, literature, visual art, and delicious food.”
It will be held Feb. 28 (Wednesday) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the first-floor community room at 1430 DeKalb St. Registration is not required to attend. Lunch will be served after the program.
Scheduled virtually are Black History Month panels commenting Feb. 7 on “Blacks/African Americans in the Arts – Visual, Movies & Film;” Feb. 14, “The Influence of Black Music & Dance;” and Feb. 21, “African Americans’ Hair Art & Fashion.” Each session will be held online from noon to 1:30 p.m.. Online advance registration is necessary to receive the virtual links.
As a bonus, the committee has immediately made available a YouTube video (at top) of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” by Norristown Area School District student Brianna Arroyo.
Black History Month committee members
Serving on this year’s committee, the department said, are Terrance Barnes, of the Recovery Office; Charles Clark, of the Office of Drug & Alcohol; Shanita Fields and Anya Goodman, both of the Office of Public Health; Lora Gonzalez and Tammy Tarloski, both of the department; Garfield Jackson, of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence; Mila Hayes, of county Voter Services; Hakim Jones, of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit; Juanita Robinson, of the Office of Children & Youth; county Treasurer Jason Salus; Sonya Sanders, of the Sheriff’s Office; and Lynne Willis, of the Office of Community Connections.
Positively elevating society
“The celebration of Black Americans within the vast field of art has evolved, redefined, and appreciated since the beginning of time. Certain elements, which may have originated as a utilitarian in use or expression, are now considered works of art,” Willis wrote on the county’s Black History Month website.
“Beauty and art are truly in the eyes of the beholder and fortunately, we are no longer confined to narrow-minded, rigid perspectives from traditional schools and academies of art,” she added. “Thanks to those who challenged the status quo, Black American art now encompasses literature, music, theater, architecture, fashion and beyond. These artistic expressions often grow from pain, loss or suffering but positively elevate society.”
“Art that was dismissed is now distinguished. What was ridiculed is now respected, and often stolen or misappropriated. Whether art is an expression of ideas, purposed for daily needs or preserved in various forms to preserve history, it will always be relevant. Join us as we learn of these wonderful, inspiring contributions to the arts, in all its interesting forms.”
Graphic provided by the county Health and Human Services Department
Photo in collaboration with Ben Iwara from Getty Images on Unsplash+,
used by Travels With The Post under license
- Feb. 7, Wednesday, “Blacks/African Americans in the Arts – Visual, Movies & Film,” a virtual discussion noon to 1:30 p.m., free to attend, register online, presented by the Montgomery County Black History Month Committee in Norristown PA
- Feb. 14, Wednesday, “The Influence of Black Music & Dance,” a virtual discussion noon to 1:30 p.m., free to attend, register online, presented by the Montgomery County Black History Month Committee in Norristown PA
- Feb. 21, Wednesday, “African Americans’ Hair Art & Fashion,” a virtual discussion noon to 1:30 p.m., free to attend, register online, presented by the Montgomery County Black History Month Committee in Norristown PA
- Feb. 28, Wednesday, “Celebration of “African Americans’ Contributions to the Arts,” 11:30-1 p.m., free to attend, a live presentation with music, literature, visual art, and food, presented by the Montgomery County Black History Month Committee in the first-floor community room at 1430 DeKalb St., Norristown PA
Road Work Planned Next Week in Union, Boyertown, Bally