We’ve compiled a list of Rockland County-based arts-related events that commemorate Black History. Thanks to all of the artists and arts organizations who are committed to ensuring inclusion of Black history and Black art not just in February, but EVERY day. (We will try to keep this list updated as we learn of events.)
Saturday, February 6, 2021 | 7PM
Nyack Center’s Black History Celebration
Presented by the Nyack Center
FREE
For more info: www.nyackcenter.org
Honoring those contributing to the lives of African Americans
A Virtual Evening of Song, Celebration & MLK Oratory Contest
Honorees: Lynnette & James Marshall, and Rev. Owen Thompson
”The Legacy of John Lewis”
Sunday, February 7, 2021 | 2:00-3:30PM
The Roots of Black Music in America
Presented by the New City Library
FREE
To register: https://newcity.librarycalendar.com/events/roots-black-music-america
This lively concert serves as both history and music that spans the history of African-Americans.
Friday, February 12, 2021 | 2:00-3:15PM
Art by African Americans: From the 60s to the Age of Black Lives Matter
Presented by the West Nyack Free Library
FREE
No registration required (Zoom link provided below)
Join art historian Janet Mandel to celebrate the rich contributions these artists made to American culture.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87302179584?pwd=ZStuU21SbkNNdjVtdWg2L0tQcE1HUT09
Meeting ID: 873 0217 9584
Passcode: 442768
Wednesday, February 17, 2021 | 7:00-8:30PM
Mario Medici Tours: The Civil Rights Movement
Presented by Dennis P. McHugh Public Library
FREE
REGISTER HERE
The civil rights movement was a struggle by African Americans in the mid-1950s to late 1960s to achieve civil rights equal to those of whites, including equal opportunity in employment, housing, and education, as well as the right to vote, the right of equal access to public facilities, and the right to be free of racial discrimination. No social or political movement of the twentieth century has had as profound an effect on the legal and political institutions of the United States. This movement sought to restore to African Americans the rights of citizenship guaranteed by the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, which had been eroded by segregationist Jim Crow Laws in the South. Mario Medici will present the events in an interesting and factual manner that will hold your interest for the fastest 60-75 minutes.
Frances Pratt
February 19 through February 25, 2021
The Pratt in the Hat, A Film by Susan Hillary, Starring Frances Pratt
Presented by Rivertown Film
FREE. Donations made during the streaming will benefit the Nyack NAACP.
THE PRATT IN THE HAT is a short film about Frances Pratt, her colorful hats, her prattisms, and her civil rights leadership, beginning in 1957 through her retirement as the President of the Nyack, NY Branch of the NAACP this year. THE PRATT IN THE HAT is a celebration of Pratt’s unique wisdom which she gained through observation and perseverance as a woman of color.
A link to the film will be provided on February 19 via rivertownfilm.org
This is a fine-cut, pre-release streaming for Black History Month.
For more information: https://rivertownfilm.org/
Seret Scott and Bill Gunn in LOSING GROUND, directed by Kathleen Collins in 1982.
February 19 through February 25, 2021
Losing Ground and The Cruz Brothers and Miss Malloy
Presented by Rivertown Film and the Nyack Library
$10 single ticket price for both films
Tickets will go on sale February 19 via rivertownfilm.org
Piermont based writer and director Kathleen Collins (1942 – 1988) made two groundbreaking films, both available for streaming: The Cruz Brothers and Miss Malloy (50 minutes; 1980) and the feature film, Losing Ground (1982), which was just selected for the prestigious National Film Registry for their permanent collection and was the opening night film in the Film Society of Lincoln Center series, “Black Independents in New York, 1968-1986”. Both films are set in Rockland County.
For more information: https://rivertownfilm.org/
Tuesday, February 23, 2021 | 7:00-8:00PM
The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith
Presented by the Visual and Performing Arts Department and Campus Players, Rockland Community College
FREE
No registration required (Zoom link provided below)
Presenting scenes and songs from the critically acclaimed play with music followed by discussion and Q&A
featuring Miche Braden as Bessie Smith
conceived of, and originally directed for the stage by Joe Brancato
written by playwright and RCC adjunct professor Angelo Parra
For more information: https://sunyrockland.edu/event/the-devils-music-the-life-and-blues-of-bessie-smith/
Join via Zoom: https://sunyrockland-edu.zoom.us/j/95547059613
Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | 7:00 PM
Film Discussion Moderated by Bill Batson
Presented by Rivertown Film, the Nyack Library and more to come
On Wednesday, February 24, join Rivertown Film at 7:00 PM for what is sure to be an eye-opening discussion about art, movies, Rockland history and more. Moderated by Bill Batson, panelists will include friends and associates of Kathleen Collins, including participants in these films, some of whom still live in Rockland County.
SAVE THE DATE! Participants will be announced soon. For more details: https://rivertownfilm.org/
Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | 4:30-5:30PM
Let’s Celebrate Jean-Michel Basquiat
Presented by the Nyack Library
FREE
REGISTER HERE
This is a virtual program. Once you are registered you will receive a confirmation email with all of the necessary information to access this program. Be sure to check your spam folder if you do not see the email!
For children in grades 3-5
In honor of Black History Month, we will learn all about the amazing artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat and his unique style of painting. We will then create our own painted masterpiece inspired by Basquiat.
We will call you during the week before the program to arrange a pick up time for your craft kit. Space is limited and priority will be given to Nyack/Valley Cottage residents.
Thursday, February 25, 2021 | 7:00-8:00PM
Create and Sip: Celebrating Black History Month - Ashley Bryan
Presented by Dennis McHugh Piermont Public Library
FREE
REGISTER HERE
Celebrate Black History Month with a Virtual Create and Sip Event inspired by award winning American author and illustrator, Ashley Bryan.
Participants will receive a goody bag with a mini bottle of wine, individual bag of chocolates, colored paper, and inspiration images. Our project is designed to be beginner friendly but fun for all levels.
Taught by Alexis Starke, this class will explore the colorful cut paper collages of Ashley Bryan, the first African American to publish a children's book as author and illustrator. Bryan's work is informed by the African American experience and draws on African cultural heritage. Bryan grew up in 1930's New York City surrounded by art and music..... and birds! We will look at his amazing illustrations for Beautiful Blackbird (think Henri Matisse meets John James Audubon) and take inspiration from his life, writing, and art.
You will also need pencil; eraser; pencil, eraser, glue, and scissors.
Talking Skull, Sculpture by Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller, 1939
Friday, February 26, 2021 | 7:00-8:30PM
Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller: Sculptor of the Black American Experience
Presented by Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library
FREE
REGISTER HERE
Meta Fuller was born in Philadelphia during Reconstruction and lived until the year that Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. A protégée of French sculptor Auguste Rodin, she returned to America from a triumph in Paris to become a luminary of the Harlem Renaissance. Meta Fuller has been described as one of the most imaginative artists of her generation, and her powerful sculptures stand as an historical record of the Black American experience.