NEW CASTLE, Del. – New Castle County’s schedule of public programs and events celebrating Black History Month is scheduled to include feature a Proclamation Signing Ceremony and Program on Saturday, February 14, 2015.
County Executive Thomas P. Gordon and County Council President Dr. Christopher A. Bullock will dedicate February as Black History Month in New Castle County at 10:30 a.m. at the Walnut Street YMCA, 1000 North Walnut Street, Wilmington, Delaware.
“We must seize this opportunity to pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who have so contributed to our history and culture as a nation,” County Executive Gordon said.
The County Executive’s Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Samuel L. Guy, Esquire, also plans to attend the event. Mr. Guy is former Chairman and President of the Delaware State Conference of the NAACP. “Ceremonies such as this serve to encapsulate the magnitude and context of something like Black History Month,” Deputy CAO Guy said. “In essence, the Executive and Council President will help give meaning to what we celebrate every February with this formal ceremony.”
The Proclamation Signing Ceremony and Program is presented by New Castle County’s Department of Community Services in conjunction with the African American Heritage Center, Afro-American Historical Center of Delaware, Delaware NAACP, and the YMCA Black Achievers Program. The month-long celebration honors the immeasurable contributions of African Americans to the nation’s collective culture and history. Program coordinators, General Manager Sophia Hanson and Harmon Carey, Executive Director of the Afro-American Historical Center of Delaware, invite citizens to participate in this and other celebratory events honoring African Americans during Black History Month.
The Walnut Street YMCA was constructed in 1939 and has been serving the African American community ever since. The Black Achievers Program was established in 1989 to provide college readiness and career awareness to African American teens. In keeping with the spirit of Black History Month, the Proclamation Signing Ceremony and Program date of February 14 was selected to honor the birth date of the founder of the AME Church, Richard Allen.
For information on all upcoming events throughout the month, visit nccde.org/specialevents.
New Castle County Black History Month Programs 2015 Throughout February:
In honor of Black History Month in February, Rockwood Museum will take a close look at the stories of the African American servants who worked here at Rockwood. Cora McNitt was a laundress, a cook, and did some housework at Rockwood. Cora ‘lived out’, as did most of her contemporaries, but Anna Bringhurst paid the 5 cent car fare for her to work and back. Sam Meyers worked and lived in the stable at Rockwood. See his photograph with two of Edward’s prized Great Danes. These stories and more highlighted throughout the month. Rockwood Museum
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12
From Africa to the Americas via Music, Song, Dance, and Stories
This is a journey from Africa to the Americas using music, song, dance, and stories as mediums, highlighting the similarities between traditional African culture and African influenced culture in the Americas. Audience participation is a must as this is a village-oriented presentation. Presented by the Delaware Humanities Forum. All ages. 6 p.m., Claymont Library
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14
New Castle County Black History Month Proclamation Signing
10:30 a.m., 1000 N. Walnut Street, Walnut Street YMCA, Wilmington
Dedication of February as Black History Month by County Executive Thomas P. Gordon in conjunction with: African American Heritage Center, Delaware NAACP and Walnut Street YMCA Black Achievers Program.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Special Programs for Black History Month
Capt. Lionel Hywson will be our guest speaker. He will recite Dr. King’s "I Have A dream” speech. Mr. Hywson is a formal Associate Minister at Canaan Baptist Church. He will display his extensive Art Collection including Kings and Queens. On a sunny day you may see him on the Christina River sharing his wealth of history with those on the cruse. No charge. 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Absalom Jones Senior Center
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
In Search of the Underground Railroad
One 2-hour program, $10R/$15NR
3306.301 Sat 1-3pm 2/21
Many homes in Delaware were stations and safe houses for slaves making their way to freedom. Could Rockwood Mansion have been one? The evidence is circumstantial but Rockwood was the right location where many followed the roads and streams north. This program will let you make your own conclusion. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for indoor and outdoor walking. Registration required. $10 for county residents and $15 for nonresidents. 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. , Rockwood Museum
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Black History Month Special Luncheon
We will have a covered dish lunch and are asking members to donate chicken, black eye peas, rice, corn bread, and collard green. The staff with the help of our members will cook everyone a delicious lunch. No charge. Reservations required. 302-995-7636. 11:30 a.m., Absalom Jones Senior Center
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Buffalo Soldiers
19th century African Americans that defended the American West for expansion. Their mottos: We Can We Will, Ready and Forward. The forgotten soldiers of yester year. Registration required. Adults. 7-8:30 p.m., Brandywine Hundred Library
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Celebrate Black History Month
Join us as we honor Black History Month through stories, songs, crafts, and snacks. Food allergy warning: Children with peanut-related allergies should take caution during event because edible peanut butter and honey experiments will be available. Registration requested. Ages 3+. 10:30 a.m., Brandywine Hundred Library
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Black History Month Series: Bessie Coleman: Inspired to Fly
This presentation uncovers and appreciates the power, ingenuity, and strength of Bessie Coleman. She propelled beyond barriers in a male-dominated arena and became a flyer. Registration required. Ages 5+. 11 a.m. , Garfield Park Library
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28
The American Anti-Slavery Society and Hockessin
The Christiana Riots became one of the most famous events in the Annals of the Underground Railroad. Learn what the Riots, the American Anti-Slavery Society, C.C. Burleigh, The Liberator Newspaper, legislative petitions and the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 have to do with Hockessin. The Hockessin Historical Society with President Joseph R. Lake and Board Member Darleen Amobi offers a fascinating presentation. Registration required. All ages. 11 a.m., Hockessin Library
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