From “Anansi the Spider” to “Brer Rabbit,” traditional slave tales have hidden meanings that serve to educate and celebrate African American history. Storyteller Dylan Pritchett brings the early days of slavery to life through these tales that are wound tightly with themes of family strength and morals as well as lessons that teach about character […]
Restaurant Week is a time for Portsmouth to show off its wide variety of gourmet specialties. Our local chefs are preparing menus that are guaranteed to leave you wanting more. Participating restaurants will offer special menus with options for two-course lunches and three-course dinners.
Norfolk State University vocal music majors and instrumentalists will present a dynamic concert of songs, highlighting the journey of African Americans from spirituals to traditional and contemporary gospel. Presented under the musical direction of NSU music professor, Dr. Bianca K. Jackson. This program was organized and sponsored in part by the Portsmouth Art & Cultural […]
Black History Now and the Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum proudly presents the exhibition of Rooting for the Home Team: Portsmouth's Black Baseball Players, Promoters and Parks. In the post-World War II era, "Baseball was king" in the sports world of Hampton Roads, especially in the African American community. Discover the joy of baseball among […]
Learn about the quilt making tradition in African American culture and the artistry of the quilts of Gee’s Bend. Participants will then make a Gee’s Bend inspired quilt wall hanging using hand-sewing techniques. Open to ages 12 and up. Registration is required. Call 757-393-8501 or email whitela@portsmouthva.gov for registration or more information.
Visit the Olde Towne Antique & Flea Market on the first Saturday of each month, rain or shine, and enjoy the eclectic collection of unique and antique wares. With more than 70 vendors, you will discover a great selection of antique and flea market items of all types – priced to sell! Shop for estate […]
Harriet Tubman was a soldier, freedom fighter, Underground Railroad conductor, nurse, and a spy. Yet, her most important role was that of a fierce advocate, defender, protector, and supporter of African American rights. Cassandra Newby-Alexander will explore the life of this extraordinary woman whose journeys took her from Maryland to Philadelphia, PA, Auburn, NY, St. […]
Bobby BlackHat brings together the finest blues musicians to perform original, contemporary, and classic blues tunes that will keep your toes tappin’, fingers poppin’, and hips shakin’ all night long.
This three-month temporary exhibit looks at the career of Master Chief Petty Officer Carl Brashear, the first African American to graduate from the United States Navy’s Diving and Salvage School.
This two-month temporary display showcases some of the many local African Americans who joined the Armed Forces during the mid-twentieth century. The photographs and captions come from the archives of the Portsmouth Star’s “Colored Notes” section, an African-American focused component of the local newspaper introduced by Jeffrey T. Wilson in 1924.
Don’t miss this interactive traveling exhibit, on loan from the Children’s Museum of Minnesota, that lets kids step into the world of their favorite picture books. Make snow angels in The Snowy Day, explore an oversized alphabet playground in Chicka Chicka Boom Boom & more! Featured books brought to life in this exhibit: The Tale […]
Visit the Children’s Museum of Virginia each Saturday and Sunday and discover the contributions of black scientists and artists through interactive STEAM activities, experiments, and play.