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 […]

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 […]

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.

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.

Ages 3-12. Drop in at the Main Library to participate in a Black History inspired edition of our Super Science Program. Learn about a famous scientist and participate in a cool experiment based on that scientist’s work.

Drop in to join us as we celebrate our 2023 Black History Month honorees, Madeline Ashby and Aubrie Greene. We will be decorating cupcakes and making lemonade as we learn more about their business! Call 757-393-8501 for more information.

Underground Railroad scholarship has focused almost exclusively on interior overland routes used to escape enslavement in the Antebellum South. Largely overlooked, however, is the great multitude of enslaved persons who made their way to freedom aboard merchant vessels plying coastal routes along the Atlantic seaboard. This crucial but neglected aspect of the Underground Railroad story […]

Join Porte Towne Magic for a celebration of African American music at 2:00. At 3:00 Greg Eatroff will discuss the role African-American soldiers and sailors played in the American Civil War, with particular emphasis on the role of “USCTs” in operations in and around Hampton Roads, from the Petersburg siege lines to the coastal fortifications […]