Gaithersburg Celebrates Black History Month With Virtual Events

GAITHERSBURG, MD — February is Black History Month — a time dedicated to honoring the achievements and contributions of Black Americans.

Black History Month will look this year different due to COVID-19. But there are many ways to celebrate while following coronavirus safety guidelines.

The City of Gaithersburg will be celebrating with virtual storytime programs, theater performances, and an official proclamation.

Here's a schedule of events:

StoryTime Station: Stella's Stellar Hair

Available now on the Gaithersburg Community Facebook page

FREE

Description: Author Yesenia Moises joins us to read her new book, "Stella's Stellar Hair." Stella visits each of her fabulous aunties across the solar system, and finds perfect hairdos from the African diaspora along the way in this beautifully illustrated book. Bronx native, Afro-Latina, Yesenia Moises is an illustrator and toy designer. "Stella's Stellar Hair" is her first author-illustrator book.

Virtual City Council Meeting - Official Proclamation

Monday, Feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m.

FREE

Description: At the virtual Mayor and City Council meeting on Monday, Feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Jud Ashman will issue an official proclamation commemorating Black History Month to Byron A. Johns, Education Chair of the Montgomery County NAACP. Johns is a leading advocate for educational equity and has also served as the NAACP Parents' Council Chair and a PTA Officer. He worked to form the Maryland Coalition to Reform School Discipline, resulting in legislation to improve the welfare of Maryland's children, ban the suspension of young learners, and reduce the disparity in discipline for students of color. In 2019, Johns was honored by the Board of Education with the Distinguished Service to Public Education in Montgomery County Award.

An Interview with Mary Church Terrell

Available throughout the month of February on the Gaithersburg Community Museum Facebook page.

FREE

Description: Mary Church Terrell, suffragist and founder of the National Council for Colored Women, was a leader in the woman's suffrage movement and a pioneer in civil rights. As portrayed by Sherrie Tolliver, travel back in time with Terrell to hear those hidden stories as interviewed by area high school student Joie Allen.

Tasty Books Take-Home Kit: Ron's Big Mission

Kit pick-up Thursday, Feb. 4 between 1 and 4 p.m. at Casey Community Center.

Purchase kits in advance here.

$12 per full kit and $5 per add-on kit (without book)

Description: Celebrate Black History Month with the inspiring story based on Ronald McNair's life as a little boy who grew up to be one of the bravest scientists and astronauts in history. Discover a nine-year-old Ron who loves going to the Lake City Public Library to look through all the books on airplanes and flight. But in the segregated world of South Carolina in the 1950s, obtaining his own library card is not just a small rite of passage – it is Ron's first courageous mission. This month's Tasty Book Kit includes the book "Ron's Big Mission" by Rose Blue, an engaging craft, a recipe for astronaut ice cream, and a cooking accessory.

The Mountaintop by Katori Hall

In partnership with Rockville Little Theatre

Weekends, Feb. 19 - 28

Livestreamed from the Arts Barn on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

$20 per household. Purchase tickets here.

Description: A gripping re-imagination of events the night before the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On April 3, 1968, after delivering one of his most memorable speeches, an exhausted Dr. King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel while a storm rages outside. When a mysterious stranger arrives with some surprising news, King is forced to confront his destiny and his legacy to his people. Recommended for ages 14 and older. Council Member Laurie-Anne Sayles will participate in a promotional video for the upcoming livestreamed theater production.