Updated February 7th, 2023
Celebrate Black History Month at the 2nd Street Market
Originally conceived by African American historian Carter G. Woodson and prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland, Black History Month was intended as a way of celebrating and remembering the history of Black Americans and their often-forgotten roles in the history of our country.
In 1915, a half century after the ratification of the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, Woodson, a Harvard graduate, and Moorland formed an association. Under its umbrella, the two dedicated their lives to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other Americans of African descent.
Now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), it initially chose the second week in February — which coincides with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14) — to celebrate Black history. Historians have hypothesized Woodson was inspired to launch the week-long celebration after attending the Lincoln Jubilee, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of emancipation in Chicago.
As the civil rights movement pioneered rights for Black Americans nationwide, and the movement for equal rights grew, President Gerald Ford established February as Black History Month in 1976.
This year’s theme, according to ASALH, is Black Resistance, a month to ponder how far Black Americans have come — and how far the country must continue to ensure equal rights for all.
The 2nd Street Market, a Five Rivers MetroParks location, has celebrated Black History Month for many years. The Market is hosting programs with a focus on celebrating and supporting Black members of our community. All programs are free and suitable for all ages.
Music at the Market
Saturdays and Sundays
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Feb. 11: Anna Baughm, known as Anna Marie Music, plays acoustic folk music on guitar and ukulele.
- Feb. 18 (note different time: noon to 2:30 p.m.): Music with the Voices of Fellowship Community Choir
- Formed in November, 1997, The Voices of Fellowship Community Choir’s mission is to carry the message of recovery through spiritual music, testimonies, and workshops. They are comprised of individuals who have lived experiences primarily with addiction and mental health, along with their families and community members. They are part of RAMCO, an organization aligned with the Montgomery County ADAMHS Bd. and other recovery-oriented organizations that serve our community.
- Feb. 25: Music with DC Ensemble, a collective of singers from various local churches and backgrounds, performing everything from Motown to gospel.
Black History Month Panel — Women Entrepreneurs at the Market
Sunday, Feb. 12
10 to 11 a.m.
Successful Black female entrepreneurs who own successful businesses at the Market will share the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Featuring:
- Gabrielle Little – The scRUMptious Dessert
- London Coe – Peace on Fifth
- Jhazlyn Adkins – Wick Therapy Candle
- Mrs. Ernestine’s Pound Cakes
- Danielle Edwards – Sweet P’s Ice Pops
- Rhea Adkins – Vegan IT Iz Eats
- Jamila Briscoe – NuSol Gardens
Talk by Wright-Dunbar House and Charles Young Center
Saturday, Feb. 18
11 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 1:30 p.m.
The Wright-Dunbar House, in partnership with the Charles Young Center at Wilberforce, will give two talks about the area’s National Park Service sites, with a focus on local historic African-American figures.
Regenerative Farming
Sunday, Feb. 26
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tia Stuart, the BIPOC Farming Initiatives’ director and Regenerative Farmer Fellowship (RFF) Coordinator of Agraria, will present. Learn about Agraria’s RFF program, the BIPOC Farming Network, the George Washington Carver Farm and RFF farms. These programs address regional needs regarding food access and food sovereignty in underserved communities. Regenerative farming focuses on improving land and soil quality and encourage biodiversity.
