COLORADO SPRINGS — It's Black History Month. It is an annual celebration during the entire month of February that recognizes African-Americans central role in U.S. history. According to History.com, the event originated from "Negro History Week" created by Carter G. Woodsen and other prominent Black figures in 1915.
Since 1976, every American President has designated February as Black History Month, each one with a specific theme. This year, Black History Month will highlight Black family representation, identity, and diversity.
Here are some Black History Month events happening in Colorado:
Colorado Springs:
- Tuesday, February 9
- Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College presents Artist Talk: Celebrating Fifty Years of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. Tuesday, February 9, 2021 6 p.m. (duration aprox. 80-90 minutes). Join us for this conversation with the celebrated, Denver-based choreographer Cleo Parker Robinson as the FAC celebrates fifty years of her esteemed dance ensemble. Using the universal language of dance to honor the African Diaspora, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance explores the human condition, champions social justice, unites people of all ages and races, and ultimately celebrates the complexity of life through movement. Moderated by FAC Director, Idris Goodwin, this discussion with Robinson and her team of creatives will shed light on their recently released video of “The MOVE/ment” as well as their longer history of black arts production both in Colorado and beyond. Conversation panelists include: Cleo Parker Robinson, Winifred Harris (Associate Artistic Director) and Chloe-Grant Abel (Rehearsal Director)
- Saturday, February 13
- School Series: COS@150 Through the Lens of Black History Month will take place in honor of Colorado Springs's 150-year anniversary and Black History Month. According to the website, This virtual event showcased by CSPM will exhibit the community's history and culture, exploring the people, places, and events in Black history that contributed to Colorado Springs today.
- Pikes Peak Library District - Learn something exciting and completely different with a West African Dance lesson from Cleo Parker Robinson Dance! Try some new dance moves and enjoy the energy of this lively program with your family and friends. This is a vigorous work out for all ages. The video will be available on the PPLD YouTube channel until March 13.
- Thursday, February 18
- The Breakbeat Poets: A Night of Poetry and Performance. Thursday, February 18, 2021 6 p.m. Join us for a virtual poetry reading and performance by The BreakBeat Poets. Idris Goodwin, Alexa Patrick, Lisa Marie Rollins, and Marcus Wicker will be performing — and you can purchase their books and the anthologies they’re featured in through this page! More information and sign up for this BreakBeat event.
- Saturday, February 20
- Lil' Miss Story Hour will partner with the African-American Historical and Genealogical Society of Colorado Springs for a storytime event, according to Visit Colorado Springs website. book selections will include “I Am Every Good Thing,” by Derrick Barnes, “Black Is a Rainbow Color,” by Angela Joy, “I Got the Rhythm,” by Connie Schofield-Morrison, and “All Because You Matter,” by Tami Charles. This is a hybrid event, so those who cannot attend in person can follow the Zoom link on their website.
- Sunday, February 28
- Onebody Ent's Eighth Annual Multi-cultural Black History Program is honoring Black History through music, dance, poetry, fashion, reenactment, and tributes. According to the event website, this will be an in-person event at the Stargazers Theatre, but there will be limited seating and social distancing will be enforced. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the show starts at 4 p.m. The event will also be live streaming on this website.
Pueblo:
- Saturday, February 13 - Pueblo City-County Library District is hosting a virtual Black History Month trivia event from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The questions will involve literature, prominent figures, and more that have contributed to Black History. The event will take place on Kahoot, so participants will need a smartphone. Click the link here for the link to join the game.
