2020 Countywide Black History Celebration

The 2020 Countywide Black History Celebration is a series of events throughout Dorchester County, Maryland highlighting local African American history, culture, art, music and theater.  

The theme of this year's Countywide Black History Celebration is "Honoring the Past - Celebrating the Future" which will be explored with the following programs:

•  Friday, January 31 - 6 - 8 p.m. - Event Kick-off  - Dorchester Center for the Arts, 321 High St, Cambridge - The evening will include speakers, performance art, re-enactments and audience participation opportunities highlighting events from the past and present and closing out the evening with a hands-on community project. Admission is free for the kick-off event.

Special Keynote Speaker for the kick-off event is Cambridge native Yogananda D. Pittman, Assistant Chief of Police, United States Capitol Police.  Assistant Chief Pittman was the first black female promoted to the rank of Captain and the next higher rank of Inspector. She then became the first woman to become a Deputy Chief of Police. As of Oct. 18, 2019, she became the first woman to hold the rank of Assistant Chief of Police. 

Special Guests at the kick-off event are local doctors, brothers and graduates of North Dorchester High School: Ferdinand Vilson, Fred Vilson and Fernandino Vilson.

Other events from the Countywide Black History Celebration partners - the Alpha Genesis Community Development Corporation, Dorchester Center for the Arts, Dorchester Chamber of Commerce and Harvesting Hope Youth and Family Wellness include:

•  Saturday February 1, The 3rd Annual Harvesting Hope Youth and Family Wellness Inc., Health, Finance, Housing and Entrepreneurship Series. Maces Lane Middle School 1101 Maces Lane Cambridge Md. Breakout sessions 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This is a FREE community event. Our speakers provide education on several area topics to address needs in the community. Our sessions include mental health, physical health, housing, insurance, finances, legal, starting and maintaining your business, nutrition and exercise. Community agencies will be available to information on their resources. Vendors will be selling items to purchase. Healthy food demonstrations, yoga, etc. Choose the sessions that best fit your needs and or concerns. We look forward to having you join us. Bring a friend. Hosted By: Harvesting Hope Youth and Family Wellness Inc.

•  Saturday February 8, The 3rd Annual Youth Expo 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Maces Lane Middle School 1101 Maces Lane Cambridge Md. Breakout sessions 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This is a free event for youth and families. We have interactive activities for youth ranging from financial literacy to career options. There are performers, community agencies, youth programs, and vendors. There are breakout sessions for parents and youth. We have food and giveaways for all! We look forward to seeing you this year. Hosted By: Harvesting Hope Youth and Family Wellness Inc.

•  Saturday February 22, 3 - 4 p.m., The Life of Fredrick Douglas, portrayed by storyteller Walter Jones. Mr. Jones illuminates the early life of Frederick Douglas in an engaging presentation that is sure to enlighten and delight young and old alike. Location: George B. Todd Performance Hall at Dorchester Center for the Arts. Admission - $8 per person, $24 max. per family. (Walter Jones is a musical storyteller, performing arts educator, certified special educator and children’s minister. He is a graduate of Yale University and Howard University Divinity School.)

•  Saturday February 22.  The 3rd Annual Black Excellence Gala, “When the Stars Align” a Black-Tie Event. This annual event celebrates African American history, culture and promotes Black excellence. We are tax-exempt agency.  Funds go towards programs such as mental health and mentoring. This event is open to the community.  Tickets via Eventbrite or 443-351-4846, cost $50 per person 8 p.m. - 1 a.m., Hosted By: Harvesting Hope Youth and Family Wellness Inc. 

Check the Dorchester Banner every week for information on Black History events in Dorchester County. 

In addition, please watch for the Countywide Black History Celebration publication in the January 29 edition of the Dorchester Banner and online at www.DorchesterBanner.com under "Special Sections."  

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the January 31 kick-off event of the Countywide Black History Celebration.  Email us at Banner@newszap.com for more information.