2025 Citywide Black History Celebration

The Ninth Annual Citywide Black History Celebration is a series of events highlighting local Black history, culture, art, music, and dance. 

This year's events are presented by Biggs Museum of American Art, Delaware Historical & Cultural Affairs, Daily State News, Delaware State University, Dover Public Library, DonDel Productions, First State Heritage Park, Inner City Cultural League and the Sankofa Cultural Arts Center.

We are pleased to have the continued support of our long-time event sponsors:  Chesapeake Utilities and Dover Federal Credit Union. 

Additional event details are included below the photo album so be sure to scroll down.

Also, the Citywide Black History event publication will be available online at BayToBayNews.com/SpecialSections on Wednesday, January 29 and in the Daily State News on Sunday, February 2, 2025. It includes additional stories and details about the event.  

If you would like information about participating in the Citywide Black History Celebration or becoming a sponsor, please contact us at [email protected] or 302-741-8200.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AT A VARIETY OF VENUES THROUGHOUT DOVER

Biggs Museum

As part of Citywide Black History Celebration this February, join the Biggs Museum of American Art in honoring Rozeal., a groundbreaking Black contemporary artist. Known for her intricate works that merge traditional Japanese art styles with modern cultural themes, Rozeal.’s art examines identity, global influence, and self-expression.
The featured exhibition, “Want Not: Rescue from the Otherwise Obscene, Salvation from the Wicked,” invites visitors to explore Rozeal.’s journey, artistry, and powerful storytelling.

•    Free Admission All Month: brought to you by Dover Federal Credit Union.
•    Museum Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Museum Highlights Tour

Saturday, February 1, 2025  
2:00 p.m. - 3 p.m. (Free Event)

Learn more about the Museum and its collection  

Family Creative Studio

Saturday, February 1, 2025  
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Drop-in Free Event) 

Explore your creativity with a free activity inspired by Rozeal.’s career as a DJ in Japan. Design your own album cover to express your unique style. 

Book Club Discussion: "Memphis" by Tara Stringfellow

Sunday, February 2, 2025
2 - 4 p.m. (Free Event)

Dive into a heartfelt discussion of "Memphis", a beautifully woven debut novel about three generations of a Southern Black family navigating love, loss, and resilience.

About the Author: Tara Stringfellow, a poet and former attorney from Memphis, Tennessee, draws on her personal experiences to craft this deeply emotional and poetic story of healing and empowerment.

406 Federal Street, Dover, De | (302) 674-2111 | biggsmuseum.org

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First State Heritage Park

Company 3269-C: The Story of the CCC at Bombay Hook

Saturday, February 1, 2025
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

First Saturday in the First State! In 1938, a new company was formed under the Civilian Conservation Corps. Company 3269-C was a completely segregated African-American group in the CCC–one of the only ones like it in Delaware. Without their hard work, the refuge known as Bombay Hook would not exist. Join us at the John Bell House to hear their story from 10 AM – 3 PM on February 1st. This program is FREE to the public.

“Hidden Lives: Slavery, Freedom, and the Green” Walking Tours 

Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in the month of February,
 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

People of color have been an integral part of the Dover community across more than 300 years of history. Although their lives were tightly woven into the fabric of Dover's every day and their contributions meaningfully shaped this city, their experiences have only too rarely been included in the Dover story as they deserve to be. This February, we invite members of our community to join us as we share these hidden lives unveiled by our ongoing research, sharing deeply human stories of love and loss, hard work, painful setbacks, and triumphs against adversity. Meet a historic interpreter at the John Bell House for this FREE 45-minute walking tour. 

43 The Green, Dover, De | (302)744-5054 | destateparks.com/History/FirstStateHeritage

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Delaware Historical & Cultural Affairs

"Paul Robeson’s Sacrifice" 

Saturday February 1, 1 p.m.

Local historian Syl Woolford will present a program on the activism of Paul Robeson a singer, actor, and Broadway performer of the early 20th century. Robeson traveled the world performing and became a rich man. During his travels he found as an African American man he was often treated better in other countries than he was in the United States. In the late 1940s he decided to turn his attention to addressing racism throughout the world, especially in the United States. His stance impacted his career, his fortune, and his health. While Robeson remains a controversial figure in American history his life is worth studying to understand how we got the America we live in today.

25 The Green, Dover, Delaware | (302) 744-5054 | [email protected]

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Inner City Cultural League

“Celebrating Black History through the Arts”

Saturday, February 8, 1:30 p.m.

This exciting performance event will showcase the Sankofa Drummers and Dancers, students from the Capital School District, and other special community guests. The students range in age from as young as 3 to 18, with the majority between 8 and 18 years old. "The kids love the arts and performing," says Katrina Stroud, the Inner City Cultural League executive director. Audience participation is highly encouraged as the electrifying rhythms and dynamic performances will make it impossible to stay seated—the drummers and dancers will keep you on your feet!

Sankofa Cultural Arts Center, 39 S. West Street, Dover, Delaware 19901

Audience Participation Encouraged. Free admission.

“Making Space for our History”

Saturday, February 22, 11 a.m.

This hands-on technology event will include coding, engineering, communications, cyber escape rooms, hazard/safe houses, space fitness, displays, trivia, prizes and more. All ages are welcome. You’ll leave amazed and inspired.
Limited space.  

Inner City Cultural League | (302) 883-2180 | www.icclarts.org

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 Dover Public Library

"Joshua Parker: The Godfather of Kent County"

Tuesday, February 4, 6 p.m.

This lecture, presented by local historian Syl Woolford, gives insight as to how African Americans participate in the political process during the 19th Century and the challenges which they faced. This drama is a “don’t miss” presentation. Joshua Parker was born in Dover in 1831. His father was a body servant for John Middleton Clayton one of Delaware’s most powerful politicians during the 19th century. When Joshua was 14, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became the body servant to several wealthy and politically powerful Delawareans.
These contacts gave Joshua access to the rich and the powerful of the state of Delaware and after the Civil War these connections led to political appointments in Washington, DC. All of these politicians were Republicans and Joshua became a key promoter of recruiting African Americans in Dover to vote Republican.
In 1892, A. Worthington Brinkley, a Negro, came to Dover to convince the African American Community that they should leave the Republican Party and join his all African American “Independent Colored Republican Party.” Joshua Parker organized a mob to kill A. Worthington Brinkley.

"African American Heritage: Through a Doll's Eye" 

Saturday, February 15, 1 p.m.

Join Anita Smitherman to discuss dolls representing African Americans, and a talk about the history of dolls including a small display. 

"African American Archaeology: New York African Burial Ground Project Experience"

Tuesday, February 18, 6 p.m.

This presentation, led by Ms. Tamara Burks, recounts the story of an 18th Century African burial ground that was re-discovered and unearthed in Lower Manhattan in New York City, New York. The human remains of men, women, and children found tell a story of triumph over tragedy. Archaeology, not the written record, allows us to look into another world, which in its rich and varied form has made a vital contribution to the cultural understanding of all of the cultures of the Americans and beyond. The African Burial ground went on to become a national historic landmark and memorial that can still be visited today.
Ms. Burks was a historical researcher for the New York African Burial Ground Project. The African Burial Ground Project administrative office was physically located at 6 World Trade Center (U.S. Customs building) in New York City and was destroyed on 9/11/2001. 

Family Night: "Black History Month – Share Your Story"

Thursday, February 20, 5 p.m.

Black History Month celebrates the achievements and legacies of African Americans and we want your story to be heard. Write your story about activism, love, leadership, and more. You can explore the collection of stories throughout the library that are submitted throughout the month of January and February.
Stories will be shared at our gallery walk on February 20th and contributors will have an opportunity to tell their story to the community. 
To share your story, you may write or type a submission and submit it to Carlee Hayden in Youth Services.
You may also share your story through our Google Form: https://forms.gle/DCAeEWhinmu1ykQq8. 

35 E. Loockerman Street, Dover, Delaware | (302) 736-7030 | https://dover.lib.de.us/

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Delaware State University

"2025 Black Male Initiative Conference; Ignite your vision, lead your future"

Thursday, February 20, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

The Black Male Initiative (BMI) is a program to support young Black men, particularly in their education and personal development. Geared toward high school and college students, the goal is to help young men to overcome obstacles, achieve their goals and reach their full potential in education and life.
The 2025 conference will inspire young Black men to turn their ideas into action and become the architects of their success. It includes live entrepreneurship sessions; steps to starting your business; fireside chats with successful entrepreneurs and business owners; pitch competition to win $6,000 in prize money.

For a list of additional Black History Month programs being presented by Delaware State University, please visit their website: desu.edu/events.

1200 N. DuPont Highway | Dover, DE | desu.edu

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Dining & Shopping 

A visit to downtown Dover and The Green, wouldn’t be complete without stopping for a bite to eat or doing a little shopping. Some favorite spots to eat include the House of Coffi on Loockerman Street across from the Library, LaHacienda, Coney Island Hot Dogs and Stonerail Market all on Loockerman Street near Bradford.

Shopping spots you might be interested in include the Delaware Shoppes on State Street at The Green, and then shops on or near Loockerman Street including Esteem, Forney’s Too, Maxine’s Fashions, Suds & Company and Zuha Trend Men’s Fashions.  That’s just a few of the dining and shopping options in downtown Dover. You can get a complete list online at:  DowntownDoverPartnership.com.