Black history is integral to human history. It cannot be relegated to a month. In fact, its origins are as only a week – “Negro History Week”, conceptualized in 1926 by distinguished black author and scholar Dr. Carter Woodson. Originally designed to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, the tradition expanded in 1976 to include the whole month of February.
Perhaps no place in Ulster County does as much to celebrate Black History Month as Kingston. With well-resourced nonprofits MyKingstonKids and Harambee at the helm, the city will host over 20 separate events.
This Saturday is the Black History Month Kingston kick-off celebration, with singing, dancing, activities and vendors led by Drumsong Orchestra director Ubaka Hill. The following week sees a performance art piece, a photography slideshow, and a talk on economics. There will be several movie screenings, the 5th Annual Sojourner Truth Life Walk (Sat. February 17), history talks, book talks, panels, maple tree tapping, conversations on race and equality, and a special food event as well.
A full calendar of events can be found at blackhistorymonthkingston.org.
Join the family! 
