COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio can trace the legacy of great African-American leaders through its many museums, musical celebrations, theatrical performances and links to the Underground Railroad. February is the perfect month to plan a trip around Ohio with family and friends to learn more about African-American heritage. Following is a wide array of both month-long and one-time family activities for commemorating Black History Month in Ohio.
Central Ohio
February Family Films: Books-To-Movies
King Arts Complex, Columbus, month-long
At 6 p.m. on Thursdays in February, the King Arts Complex will host a film in the Pythian Theater. After each film, community facilitators and/or local media personalities will lead discussions. Tickets are $20 for a family four-pack (includes popcorn and beverage), and individual tickets are $5 for adults, and $3 for students and senior citizens. Call (614) 645-KING for information.
Black History Month at the Ohio Statehouse
Columbus, month-long
The Ohio Statehouse celebrates Black History Month with free exhibitions and a tour of the George Washington Williams Room, which memorializes Ohio's first African-American legislator. The month-long celebration also includes living history programs featuring portrayals of historical African-Americans on Tuesdays at noon. Soul Food Wednesdays at the Capitol Café begin at noon throughout the month.
Northeast Ohio
The Trip to Bountiful
Cleveland Play House, Feb. 4-27
The Cleveland Play House produces the deeply emotional and uplifting American classic play by Pulitzer Prize- and Academy Award-winner Horton Foote. This is the world-premiere performance of the play by an all African-American cast. The result is an unforgettable meditation on the idea of home and its power to sustain us. Tickets start at $10. Call (216) 795-7000 for information.
Black History Month Film Festival
Historic Fort Steuben, Steubenville, Feb. 19
A free series of films depicting the efforts of African-Americans in various fields will run from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. The featured film, What Does Trouble Mean? follows the journey of a black laborer and his unexpected evolution into a charismatic leader who forced integration of Pittsburgh's construction trade unions in the late 1960s. Dr. Rex Crawley, Assistant Dean and Chair of the Department of Communications at Robert Morris University, will lead a discussion on the film.
Freedom Songs
Akron Civic Theatre, Feb. 20
The Akron Civic Theatre celebrates Black History Month with a music program featuring traditional African-American spirituals at 2:30 p.m. Audiences will develop a new appreciation for these "freedom songs," and the persistence of those who originally sang them. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 on the day of show. Call (330) 253-2488.
Cleveland Jazz Orchestra's Lift Every Voice
PlayhouseSquare, Cleveland, Feb. 26
The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra will perform a Black History Month concert at 8 p.m. in the Hanna Theatre. The performance also will feature the Voices of Victory gospel choir and a guest orator. Tickets start at $20. Call (216) 241-6000 for tickets.
Northwest Ohio
Black History Month 2011
Bowling Green State University, month-long
Bowling Green State University celebrates Black History Month with numerous events, including a lecture series, musical performances and conferences. A highlight of the month's events is the 12th Annual Black Issues Conference on Feb. 12 from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Aminah Robinson: Voices That Taught Me How to Sing
Toledo Museum of Art, through Feb. 27
The Toledo Museum of Art presents a free exhibit of Ohio artist Aminah Robinson's work in the Glass Pavilion. Her work combines traditional art materials with everyday objects to create two- and three-dimensional masterpieces. Recurring themes of the exhibit include her memories of growing up in Columbus' Poindexter Village and her experiences traveling through the African Diaspora.
Southwest Ohio
Visual Voices Art Exhibit: Dayton Skyscrapers 2011
Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton, month-long
A part of the KeyBank African-American Arts Festival, the free exhibit, open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., features African-American "skyscrapers," women and men who stand tall as role models in the Dayton community. Curated by Willis "Bing" Davis, Visual Voices is presented in partnership with EbonNia Gallery and will feature the work of dozens of Dayton-area African-American artists.
Roland Martin Speaks
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati, Feb. 3
The award-winning journalist, political commentator and author will discuss the historical context of civil rights and how all people can take steps to freedom in their own lives. The program is free and begins at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are preferred, but not required. Call (513) 333-7705.
To learn about more exciting multicultural events and experiences throughout Ohio, please visit DiscoverOhio.com/Multicultural. Follow us on Twitter @DiscoverOhio or like the Ohio Tourism Division on Facebook at www.facebook.com/discoverohio.
About the Ohio Tourism Division
The Ohio Tourism Division is the premier source of information for travelers and media about Ohio's vibrant tourism experiences, attractions and economy. Division marketing programs contributed to an estimated $36 billion in total sales in 2009 and 437,000 jobs sustained by visitors to the state. A part of the Ohio Department of Development, the Division's mission is to promote and celebrate Ohio's unique travel opportunities and market the state's outstanding quality of life.
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