Black History observances all month long

 Black History Month events run throughout February at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center with an action-packed month of art, educational, and community-based events. The organization, which celebrates Black history all year round, will elevate the role Black history played in Niagara Falls, NY, and beyond. This year’s Black History Month theme, “Unbroken Resistance: Art and Culture in Black History”, highlights Black leadership and self-agency rooted in freedom, justice and cultural movements that have shaped and continue to shape the world around us.

The public is invited and encouraged to join the Heritage Center in its Black History Month celebrations. Programs include the Black History Month Speaker Series on select Wednesday evenings, the February 17th night tour with stories of “Love and Resistance” on the Underground Railroad, and the signature event: Niagara Renaissance: Art that Moves Our Community. All public programs are listed on the Heritage Center’s website, including the links to register and purchase tickets if applicable.

M&T Bank is generously sponsoring Black History Month at the Heritage Center, and through the Free Field Trip February program, free tours are available for K-12 student groups. Participants can take a free guided tour through the museum, learn about the everyday heroes of the Underground Railroad, and connect to their local history. Reimbursements for transportation costs may also be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, availability, and to book a tour through the Free Field Trip February program, please email: tours@niagarafallsundergroundrailroad.org.

Schedule of Black History Month programs at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center in Niagara Falls, New York:

● “Reconstruction (1865-1877): Facing New Challenges”: Join us for our first Black History Month Speaker Series program on Wednesday, February 7th at 6:00 PM. In association with the University of Buffalo Department of African and Africana Studies, Dr. James Ponzo will virtually lead the conversation on the Reconstruction Era: 1865-1877. Specifically, the plight of Black People in the U.S. and what they endured.

Date: February 7, 2024

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location: Hybrid; Join virtually via Zoom or attend in-person at 825 Depot Avenue West, Niagara Falls, NY 14305

Event Link: Here

● “Love & Resistance”: On Saturday, February 17th, join us for a nighttime tour as we share stories of freedom seekers such as Cecilia Reynolds, Benjamin Holmes, Martha, the Evans girl, and others whose acts of resistance reflect the love of family and community that is often not spoken about on the Underground Railroad. Saladin Allah, Director of Community Engagement, invites you to experience an unforgettable night of Love & Resistance.

$10 per person, light refreshments provided

Date: February 17, 2024

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Location: Heritage Center; 825 Depot Avenue West, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 Event Link & Purchase Tickets: Here

● “My Spiritual Journey, A Symbiotic Relationship with my Ancestors”: Join us for our second Black History Month Speaker Series program on Wednesday, February 21st at 6:00 PM. Garifuna Duchess, author of “My Spiritual Journey, A Symbiotic Relationship with my Ancestors”, will be sharing a virtual presentation on Garifuna spirituality and the parallels between Garifuna and African American experiences. Signed copies will be available for purchase.

Date: February 21, 2024

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location: Hybrid; Join virtually via Zoom or attend in-person at 825 Depot Avenue West, Niagara Falls, NY 14305

Event Link: Here

● “Our Liberation Through Breaking Barriers”: Join us for our third and final Black History Month Speaker Series program on Wednesday, February 28th at 6:00 PM. Jasiah Jackson-Hackett, Youth & Advocacy Specialist, will lead the discussion on the importance of uplifting women, especially those in the music and artist industry. This conversation will elaborate on how to continue to break barriers and not impose generational curses or traditional mindsets on others. This conversation will encourage attendees to keep an open mind when it comes to new generations of women artists and musicians..

Date: February 28, 2024

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location: Hybrid; Join virtually via Zoom or attend in-person at 825 Depot Avenue West, Niagara Falls, NY 14305

Event Link: Here

● “Niagara Renaissance: Art that Moves Our Community”: As we continue the celebration and honoring of Black stories, art, leadership, and culture throughout all of 2024, the Heritage Center will host our signature event, Niagara Renaissance: Art that Moves Our Community, in partnership with The Inner City Minds Poetry Slam, on Friday, March 1st, 6:00PM to 9:00PM. This event is inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, and it serves the

purpose of bringing our community together to embrace the art and artists that shake the foundation of the city of Niagara Falls and use their ideas to innovate how the outside world perceives Black Culture in the city. This event includes live music, poetry slam, and a silent auction showcasing local artists.

Pay what you can admission

Date: March 1, 2024

Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Location: Heritage Center; 825 Depot Avenue West, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 Event Link: Here