by Robin Beaudoin
Memphis is dense with museums, historical sites, and experiences for those eager to learn about black history. Remember a rich and complicated United States’ African American history this February while experiencing some enriching culture or acting to improve our community. Together we will embrace a more equal and informed future.
January 31-February 4: International Blues Challenge 2017
Various clubs on Beale Street with the final performances at the Orpheum Memphis. Each affiliate of the Blues Foundation may send a band and solo/duo act to represent them at the International Blues Challenge preliminaries on Beale Street. Find a show at www.internationablueschallenge.com.
January 28 to February 25, National Civil Rights Museum
Cultural Heroes features the first seven icons of an ongoing series of artists who were key role players for Civil Rights.
Now through March 6, ENSLAVED
View this visual story of modern day slavery at 403 Mulberry Street, Memphis. More info at civilrightsmuseum.org
Thursdays and Saturdays during February
A Tour of Tastabilities is a Black History + Food Tasting Tour. Your experience includes a visit to Slave Haven, The Lorraine Motel, and other historic Memphis sites. You’ll also enjoy authentic Memphis flavors such as Makeda’s cookies, and soul food from DejaVu. Search Tour of Tastabilities tickets at www.eventbrite.com.
February 12, 10 a.m., One Billion Rising Flash Mob
Gather on Main Street in Memphis as One Billion Rising seeks to stop rape and the exploitation of women, including transgender women, who are at higher risk for sexual violence. For details, visit onebillionrising.org.
February 13 6:30 p.m. Hattiloo Theatre
The Meeting, a hypothetical meeting between Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr., the two towering representatives of the black equality movement, and the ongoing debate on how to achieve such equality. See it at the Halloran Centre at the Orpheum Theater, 225 S Main Street, Memphis. www.orpheum-memphis.com
February 19, 4:30 p.m., TEP Gumbo Contest
Sponsored by Memphis Hilton, with special vegetarian chili judges Amy Lawrence and Justin Fox Burks – authors of The Chubby Vegetarian. Memphis Hilton 939 Ridge Lake Blvd, Memphis, TN, 38120. tnep.nationbuilder.com
Feb 20, Friends for Life on Capitol Hill in Nashville
Political advocacy activity hosted by Youth Leadership Initiative in partnership with Friends for Life, is an opportunity to forge partnerships with lawmakers to help in the fight against AIDS. Legislative Plaza, 301 6th Avenue N, Nashville, Tennessee 37243. Contact Dewayne Murrell at 901.504.6620 for information.
Background photo, the 1963 March on Washington. A view of over 200,000 marchers along the Capitol mall. Aug. 28, 1963. Shutterstock image, ©2017 Everett Historical.
