It’s time again to celebrate Black History Month! Every February in the States, we take time to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans in our history. Here at Casey Trees, we’ll be using this month to learn about and amplify the voices of Black Americans in DC, forestry, and beyond.
In a city with a history as rich as DC, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate and honor Black History Month and the hard-fought-for accomplishments of African Americans. Celebrating Black history and celebrating DC history go in tandem – from serving as one of the first havens for freed enslaved people, to earning the moniker ‘Chocolate City’, to the ripple effects of gentrification we’re living through today – DC history is Black history and Black history is DC’s history.
Malcolm X Park (a.k.a. Meridian Hill Park)
Instead of debating whether or not the fountains will be on next week, try your hand at identifying trees at this iconic 16th Street park. Meridian Hill Park officially opened in 1936. By the 1960s, it had become a gathering place for black activists. Professor and activist Angela Davis is often credited with publicly calling for renaming the park after Malcolm X in 1969, mirroring demands by local organizers of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee to have a citywide holiday and a memorial in honor of Malcolm X.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
After escaping slavery in Maryland, Frederick Douglass was committed to freedom and he dedicated his life to achieving justice for all Americans, and in particular African Americans, women, and minority groups. A talented writer, powerful speaker, and passionate abolitionist, he envisioned America as an inclusive nation strengthened by diversity and free of discrimination. Douglass’s legacy is preserved at Cedar Hill, known to us as the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in historic Anacostia, where he lived his last 17 years. Lining the property are a diverse row of trees including Red Maples, Tupelo, Yoshino Cherries, Buckeyes, and more. Join the National Park Service later this month to celebrate the birthday of Frederick Douglass with music performances and various entertainment.
Walk with Woodson – Hosted by NPS
Take a walk in the footsteps of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month. In this spellbinding first person delivery, “Dr. Woodson” will take visitors on an interpretive journey to Dr. Woodson’s residence in the Shaw Neighborhood. The procession will be led by noted actor, Darius Wallace, portraying Dr. Woodson who will highlight places relating to his contemporaries as A. Philip Randolph, Nannie Helen Burroughs and Belford Lawson (to name a few). The program concludes with Dr. Woodson’s explanation of why he created Negro History Week and how YOU can prepare for it! Reservations required and may be made by emailing WoodsonNHS@nps.gov.
African American Civil War Museum and Memorial
Although the Civil War is commemorated with scores of monuments and historic battlefields, the African American Civil War Memorial shines a light on a somewhat neglected chapter of that bloody conflict: The contributions of the regiments then called “United States Colored Troops,” who made up a significant chunk of Union forces by the end of the war. The memorial, not just a Metro Stop name, consists of a granite plaza highlighted by statuary and a wall of honored names provides a fitting tribute to the nearly 210,00 African Americans who served.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a remarkable leader who dedicated his life to advocating for civil rights and justice. His selfless service and commitment to nonviolence and human dignity inspired people around the world. He was an unwavering champion of equality and a powerful voice for the voiceless. His legacy serves as a reminder to us all that we must continue to strive for justice and equality for all. A perennial favorite is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, where we have returned numerous times with and without volunteers to aid the Park Service with tree plantings and care for the currently planted trees to ensure their hardy survival.
Join Great Energy Group and Eaton’s Wellness Director Tara Aura every Monday this month for a unique mindfulness series, celebrating Black History Month through movement and music of the African diaspora. This will be a rhythmic, restorative, yoga flow that links movement to the breath. This class is fun for inflexible people and yogis of all levels. Detailed verbal instructions, modifications for beginners, use of props and more challenging pose extensions for advanced students. Participants will stretch muscles, build strength, find balance, and create internal space, setting intentions for the week. And of course, the vibe is heightened by the healing power of music from the Black diaspora – from reggae and Afrobeat to house, hip hop and R&B.
