THE LEAFLET

Join us in celebrating Black History Month! Throughout February, we dedicate time to honor and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Black Americans in our nation’s history. At Casey Trees, we’re committed to using this month to delve into and spotlight the impactful contributions of Black Americans in the realms of DC, forestry, and beyond.

Washington, DC, with its vibrant history, offers a multitude of avenues to recognize and pay homage to Black History Month and the hard-won triumphs of African Americans. The celebration of Black history seamlessly intertwines with the narrative of DC’s past – from being a refuge for freed enslaved individuals to proudly bearing the title ‘Chocolate City’ and navigating the ongoing impacts of gentrification. In essence, DC’s history is Black history, and conversely, Black history is an integral part of DC’s rich tapestry. Let’s come together to appreciate and amplify these stories that have shaped both our local and national history.

WAYS TO CELEBRATE:

In celebration of Black History Month 2024, a multitude of national parks and historic sites are offering programming related to this year’s National Theme of “African Americans and the Arts”.

From February 6 through April 21, 2024, Tudor Place Historic House & Garden presents Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent at Tudor Place, a special installation and guided tour that explores the lives of individuals and families of African descent who lived and worked at Tudor Place.

Visit the newly opened African American Heritage Trail in Alexandria. Alexandria’s African American history is told through online StoryMaps and can be experienced in-home on your computer or on your smartphone as you walk the trail along the Potomac River.

Lastly, although the Anacostia Community Museum is currently closed until March 22, 2024 – they will reopen on Saturday, March 23, 2024 with their next exhibition, A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC,1900-2000. Come see the artwork and hear the voices of the African American artist-educators who enriched the lives of many generations of Washington’s young people and who—along with their students—produced work admired by audiences across the globe.

Stay tuned as we continue to amplify Black community voices and if you’re looking to give back to your community this month, join us at Langdon Park for a day of conservation! Located next to Chuck Brown Memorial Park, this is the perfect opportunity to pull invasive vines and help this community forest continue to thrive. Make sure to pay your respects to the “godfather of go-go” when you get there!