It’s “Black History” month, that time of the year when it’s okay to celebrate the milestones and contributions to history made by African Americans. There are countless wonderful historical monuments, sights, and museums that we all should take the time to visit. There’s the African American Civil War Museum, Frederick Douglas’ home, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in D.C. to name a few. Today on BMWK we will share three Black History sights that we feel YOU, our readers, should visit with your family, not only this month but any month throughout the year.
Greensboro, N.C. is where it all began. The “Sit-In” movement began on Feb. 1, 1960 at the Woolworth lunch counter when four N.C. A&T University students sat down and wouldn’t leave when refused service. This one non-violent act sparked a phase of the civil rights movement that spread to 55 cities in 13 states by the end of March 1960. The ‘International Civil Rights Center and Museum’ opened on Feb. 1, 2010 next door to the famous Woolworth store and lunch counter where the original sit-in took place. The museum also documents through stunning photographs and artifacts related to the worldwide struggle for social justice and equality. See where it all began! The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday and costs $10 for adult admission, $8 for students, and $6 for children (6-12). For exact hours of operation call 336-274-9199 or visit www.sitinmovement.org and www.visitnc.com.
The film “Red Tails” is the latest film to tell the story of African Americans and their determination to fly. Now through March 3, 2013 the American Airlines CR Smith Museum in Fort Worth, Texas features a fabulous Smithsonian traveling exhibit “Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight.” Discover what aviators like Bessie Smith and the Tuskegee Airmen achieved and overcame pursuing the dream of flight. For more information and museum hours of operation, please call 817-967-1560 or visit www.crsmithmuseum.org.
Forget Madame Tussaud’s wax museum and head straight for the “National Great Blacks in Wax Museum” in Baltimore. Established in 1983, it is the first and only wax museum dedicated to great leaders and moments in black history. Journey through the underground railroad with Harriet Tubman and relive the Harlem Renaissance with Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes. Discover the contributions of Haile Selassie, Steve Biko, and Nelson Mandela in the “Modern African Leader” exhibit or relive the horrific conditions our ancestors endured during the nightmarish Middle Passage, it’s all at the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum in stunning detail. This museum is a must see for all African American families. For more information call 410-563-3404 or visit www.greatblacksinwax.org. **Please note some exhibits are not for very young children. **
These are just a few of the fabulous Black History museums and exhibits available today. Visit one or all but let’s all continue to make and celebrate Black History everyday!
By The Travelin Diva (Kirstin N. Fuller)
BMWK — Have you gone to any exhibits or museums in celebration of Black History month?