Alexandria, Virginia, celebrates black history and culture

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From a self-taught mathematician who mapped out the nation’s capital to abolitionist sisters who partnered with Frederick Douglass and the first Black player in the NBA, Black changemakers have shaped the history of Alexandria, Virginia and the United States.

Black History Month in Alexandria Virginia

Located just minutes from Washington, D.C., Alexandria celebrates Black History Month in 2024 with unique experiences for residents and visitors alike to commemorate the impact, perseverance, and legacy of the Black community.

BHM Events

Check out the Black History events and exhibits in Alexandria.

New temporary Freedom House Exhibit: The exhibit, on display until April 15, 2024, focuses on the life of Gabriel, a teenager who was enslaved at Washington Seminary in 1829.

Gabriel’s story provides a powerful lens through which to explore the complexities of slavery and its enduring impact. on display until April 15, 2024

Book Launch: African American Emancipation in an Occupied City: On February 3, hear from editor Audrey Davis, Alexandria’s Director of African American History and the authors of African American Emancipation in an Occupied City, which tells the story of formerly enslaved and self-emancipated people in a newly occupied city during the Civil War.

Ribbon Cutting: African American Heritage Trails:

The African American Heritage Trails Committee invites the public to join in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of new interpretive signs along Alexandria’s Historic waterfront on February 10. These 11 signs and 2 orientation panels illuminate the history of the African American community in Alexandria over the span of several centuries.

Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Concert: Join Washington Revels Jubilee Voices for an exploration of the Gullah-Geechee culture and life in St Simons Island, Georgia, on February 18. This multimedia program, “Wade in the Water,” blends songs and stories of the Gullah Geechee community and features six student films that capture the history, lives and spirit of these proud people, whose numbers are dwindling due to several factors, including increasing development.

Manumission Tour Company Black History Bus Tour: In February, ride with Manumission Tour Company on a 90-minute guided bus tour to visit various African American historic sites in Alexandria.

You will hear stories of both enslaved and free African Americans prior to the Civil War as well as understand the stories behind some of Alexandria’s most well-known African American historic sites.

Black history in Alexandria

February is not the only month to celebrate Black history in Alexandria; visitors can commemorate Black heritage with year-round experiences, including a self-guided African American history driving tour, a visit to Freedom House Museum or Alexandria Black History Museum, a walk along the African American Heritage Trail or the Duke Street Black History Trail, and embark on a Manumission Tour Company’s walking tour with Councilman John Chapman.

To learn more, visit the city’s website.