Black History 365

Black History 365 is a collection of stories, art, and events that highlight the history, heritage, and contributions of Black Marylanders and the history of the people of the African Diaspora in Annapolis & Anne Arundel County. Here, their culture and excellence are celebrated year-round through a collaborative initiative across county and statewide organizations spearheaded by the Banneker-Douglass Museum.

We have curated a list of events, blogs, and organizations dedicated to African American History and Heritage. When planning your visit to Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, begin your journey with one of these institutions. The conversation has begun, but it is not yet finished...

Click here to submit your Black History event, exhibition, program, or virtual event.

Black Cultural Experiences

in Anne Arundel County

The Radical Voice of Blackness Speaks of Resistance and Joy

Guest curated by Myrtis Bedolla of Galerie Myrtis, The Radical Voice of Blackness Speaks of Resistance and Joy presents fine art by fifteen Black Maryland-based artists, as well as the Banneker-Douglass Museum’s Fine Art Collection, to examine historic and contemporary themes of Black joy and healing created in opposition to and despite oppression.

The Exhibit will take place November 10, 2022 - September 30, 2023, 10 am - 4 pm daily. Admission to the museum is free; however, donations are encouraged.
 

The Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival

The Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival occurs every September at Susan Campbell Park at Annapolis City Dock. This year's festival took place on September 24, 2022. This is an annually recurring event; stay tuned for details regarding the 2023 festival.

In September 1987, the Kunta Kinte Celebration was born in Annapolis, Maryland. Now known as the Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival, the festival celebrates the perseverance, education, and cultural heritage of Africans, African Americans, and Caribbean people of African descent. The festival runs all day with live music, vendors of African art, jewelry, handmade goods, dance performances, and activities for children. 

Banneker-Douglass Museum

The Banneker-Douglass Museum, named for Benjamin Banneker and Frederick Douglass, is dedicated to preserving Maryland's African American heritage and serves as the state's official repository of African American material culture. The museum was dedicated on February 24, 1984. The original museum was housed within the former Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church in the heart of historic Annapolis. The Victorian-Gothic structure was included in the Annapolis Historic District in 1971 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The recently completed BDM addition is a four-story addition that uses the nineteenth-century brick of the church's north façade as its interior lobby wall.

The museum's newest exhibit, The Radical Voice of Blackness Speaks of Resistance and Joy, is guest curated by Myrtis Bedolla of Galerie Myrtis. The exhibition presents fine art by fifteen Black Maryland-based artists and the Banneker-Douglass Museum's Fine Art Collection to examine historical and contemporary themes of Black joy and healing created in opposition to and despite oppression. This timely installation will be displayed through September 30, 2023, for International Underground Railroad Month.

Also on display at the museum is the statue Araminta With Rifle and Veve by Dr. Joyce Scott. A new, temporary 10-foot bronze sculpture of Harriet Tubman will greet visitors as they enter the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis from September 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023. 

The Maryland State Archives Presents: Legacy of Slavery in Maryland

This program seeks to preserve and promote the vast universe of experiences that have shaped the lives of Maryland's African American population. From the day that Mathias de Sousa and Francisco landed in St. Mary's county aboard the Ark and the Dove in 1634, Black Marylanders have made significant contributions to the state and nation in the political, economic, agricultural, legal, and domestic arenas. Despite what often seemed like insurmountable odds, Marylanders of Color have adapted, evolved, and prevailed.

The Maryland State Archives' Study of the Legacy of Slavery Staff invites researchers to explore these elements and more within its numerous source documents, exhibits, and interactive online presentations. Download a copy of  A Guide to the History of Slavery in Maryland.

Anne Arundel County African American Heritage & History

The government of Anne Arundel County has put together an oral history and tour of the Civil Rights Era.

Relying upon more than 50 oral histories, this virtual tour is a rare opportunity to hear about local history through the eyes, voices, and memories of those who experienced it first-hand. The project highlights local places, residents, and their stories and offers accounts of everyday activities during segregation. It documents spaces of leisure and recreation where people of color could gather and enjoy solidarity and empowerment, places like stores, ballfields, beaches, juke joints, movie theaters, beauty salons, and barber shops. A team of historians, led by Lyndra Marshall (née Pratt) and Dr. John Kille, worked with citizens who generously shared their memories of what life was like during segregation and uncovered compelling stories of injustice, resistance, and sacrifice, as well as perseverance and triumph. The complete interviews and transcriptions are accessible by request from the Maryland State Archives.

Anne Arundel County Public Library

The Anne Arundel County Library System (AACPL) celebrated its centennial in 2021. Our county's public library system has long been a resource for education and activism in the African American Community through its diverse and inclusive programming.

Last year, AACPL joined forces with the City of Annapolis for the State of Black Annapolis speaker series. In addition to their Black History events, AACPL provided LatinX and Indigenous programming throughout the year. Check their website for a calendar of events in 2023.

Chesapeake Crossroads

Anne Arundel County owes much to African-American Marylanders' rich heritage, culture, and bravery. Their labor was the backbone that built the stable local economy and the beginning of America's early infrastructure. With the support of local partners and associations, Chesapeake Crossroads is dedicated to preserving the attractions, locations, and stories that portray African-American history in the area. The partners of Chesapeake Crossroads offer dozens of attractions ranging from historical landmarks and museums to environmental sanctuaries and guided tours. For a robust guide to African American Heritage Sites, click here. 

Chesapeake Crossroads is also involved in the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage: Story Project. With MHAA funding, they were able to film oral histories from the volunteers who work at their heritage sites. 

The five videos featured here focus on important African American stories in Annapolis & Anne Arundel County.

Tony Spencer, about Freetown

Sharyn Martin, on the African-American Meeting House (189:5) at the Herrington Harbour North Historic Village

Ben Secundy of Highland Beach

Pamela Browne of the Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center

Gertrude Makell of the Galesville Community Center

African American Heritage Tours

Discover more about African American Heritage & History with a guided walking tour from historic Annapolis to Southern Anne Arundel County.