Join us for a Back Room Salsa Night this Friday (2/21) at 7:30 pm. Learn More & Purchase Tickets >>

 

  • Collage of Black performers, protestors, and artwork at the Park

    BLACK HISTORY MONTH

    From its civil rights history to the importance of diversity in modern-day programming, the Glen Echo Park Partnership acknowledges and honors the importance of Black culture. We are eager to celebrate Black History Month, and share the work of Black artists with our community.

    Watch Fox5's visit to the Park to explore our 2024 Black History Month programming >>

    Black History Month 2025 Programming

    Read the Press Release >>

    Marilyn Gates-Davis (2024 Park View Artist Award Winner)
    Pieces Of A Dream | Park View Gallery | January 11 - February 16     | Learn More >>

    Virtual Artist Talk: Thursday, February 6 | 7:00pm - 8:00pm | ONLINE | Learn More & Meeting Link >>
     

    RSVP, Preferred not required
     

    Join us for a virtual Artist Talk featuring artist Marilyn Gates-Davis, moderated by The Black Art Today Foundation. Recipient of the 2024 Park View Artist Award at the 53rd Annual Labor Day Art Show, Gates-Davis' painting titled DC Back in the Day was selected for the award by show juror Amy Kaslow, owner of Amy Kaslow Gallery. In her current solo show, Pieces Of A Dream, the artist explores the interplay between cherished childhood memories, personal loss, and the symbolic language of dreams. 


    The Exposure Group African American Photographers Association
    The Colors of Life | Photoworks | January 10 - March 2     | Learn More >>

    The Colors of Life, now in its 8th year, celebrates the spectrum of members photographic genres, subject matters and life experiences inside and outside of the nation’s capital. From travel photography to landscapes, cityscapes, portraits, architecture, and photojournalism, this juried show is a visually impactful body of work that will fascinate anyone with an interest in photography.

    Artist Talk with the Exposure Group: Saturday, February 22 | 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Photoworks Gallery

    Join us for an Artist Talk with members of The Exposure Group speaking on their exhibition The Colors of Life. Featured artists include: Sandy Adams, RiShawn Biddle, Bonita Bing, Cleveland Bryant Jr, Zandra Chestnut, Jeanine Cummins, Rick Dean, W. Bruce Fagin, Sharon Farmer, Maurice G. Fitzgerald, Gail A. Hansberry, Marvin T. Jones, Karl Rudd, Edward Savwoir, Francesca Scott, Michael G. Smith, Derrick Tabor, and George Dalton Tolbert, IV. 
     

    Artist Talk "How Photographers Tell Stories": Sunday, February 2 | 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Photoworks

    Join us for an Artist Talk with photographers, and members of The Exposure Group: Sharon Farmer, Sandy Adams, and Marvin Jones. These artists will share their experience and impart wisdom on the topic of storytelling from behind, and in front of, the lens.

    From the Exposure Group: “A picture is worth a thousand words." Photographs can tell you a lot about the subject and photographer.  Gather insight into the subject, aim up high, down low, and capture action shots, landscape, detailed images, and relate the subject's story to the viewer.  In addition, try unusual perspectives or details that can add depth, intrigue and understanding. Every photo tells a story, every picture immerses us in another world.  We can only capture our own experiences, but also give other people an insight into our feelings and experiences.


    Performances by the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices
    OFFSITE | February 8 & February 16     | Learn More >>

    Frederick Douglass Birthday Celebration | Saturday, February 8 | 10:00am - 2:00pm | OFFSITE at Martha's Table | Learn More >>

    Join the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices for a performance at the Opening Ceremonies of an annual Frederick Douglass Birthday Celebration. This free celebration includes music by the Jubilee Voices, a puppet show by Ebony Sonshine, and a Jazz performance by the Finn Murphy Quartet. 

    Jubilee Voices at the Lyceum | Sunday, February 16 | Starting at 2:00pm | OFFSITE: Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum | Learn More >>

    Washington Revels Jubilee Voices and the Office of Historic Alexandria’s Division of African American History will celebrate African American music, history and culture in a free concert exploring the themes of freedom, resistance and resilience, from the Civil War through the present day. Join us for an afternoon of traditional African American spirituals, poetry, dance, stories, and audience participation.

     

    Washington Conservatory of Music Concert
    Harmony & Heritage: A Black History Month Celebration of Love and Community | OFFSITE: St. Columba’s Episcopal Church | February 15     | Learn More & Purchase Tickets >>

    Come join us for a special event where we will celebrate Black History Month in style! This gathering is all about spreading love and building a stronger community together. Let's honor the rich heritage and accomplishments of Black Americans while enjoying music, art, and good company. Don't miss out on this opportunity to come together and celebrate unity and diversity.

    In partnership with leaders from the Inspire School, we showcase the power of story and focus on our shared humanity. We will hear powerful stories of hope, and resilience and weave a musical narrative that celebrates the spiritual and Bach all on the same program. WCM faculty and community members will perform throughout the afternoon. Light reception to follow.

     

    Civil Rights at the Park

    From its beginnings as a Chautauqua in 1891 and later as a place of amusement in the 1890s, Glen Echo Park only advertised in newspapers with primarily White readerships. The park was not strictly segregated, but visitation by Black individuals and families was not encouraged, and likely discouraged. Restrictions hardened in 1931 with the opening of the Crystal Pool. From that point through the 1950s, the privately-owned Glen Echo Amusement was officially segregated and would not admit Black patrons. Thanks to a group of brave protestors–both Black and White–during the summer of 1960, the park was integrated the following year.

    Read more about how Glen Echo Park's carousel was central to the civil rights story of the Washington, DC area >>

    Black Visual Artists Presented at the Park

    The Partnership is proud to emphasize diversity in its lineup of exhibitions in the Partnership Galleries throughout each year, and has featured many talented Black artists in recent years, including:

    Black Performing Artists Presented at the Park

    The performing arts are another cornerstone of programming at the Park. Recent Black performing artists include: