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 Black History Month programming >>
Black History Month 2024 Programming
Life Pieces to Masterpieces
Stitch by Stitch | Park View Gallery | January 13 - February 17 | Learn More >>
This exhibition, Stitch by Stitch, features a collection of colorful collages of acrylic-painted canvas scraps and ceramic work created by Black and Brown boys from Washington DC’s Wards 7 and 8 – specifically, program participants of the DC-based youth arts program Life Pieces To Masterpieces (LPTM). The stories told in each piece celebrate the power, joy, and resilience of the boys and men served by LPTM as they both persevere through their life challenges and celebrate their life triumphs.
Marvin Tupper Jones
Building a Mixed Race Community | Photoworks | February 10 - March 31 | Learn More >>
Acclaimed photojournalist Marvin Tupper Jones has spent his life documenting his home of Hertford County, North Carolina. The history covered in this exhibit spans from 1851 to 1973 and takes the viewer from the antebellum time through the Civil War, Reconstruction, Jim Crow and the modern Civil Rights eras. It tells stories about over 30 people along with photographs and text. Four women are featured, as well as business people, farmers, carpenters, educators, church leaders, soldiers (Civil War and WWII), Civil Rights activists and organizations. Opening Reception February 11 at 2pm.
Cheriss May
From Passion to Purpose | Photoworks | February 23 @ 7pm | Learn More >>
Join Photoworks for an inspiring artist talk with lauded portrait and editorial photographer Cheriss May as she shares her journey of turning her passion for inclusive storytelling into a purpose. Cheriss will captivate you with her stories and insights, leaving you motivated to pursue your own creative dreams. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a true master of the craft!
Cleveland Chandler, violin
William Grant Still Sonata | Washington Conservatory of Music | February 24 @ 5pm | Learn More >>
Accomplished violinist Cleveland Chandler (M.M., Cleveland Institute of Music, B.M., Peabody Conservatory of Music) will be performing works by often overlooked Black composer William Grant Still.
Black Visual Artists 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 several talented Black artists in recent years, including:
- James S. Terrell
- Kayla J. Fryer
- Prudence Bonds
- Barbara Joann Combs
- Reshada Pullen-Jireh
- Marilyn Gates-Davis
- Harriet Smith
- Derrick C. Tabor
- Davrill Nash
- Mary Turpin
- Norma J. Brooks
- Roz Jacobs
- Denise Bentley
- Life Pieces to Masterpieces: January 13 - February 18, 2024
- Dr. Diana Baird N'Diaye: February 24 - March 24, 2024
- The Black Art Today Foundation: August 2 - September 29, 2024
Black Performing Artists at the Park
The performing arts are another cornerstone of programming at the Park. Recent Black performing artists include:
- Elikeh
- Smooth & EZ Hand Dance
- TolumiDE
- Urban Artistry
- Kofi Dennis Anansegro
- The Capoeria Spot
- Oasis Island Sounds
- Hubby Jenkins
- Dan and Claudia Zanes
- Sweet Honey in the Rock
- DC Mudd
- Rick Franklin
- Black Workers Center Chorus
- Mutual Agreement
- Christylez Bacon
- Elements Dance Company: May 11, 2024
- Raediant Movement: June 7, 2024
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.