Prince William County is Hosting Several Events to Celebrate Black History Month

The Prince William County Black History Committee (“BHC”) proudly announces the county’s celebration of Black History Month for 2024. In February of each year since 1926, this nation has celebrated the achievements of African Americans who have helped shape the economic, political, and social evolution of this country and its impact on the world.  

Prince William County government, through the efforts of its county employees, annually hosts a program to bring together county employees and the public to highlight the many contributions of African Americans from all walks of life. 

The BHC annually adopts for the County’s program the national theme of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (“ASALH”). ASALH is the organization Carter G. Woodson established in 1915 to promote global education on African American history. ASALH’s 2024 theme is “African Americans and the Arts.” 

This year's theme for Black History Month, "African Americans and the Arts," examines how African Americans have used the arts – particularly focused on the “New Negro Movement” of the 1920s because it ushered in a period where black Americans did not accept the definitions of “blackness” that America’s popular images tried to convey.

This year’s theme will be conveyed through fine art, poetry, dance, and music. It will include a discussion of the arts and crafts movement of this period in the building of the nearby Lorton Workhouse.

The public is invited to watch the event via live stream on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@PrinceWilliamCounty/live.