By: Karen Bloom
Adelphi University
Artist David Byer-Tyre's works are featured in the exibit, "Something to Say, which runs through Feb. 25. The collection includes mixed media works and lithographs of life-sized sculptures that are meant to desensitize stereotypes and racist imagery, by changing the context through which they are viewed, according to the artist, who is director and curator of the African American Museum. The exhibit can been seen at Ruth S. Harley University Center Gallery, 1 South Ave., Garden City. For more information, contact Adelphi University's Art History Dept. at (516) 877-4460.
African-American Museum
Ongoing exhibits highlight diverse aspects of African-American culture. The museum's gala celebration takes place, Sunday, Feb. 27, 3-5 p.m., with activities, guest speakers, and more. For futher information, contact (516) 572-07230. 110 N. Franklin St., Hempstead.
Long Island Children's Museum
For a second year, the Long Island Children's Museum presents an exploration of the human heart, with medical students from the Black and Latino Student Association of Stony Brook University Hospital. The programming, offered Saturdays through Feb. 26, honors the work of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, the first physician - and one of only four African-American physicians of his day - to successfully operate on a heart in 1893. At "A Walk Through The Heart," all ages can discover the workings of the heart's anatomy by becoming a red blood cell and moving through a room-size map of the human heart. A workshop, "Dr. Daniel Hale Williams Operates," enables older kids - ages 8+ - to experience a close-up observation of heart dissection. It is a re-enactment of Dr. Williams ground-breaking surgery in 1893. Another workshop, "What's Inside All Hearts - for ages 6+ - explores the heart's inner workings under a microscope. Other LICM activities feature African storytelling, with the Barefoot Puppets, Sunday through Tuesday, Feb. 20-22, and art workshops inspired by the outer space paintings of Afrofuturist artist David Huffman and Congolese artist Bodys Isek Kingelez, Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 22-23. For tickets, information and reservations, contact (516) 224-5800 or www.licm.org. 11 Davis Ave., Garden City.
Freeport Memorial Library
The library presents two free concerts this month, among its many programs. The first, Sunday, Feb. 13, at 2:30 p.m., features the Harlem Blues and Jazz Band. This blues and swing band has performed throughout the world, with Fred Staton on tenor sax, Freeport resident John Miller on piano, Michael Max Fleming on string bass, and Shelton Garry on drums.Groove to some Motown tunes the following week, Sunday, Feb. 20, at 2:30 p.m., at "Motown and More." The performance features Michael Kohn, Don Sands, Sidney Hendrix, and Dave Patrick.Also, all ages will enjoy the live drumming, chants, poetry, and dramatic storytelling of Xhabbo, an African-American griot, Tuesday, Feb. 22. 7:30 p.m. Registration is required. For further information, contact (516) 379-3274. The Freeport Memorial Library is located at 144 W. Merrick Rd., Freeport.
Hofstra University
Politics is at issue, Wednesday, Feb. 16, at 8 p.m., when Hempstead Mayor James J. Garner, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks and former New York City Mayor David Dinkins visit Hoftstra University for a discussion on "Black Politics: Life After the Vote." It takes place at the Student Center Theater, North Campus. For more information, contact the Hofstra Cultural Center at (516) 463-5669.The voices of African-American writers, fiction and non-fiction, are heard at a reading and book discussion, the following Wednesday, Feb. 23, 11:15 a.m.-12:40 p.m. Students and faculty will read passages from favorite books. It's at the David Filderman Gallery, Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library, South Campus. For more information, contact (516) 463-5963.
The Cradle of Aviation Museum
World War II heroes, the Tuskegee Airmen, visit Long Island this month, when the Cradle of Aviation presents its program on this important aspect of aviation history. The veterans will discuss their experiences, sign books and speak with visitors. Also, hands-on workshops are held, where visitors can learn about building aircraft of the period, and see how riveting was done by making tin punch projects.Meet the Tuskegee Airmen, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 19-20, noon-4 p.m. For further information, contact (516) 572-4111. Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City.
An Evening of Storytelling and Song
Hear Soh Young Lee-Segredo sing in several languages, in a tribute to African-American songwriter/composer Hale Smith, Saturday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m. The program, at Freeport United Methodist Church, includes spirituals, prayer songs, show tunes, and patriotic music. Tickets are $15. For further information, contact (516) 378-0659. 46 Pine St., Freeport.
The History Of Black History
We owe the celebration of Black History Month, and more importantly, the study of black history to Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Woodson (1875-1950), noted scholar and historian, and a son of former slaves, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915, which was later renamed the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History (ASALH). He initiated Nego History Week on Feb. 12, 1926 to bring national attention to the contributions of African-Americans to American history.
Woodson chose this date to co-incide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln
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two men who greatly impacted the black population. In 1976, as part of the nation's bicentennial, Negro History Week evolved and expanded into the Black History Month that we know today
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a four-week-long celebration of African American History that is now celebrated all over North America.
