February is Black History Month, a time for celebrating the history, culture, impact and excellence of Black Americans and the broader African diaspora.
This year’s theme selected by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the founders of Black History Month, is “African Americans and the Arts.”
“In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount,” the ASAALH wrote in its announcement of the theme. “African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, we examine the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans.”
Art created by Black artists, musicians, choreographers, photographers and writers enrich the North Country arts landscape. Today is the last day of Black History Month, but the celebration of Black history can — and should — extend past February.
Read the full story in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise.