Celebrate Black History Month With These Hudson Valley Events

Black culture runs deep in the Hudson Valley, having shaped our region’s history—and mapping its future. We’re lucky to live in an area where Black History Month is honored through a variety of events for all ages, from historical discussions to musical performances to creative programs for kids. Here’s a rundown of Black History Month events happening around the Hudson Valley.

Olana | Hudson | @olanafredericchurch

Lunch & Learn: The Underground Railroad Revisited | Feb 15th at 11 am
Olana continues their Lunch & Learn program with a free lecture about the history of the Underground Railroad in honor of Black History Month. Researchers Paul and Mary Liz Stewart share their work, reinterpreting how the Underground Railroad remains relevant to our community today. This program takes place at the Wagon House Education Center; refreshments are provided.

Clermont State Park | Germantown | @clermontfriends

Black History Story Hour | Feb 3rd at 1 pm
During this children’s event at Clermont, storytellers will share tales about historical figures in Black culture who’ve shaped history. Reservations are requested and all children must be accompanied by an adult for this free event.

STARR Cinema (former Upstate Films) | Rhinebeck | @upstate_films

Love Jones | Feb 14th at 7:30pm
In collaboration with Upstate Color (UPCO), a BIPOC community, the 1990s hit Love Jones will screen for one night only, a tale of two Black twenty-somethings who deal with the tribulations of blossoming romance, all to a fantastic soundtrack. This special screening was put on with the goal of celebrating Black love, a narrative that’s less recognized in Hollywood, to the forefront this Valentine’s Day.

Cornwall Public Library | Cornwall | @cornwallpublibrary

A Musical Celebration for Black History Month: Motown Records and Berry Gordy | Feb 1st at 6 pm – 7:15 pm
Learn about the history of Motown Records with a presentation by Rick Feingold of Bergen Community College, focusing on founder Berry Gordy’s journey from songwriter to record label mogul. Motown Records played a key part in the racial integration of pop music, launching the careers of Diana Ross & The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, The Jackson Five, and many, many others.

Black History Month Kingston is an organization hosting various events around the city. For the full list of happenings, please visit their website, but here are some exciting events lined up for the month, listed below.

Center for Photography at Woodstock | Kingston | @cpw_kingston

Black History Month Kingston Kick-Off Event | Feb 3rd at 1 pm – 4 pm
This family-friendly event at 25 Dederick Street in Kingston includes performances in African dance and the Drumsong Orchestra directed by host Ubaka Hill, plus poetry, singing, activities, vendors, and a MyKingstonKids dance party.

Orpheum Theatre | Saugerties | @upstate_films

“Bob Marley—One Love” | Feb 14th (check link for times)
Keeping in the theme of love on Valentine’s Day, enjoy a screening of “Bob Marley—One Love,” a musical-filled biographical film about Marley’s life, told by those closest to him in music and life. Produced by Rita and Ziggy Marley, among others.

Old Dutch Church | Kingston | @old_dutch_church_kingston

Sojourner Truth Life Walk on Saturday | Feb 17th at 11 am – 2 pm
Starting at the Esopus Town Hall in Ulster Park, this five-mile walk to the Old Dutch Church in uptown Kingston covers the probable route that Sojourner Truth took after her freedom from slavery was denied. The event culminates with a reading of Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman” speech by Rev. Deborah Zuill, a Truth re-enactor, in addition to music and dance.

Harambee Kingston | Kingston | Facebook

Black History Historic Legacy Exhibit + African American Cultural Cuisine

Black History Historic Exhibit| Feb 19th at 4 pm
An exhibit of historic photos, posters, music, books, magazines + musical instruments. Performance by music and spoken word artists.

“A Taste Of Harlem” | Feb 24th at 4 pm – 6 pm
Enjoy a variety of delicious home-cooked food rooted in African African culture from Harlem to Kingston.

Seed Song Farm | Ulster | @seedsongfarm

We Are Land: Maple Sugaring and Black History | Feb 24th at 11 am
Taking place at Seed Song Farm, this event examines the connection between people of African descent and the land, touching on both historical and contemporary relationships. Dr. Anthony Dandridge, director of the A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center and a prominent former Professor Emeritus of Black Studies at SUNY New Paltz, leads the presentation, which will include a maple tapping tour, pancake brunch, storytelling, and more.

Did we leave any events out? Share details in the comments!