Celebrate Black History Month with CMoR
Black History Month originated in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson. It started as just a week of remembrance on the second week of February which was chosen because it marked the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass, two Americans who greatly influenced the lives of African Americans.
Today it’s a month long celebration of African American history and CMoR is taking full advantage! We have an exciting line up of five great performances for you that will showcase the very best of African culture, values and traditions.
The performances, including storytelling, music and dance, will take place every weekend through out the month of February. They will be located in the CMoR lobby and are free to all visitors.
All of the performances are sure to give kids an authentic African experience so make sure you don’t miss any of the action at CMoR!
February 6, 2010 11:00am: Cheick Hamala Diabate
Cheick is a Grammy nominated musician and world-renowned griot from Mali, West Africa. Through his mastery of the ngoni, a traditional Malian instrument, Cheick captures the audience with traditional West African songs and songs brought to the United States by West African slaves. With the combination of sing-along songs, music, dance and storytelling, Cheick is sure to give the audience a true West African experience.
February 13, 2010 1:00pm: The Richmond Jazz Society
The Richmond Jazz Society will be presenting their Make Music with Me Band. This interactive program will bring jazz music and music enrichment to children by performing jazzy versions of familiar kid tunes. The band features local musicians in a lively audience participation format encouraging kids to sing along, dance and make music and rhythm with various percussion instruments.
February 20, 2010 11:00am: Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company
With the combination of their vibrant clothes, electrifying beats and truly contagious energy, Ezibu Muntu gives the audience the feeling of being enveloped in African culture. This passionate group of drummers, dancers and entertainers are dedicated to invoking an awareness of African culture, values and arts. Their dedication to education is apparent as they take the time to introduce and explain each song, dance and instrument.
February 27, 2010
11:00am: Elegba Folklore Society
The Elegba Folklore Society will be presenting their Dance with Me, Sing with Me program. This performance-lecture is an interactive program that relates aspects of Africa's culture and customs with life in the United States. By establishing these cultural linkages, audiences achieve a higher level of appreciation for diversity and shared traditions.
1:00pm: The Richmond Boys Choir
The Richmond Boys Choir will be returning to CMoR for another captivating performance. The group consists of 40 talented young men ranging in age from seven to 17. They will be singing a variety of songs that will showcase African culture and history. Part of the choir’s performance will be interactive with the children in the audience which will keep them engaged and give them a better understanding of the culture.
