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FunTimes Magazine

Black History Month winds down with educational things to do

Knowledge is power. February is dashing into the home stretch but continues to enrich and educate – spotlighting the legacy, culture, contributions of the Black community. Here are more low-cost or free in-person and virtual educational events focusing on music, art, literacy, and conversation.

 

But before venturing out, contact the event organizers to confirm event hours and find out their current in-person pandemic-related safety policies such as masking and proof of vaccination.

 

It’s a rap.

Fridays through May 27, 2022. Every Friday, Mighty Writers youth-literacy nonprofit, under the tutelage of Noel Scales, is where kids learn about the history and techniques of poetry, hip-hop, and rap. Let’s just call it: Hip-hopRapoetry. Students, ages 11 to 17, will devise their own raps and perform their raps in the final “Rap Recital,” 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Vaux Building, 24th and Master sts. Free. 

Sign up: 267-239-0699, [email protected] or mightywriters.org

 

Connecting teens.

Through May 26, 2022. Engage in a Mighty Writers’ discussion-based remote workshop for teens, 13 to 18, to vent, ask questions and explore topics on their minds. The Thursday workshops, under the guidance of Maurice Williams, are informal and chill. 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free. 

Sign up: [email protected] or mightywriters.org

 

 

 

Aruba to Philly.

Through March 6, 2022. The Gilberto Wilson: Di Nada exhibit showcases the fusion of photography and printmaking of the Philadelphia Caribbean artist. The display is described as a collection of “metropolitan motifs such as maps, streets, and manhole covers incorporating personal iconography, color, and form to convey the diverse stories of the Caribbean and city life bridging the gaps between the many displaced descendants of the diaspora.” Wilson was born in Aruba and immigrated to the U.S. in 1968 during the Civil Rights Movement and Black Arts Movement, inspirations for his art. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays. Advance registration is suggested. The African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St., 215-574-0380, aampmuseum.org

 

 

 

One for the books.

February 26, 2022. Authors, illustrators, and reps from the multicultural literary industry will bring the power of reading to Philly in a must-see children’s book fair. What better way to spend a Saturday? Hosted by the African American Children’s Book Project, the book fair is one of the nation’s oldest and largest single-day events for children's books. Games and giveaways. 

1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St. Free, 215- 878-2665. theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org

 

 

Page-turning fun stuff.

Through February 28, 2022. The Free Library’s Black History Month programs are in full swing. Whether you stay at home or visit local branches in person, you can enjoy an array of activities ranging from cooking classes of tummy-pleasing recipes celebrating the Black diaspora to fun bingo activities teaching Black history and paper quilt squares featuring quotes by Black authors and Black history-makers, current and past. Free. Times vary, 1-833-825-5357, Freelibrary.org