DAY 7: BLACK FUTURES MONTH

For most of us, Black History Month in the U.S. has existed for most or all of our lives. This observance has allowed people of all ages and backgrounds to explore the richness and importance of the history of the Black community—which does not begin with slavery in the Americas, by the way. Not even close. To learn more about the creator of Black History Month, check out this 7-minute audio program about its establishment: The story behind the man responsible for Black History Month

It is always important to show up for the Black community, but we must be careful about the conditions of our solidarity: Do we surround ourselves with people who always show up for Black death, but seldom for Black life? Do we surround ourselves with people who always show up for Black history, but seldom for Black futures? Today, we highlight an inspiring and growing movement that jointly observes February as Black Futures Month, to look ahead to the world we want to create for ourselves. Black Futures Month was established in 2015 by the Movement for Black Lives to celebrate “Black people, art, culture, joy, and organizing in service to our bold vision for Black liberation.” It is closely tied to Afrofuturism, which blends cultural and historical issues relevant to the African diaspora within a concept of fantasy or science fiction. This is a bit of an oversimplification, so we recommend you learn more about the pride, promise, and possibilities that Afrofuturism offers by exploring the creative arts where these concepts collide. Looking for recommendations on where to begin? See the suggested reading / listening / viewing below.

“How Long ‘Til Black Futures Month?” by N.K. Jemisin

Music video for “Tightrope” by Janelle Monae

Album cover for "The ArchAndroid" by Janelle Monae

Miscellaneous art pieces tagged as afrofuturistic

Did You Know? Allensworth, CA

Did you know the first all-Black town in California was established in 1908? It was called Allensworth, and its purpose was to serve as a place where Black Americans could be fully self-sufficient and free from racial discrimination.

Allensworth was founded by a group led by Colonel Allen Allensworth, who was born into slavery in Louisville, Kentucky in 1842. Mr. Allensworth escaped from enslavement and fought in the Civil War. He became the highest-ranking Black officer in the U.S. Army by the time he retired in 1906.

Pop Quiz!

A one-question trivia check to make sure you’re on your Black History A-game. How many will you get correct throughout the month? Click the button that reads “Today’s pop quiz” to see today’s question.

On the theme of Allensworth, today’s pop quiz question digs deeper into the amazing journey of the town’s namesake, Allen Allensworth.

TODAY’S POP QUIZ

Coming up

Check out some of the events happening throughout Black History Month 2023.

Now through 2/12 – “Bov Water” play at Northern Stage

What: A running production of a new play in which “four generations of Black women breathe and bathe in a past that’s both intentionally and accidentally forgotten. Challenging and discovering their own narratives from the Civil War to the 1960s to modern-day America, these strong and inquisitive souls wrestle to unearth a family’s past and build resilience for the future.”

Logistics: This play is running until Feb 12th. Performances are at the Barrette Center for the Arts, located at 74 Gates St. in White River Junction. Learn more here: Bov Water

2/8 – Farmers’ Night: “John Lewis & RUN”

What: National Book Award winner Andrew Aydin describes the creation of RUN and his experiences working with Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis.

Logistics: This free event is being held on Wednesday Feb 8th at 7:30 p.m. at the Vermont State House, located on State St. in Montpelier. Learn more here: Farmers’ Night

2/9 – Panel Discussion on Police Violence

What: The Vermont branches of the NAACP partner with ACLU of Vermont to host a panel discussion with five family members whose loved ones were lost to police violence and who are a part of the Love Not Blood Campaign.

Logistics: This free, hybrid event is being held on Feb 9th at 6:00 p.m. with two options to join: [1] at the Pavilion Building located at 109 State St. in Montpelier, or [2] via Zoom. Learn more and RSVP here: Voices From the Front

2/10 & 2/17 – Black Artist Showcase

What: A space to share poetry and build community, featuring Black creatives.

Logistics: This event is being held twice: [1] On Friday Feb 10th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Venetian Soda Lounge, located at 266 Pine St. Suite #122 in Burlington. [2] On Friday Feb 17th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Kru Coffee, located at 2 Church Street in Burlington.

2/16 – “Soul Food: Honoring Black Voices in Music”

What: A late-night musical experience that “honors Black music of yesterday and today.”

Logistics: This free event is being held on Feb 16th from 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. at Club Metronome, located at 188 Main St. in Burlington. Learn more here: Soul Food

2/25 – The Black Experience

What: This free event will feature discussions and panels with local artists and speakers, and a keynote presentation by iconic activist and scholar Dr. Angela Davis. There will also be a performance by the Philadanco dance company.

Logistics: This free event is being held on Saturday Feb 25th at 5:00 p.m. at The Flynn, located at 153 Main Street in Burlington. Learn more here: The Black Experience 2023

Raffle—We Spoke Too Soon!

When you signed up for this e-mail series, we told you the items we were raffling. Well, we just got so darn excited about Black History Month that we collected a few more items for the raffle. What does this mean? It means that instead of drawing 3 names a week, we will be drawing 5 names a week, which means more opportunities to share great stuff with you that showcases the work and artistry of the Black community!

We lift up gratitude to the Vermont Department of Libraries, who provided all of the books in the BHM weekly raffles. Learn more about how the Department of Libraries supports communities all across Vermont here: VT Department of Libraries

Congratulations to this week’s winners: Jaydeen, Michelle, Sara, Kate, and Kim. They will be receiving prizes that include the items featured below. The next drawing will take place on Tuesday of next week.

"Stamped," "Heads of the Colored People," and coffee from BLK & BOLD

This is an installment in the State of Vermont’s 28-day Black History Month e-mail series, offered by the Vermont Human Rights Commission and the Vermont Office of Racial Equity. The Human Rights Commission protects people from unlawful discrimination in housing, state government employment, and public accommodations. Learn more about the HRC here. The Office of Racial Equity provides guidance and oversight to identify and mitigate systemic racism in state government. Learn more about the ORE here. Did you receive this e-mail from a friend? Want to sign yourself up for the remainder of the month? Subscribe to this list here.

Copyright (C) 2023 State of Vermont Office of Racial Equity. All rights reserved.

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