by Jackie L. Williams, Ph.D.
Join the DC Black History Celebration Committee (DCBHCC) for the 35th Annual Black
History Program in partnership with the African American Civil War Museum and Westminster
Presbyterian Church to kickoff Black History month. This event will take place on Saturday,
February 1, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 401 I Street
Southwest, Washington, DC.
“The 2025 Black History Month theme, African Americans and Labor, focuses on the various
and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled,
vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people. Indeed,
work is at the very center of much of Black history and culture,” according to the Association for
the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
Honorees for this celebration are Southwest community leaders Vyllorya Evans and Emma Ward.
Other honorees are Thomas Blanton, Robert Brannum, Elise Bryant, Marquee Milton, and
Sandra “Mama Sandy” Morgan.
The keynote speaker is Frank Smith, Ph.D., Executive Director, African American Civil War
Memorial (AACWM). According to the AACWM website, “Dr. Smith laid the groundwork to
establish a national memorial for the African American Civil War troops during his four elected
terms with the District Council in Washington, D.C.”
Other speakers and performers include: Charles Allen, Ward 6 Councilmember; Luci Murphy,
jazz and blues performing artist; Kelvin Page, professional opera singer; and Judy Williams,
soloist.
“In spite of current oppression and resistance, Black History month continues to be relevant
because it’s not just for African Americans, it’s for everyone,” said Chuck Hicks. He is the
Founder and Director of the DCBHCC which recognizes and celebrates the contributions of the
African American community in art, literature, politics, and education throughout the year.
There is limited parking. The venue is Metro accessible at the Waterfront Station. For
information, contact Chuck Hicks at (202) 421-8608 or dcblackhistory@gmail.com. This event
is free and open to the public.