As national conversations around Black history and cultural investment continue to shift, community-centered arts spaces are proving just how vital they are. This Black History Month, while the Kennedy Center scaled back their programming for Black History Month then announced a two year closure for renovations, BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown is leaning in—boldly and intentionally.
Through a dynamic lineup of performances rooted in Black innovation, legacy, and futurity, BlackRock is offering audiences meaningful opportunities to gather, reflect, and celebrate.
Destiny, Dreams, and Devotion
Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM | Kay Gallery
BlackRock’s Black History Month programming opens with Destiny, Dreams, and Devotion, a debut multimedia performance by REGAL LIV, the performance alter of Nigerian-born transdisciplinary artist and cultural producer VILLAGER.
This immersive performance essay weaves sound, spoken word, movement, scent, and visual media into a meditative experience described as a celestial eulogy—reflecting on ancestry, futurity, and collective becoming. Drawing inspiration from Afrofuturism, Yorùbá knowledge systems, and literary and musical traditions, the work invites deep listening and embodied reflection.
The event is free and open to the public (RSVP encouraged) and takes place in conjunction with a performance by the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra later that evening at 8:00 PM at BlackRock Center for the Arts.
Howard University Takeover!
Friday, February 13 & Saturday, February 14 | 7:30 PM
The celebration continues the following weekend as Howard University takes over BlackRock for two unforgettable nights spotlighting one of the nation’s most influential HBCUs and its extraordinary musical legacy.
Friday, February 13 features the iconic Howard Gospel Choir, founded in 1969 as the world’s first collegiate gospel choir. Their powerful, joy-filled performance blends faith, history, and excellence—and marks their only Montgomery County appearance this year.
On Saturday, February 14, audiences return for Afro Blue, Howard University’s premier vocal jazz ensemble, celebrated for daring harmonies and contemporary artistry. The evening is elevated by acclaimed jazz pianist and composer Cyrus Chestnut, creating a dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation.
Blackrock’s Artistic Director Kelly Chauncey says “Black History Month is about more than remembrance—it’s about presence, access, and continued investment in Black voices. BlackRock Center for the Arts is demonstrating what commitment looks like by offering programming that honors ancestral memory while imagining expansive futures.”
For DMV audiences seeking rich cultural experiences close to home, the message is clear: the options are here, the artistry is world-class, and the moment is now. BlackRock Center for the Arts isn’t stepping back this Black History Month—it’s stepping forward.
