County Council to Hold Black History Month Commemoration on February 7; Theme This Year is Black Resistance

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Council will host its annual commemoration for Black History Month, which is celebrated nationally every February, on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 11:30 a.m. This year’s commemoration will focus on Black Resistance through faith, education, activism, political representation, and Black fraternities and sororities. The commemoration will include a proclamation presentation and video interviews highlighting Black leaders who have made strides locally and nationally through different forms of resistance.

This year’s commemoration will recognize Rev. Timothy B. Warner, pastor of Emory Grove United Methodist Church, Carolyn Taylor, former resident of the historic Emory Grove community, Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight, Michelle McNeil Gill, president of the Theta Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kenneth Clark, former president of the Iota Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Willie Pearl Mackey King, civil rights activist, and Councilmembers Will Jawando and Laurie-Anne Sayles.

“We honor residents in our community who have engaged in political activism and challenged the status quo to achieve more fair and equitable representation in Montgomery County,” Council President Evan Glass said. “Resistance has always been a powerful tool in the democratic process, particularly in the fight for racial equity and social justice. This fight for justice continues.”

“This year’s Black History Month theme is Resistance and could not be more appropriate for this moment in history,” Councilmember Jawando said. “As only the second Black person elected to the Council At-Large, I know how important political representation is to ensure all voices are heard in our policy and budgetary decisions. When we have a seat at the table, we can create the change we want to see in our community and address the disparities that have had a stronghold on communities for generations.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic magnified everything we knew and everything we thought we knew about the challenges our diverse populations face,” Councilmember Sayles said. “Nonetheless, Black people remain resilient and determined to overcome overwhelming circumstances. As the first Black Councilwoman elected countywide, I am living my ancestor’s wildest dreams as I celebrate and honor the significance of Black History Month. I stand on the shoulders of the brave men and women that paved the way for me to serve our diverse community by working with my colleagues on the County Council to address the inequities that Black residents have systematically endured in Montgomery County and across the globe.”

The Council has been hosting commemorative events to honor Black History Month since 2015. Last year’s commemoration focused on Black health and wellness in Montgomery County.

The commemoration will take place in-person at the Council Office Building. Residents can stream the commemoration live or after the fact on the Council’s YouTube and Facebook pages. The commemoration will also be televised on County Cable Montgomery, cable channels 996 (high definition) and 6 (standard definition) on Comcast; channels 1056 (HD) and 6 (SD) on RCN; and channel 30 on Verizon.

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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

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