This new program, begun by the Department of Parks and Recreation last year, expands the celebration of "Black History Month" into an entire year of exciting cultural and educational activities. Beginning in January, 2008, and continuing through December, after-school programs, assembly performances, summer programs at City parks and playgrounds, Back-to-School and winter activities highlight this year-long celebration of the "Black Experience" in America.

The "Black History Enrichment Series" has many components, including art contests, The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest; NGOZI Martial Arts; Storytelling; NAYO Youth Drumming and Dance Workshops; free National Civil War Museum tours & program presented by The KUUMBA Ensemble of Baltimore, MD; Harambee Foundation 2008 Maafa Play; The Summer Enrichment Program; BARAK, Inc., Summer Mural Project; "Drums Along The Susquehanna" during Kipona and drama/poetry workshops. Reed said the Black History Gala is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the many contributions local African Americans have made to the betterment of Harrisburg and the Capital Region, and simultaneously raise funds to support the city’s next generation of artists and civic leaders.

January 14 through May 16 – FREE - NGOZI and NAYO Martial Arts, Drumming and Dance. Harrisburg School District after-school a coed programs, Grades Kindergarten through eighth grade.

January 18 – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Competition Awards Ceremony

February 1 through March 31 - Harrisburg School District/City of Harrisburg 2nd Annual Black History Art Contest Exhibit - Grades 5 through 8 – Entries Exhibited in MLK Atrium

February 7 through March 31 - Art Association of Harrisburg/City of Harrisburg Black History Month Art Exhibit – Inmates from Camp Hill Correctional Institution – Lois Jones AAH Instructor - Reception at Reservoir Park – Saturday Feb. 16 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM – Light Refreshments

February 2 – Ninth Annual Black History Gala. Hilton Harrisburg, 6:30 PM, Tickets $50 per person. Reservation deadline January 25, 2008.

APRIL 5TH – Free Civil War Museum Tours and Performance "Shoe Walking" by The KUUMBA Ensemble, Heritage House Community Theater, Baltimore MD.
"Shoe Walking" is a riveting portrayal of African American heroes that span 300+ years of history. It’s a powerful tribute that interweaves gospel music, storytelling, modern dance and dramatic interpretation to create a historical journey through the eras of slavery, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement. The showcase introduces the likes of Ida B. Wells, William Cathay, Daisy Bates, Frederick Douglass, Jack Johnson, Mary Ellen Pleasant, Madam C.J. Walker, Harriett Tubman, Dred Scott and a host of world-changers that rocked the consciousness of America. Hear their voices, feel their struggle, witness their courage and take a walk in their shoes as they press hard for change and equality. Their journey paints an unforgettable portrait of human relations and fortitude for progress. This is a showcase not to be missed. It brings to life the history pages of America on stage. It’s empowering, inspiring and will keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

June 16 through August 15 – Nine week Summer Enrichment Program featuring programs and activities for community youth at 12 playground sites.

July 24, 25, 26, 2008 - Harambee Foundation Project 2008 MAAFA Play – Whitaker Center

August 15, 2008, 7:30 PM - Black History Series Youth Performance at Levitt Pavilion in Reservoir Park. Follow the drinking gorge dramatic presentation.

Summer - BARAK, Inc., will produce two more outdoor murals in Reservoir Park as part of “stop the violence” through the arts program.

Fall and Winter Activities:
"Drums Along the Susquehanna" at Kipona – NAYO Drumming Workshop

For more information on the City of Harrisburg’s Black History Month activities, visit www.HarrisburgEvents.com; call the Department of Parks and Recreation at (717) 255-3020, or (717) 233-7403 or visit their offices in the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City Government Center – Suite 401 or the Mansion in Reservoir Park.

2008 BLACK HISTORY GALA RAISES OVER $70,000 IN SUPPORT OF THE "2008 BLACK HISTORY ENRICHMENT SERIES!"

Mayor Stephen R. Reed welcomed over 450 attendees at the ninth annual Black History Gala held at the Hilton Harrisburg on February 2, 2008. The "Black-Tie Optional" Event was first begun by the Mayor in 2000 to highlight the contributions of local African Americans and to raise funds for a variety of City educational programs focused on Black History awareness and youth performances. The Gala is themed a "Celebration of Unity," to further illustrate the unity of purpose that has advanced African American ideals, creativity and culture in our society.
This year’s event featured Valerie Pritchett—WHTM, ABC 27—as mistress of ceremonies and a stellar performance by Youth African Drummers who studied with the NAYO Drum Troupe during the "2007 Black History Enrichment Series." Immediately following the drum performance Mayor Stephen R. Reed delivered remarks and presented awards to Sponsor of this year’s Gala. As Mayor Reed thanked the sponsors, listed below, he was pleased to announce that sponsorships and Gala tick sales had raised over $70,000 in support of the 2008 "Black History Enrichment Series." The evening ended on a high note as "Dr. K’s Motown Revue" played while Gala attendees danced into the night.
The Mayor said that all of the proceeds from this important fundraising event are earmarked to underwrite "The Black History Enrichment Series." This new program, begun by the Department of Parks and Recreation last year, expands the celebration of "Black History Month" into an entire year of exciting cultural and educational activities. Beginning in January, 2008, and continuing through December, after-school programs, assembly performances, summer programs at City parks and playgrounds, Back-to-School and winter activities highlight this year-long celebration of the "Black Experience" in America.
Sponsors for the Black History Gala 2008 include: Amtrak, Benchmark Solutions, Citizens Bank, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, FastSigns, Giant Foods, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc., Harrisburg Parks Partnership, Hershey Company, Highmark BlueShield, Hilton Harrisburg & Towers, J.P. Morgan, Larry Myers & Associates, Mesirow Financial, PA Housing Finance Agency, Pinnacle Health, UPS, Wachovia Bank.