We celebrate Black History Month by recognizing the history, achievements, and influence of the Black community.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History originally launched the campaign in 1926 as a weeklong mission to introduce the underrepresented contributions of African Americans to our country. The weeklong celebration evolved into the entire month of February beginning in 1976, creating a national movement.
In honor of Black History Month, here are some ways that you can get educated, celebrate, and support the Black community in Denton this year.
OUR STORIES: BLACK FAMILIES IN EARLY DALLAS
Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 6 PM
Commissioners Courtroom, Courthouse-on-the-Square
Our Stories: Black Families in Early Dallas enlarges upon two publications by the late Dr. Mamie McKnight’s organization, Black Dallas Remembered—First African American Families of Dallas (1987) and African American Families and Settlements of Dallas (1990). Our Stories is the history of Black citizens of Dallas going about their lives in freedom, as described by the late Eva Partee McMillan: “The ex-slaves purchased land, built homes, raised their children, erected their educational and religious facilities, educated their children, and profited from their labor.”
A LOOK INTO THE WOODS HOUSE
In anticipation of the completion of the restoration of the Woods House later this year, the Denton County Office of History and Culture is opening a new exhibit at the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum showcasing items that will be displayed in the new house museum. The exhibit, located in the rotunda on all three floors of the Courthouse Museum, will open on January 25, 2023 and close April 27, 2023.
PRESENTATION ON THE WOODS HOUSE RESTORATION
Curator of Collections Kim Cupit will present about the Woods House restoration at the Emily Fowler Library at 502 Oakland Street on Tuesday, February 7 at 10 AM. Learn about the history of the Woods House and the Woods family.
QUAKERTOWN PARK WALKING TOUR
On Saturday, February 25 at 1:30 PM, Office of History and Culture staff will lead a Quakertown Park Walking Tour to share the history of the people and places of Denton’s historic African American neighborhood known as Quakertown. The event will conclude with a tour of the Denton County Historical Park, where attendees can visit the Denton County African American Museum and view the current restorations of the Woods House
AMERICAN LEGION HALL BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Active Adults, ages 50+, come celebrate Black History Month at American Legion Hall. Learn about the contributions of Africans and African Americans from the past and the present through games and presentations. Light refreshments will be served.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
Celebrate Cultural Diversity in Denton on Saturday, February 25th. The national theme is "Black Resistance" and the keynote speaker is Patrick Powers, DISD educator, and motivational speaker. Come enjoy the exploration of the triumphs of Africans/African Americans in our history while enjoying snippets of culture; such as music, poetry, and more.
DENTON COUNTY AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
Located in the Denton County Historical Park is the Quakertown House, a home built in 1904 and originally located in the historic African American community of Quakertown. The house is now home to the Denton County African American Museum, featuring three rooms that display pictures and artifacts of the African American families that originally lived in Quakertown. Read more about the historical Quakertown community of Denton through the Denton County Office of History and Culture Blog.
FOUNDATION OF OUR HISTORY MURAL
This mural features five influential women in history. Originally located on the side of local activist Willie Hudspeth's business, the mural was repainted by muralist Dan Black and can now be found at the entrance to Robertson Street from Bell Avenue. The women depicted are Alice Moore Alexander, Alma Clark, Betty Kimble, Dorothy Minter, and Ruby Cole. To learn more about these inspirational women and their activism, check out the Denton Public Library Blog.
