Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey Counties joins the celebration of the important contributions the Black community has had on our State and nation. Following are a few ways to learn more about Black history in Nevada and beyond:
Our Story, Inc. is providing daily facts on Black history in Nevada with fascinating facts from most counties across Nevada. Our Story, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that strives to seek out, collect, preserve and exhibit the contributions, heritage, and culture of people whose experiences are not well represented in Northern Nevada history. This non-profit organization provides opportunities and information for students, and scholars to study what is not normally offered in public or private school classrooms. For daily Black history facts in February, see https://www.facebook.com/Our-Story-Inc-186782791380514
Nevada Humanities and Our Story Inc. gave an Introduction to Black Springs, Nevada in January 2022 with a conversation about the history of Black Springs, Nevada, a neighborhood located in the North Valleys, approximately six miles from downtown Reno. The presentation included a discussion on the development and growth of this area from the 1940s to today, including the struggle and fight for basic infrastructure for the residents of Black Springs. Additionally the story was shared how Black families purchased homes in Black Springs against seemingly insurmountable odds, such as systemic redlining. If you missed it, watch on You Tube at https://youtu.be/a8gcjwHyUjU
Nevada Museum of Art exhibition Summer of Soul, a look at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival is up at the museum until Feb. 27, 2022. It is organized and presented by the Northern Nevada Black Cultural Awareness Society. Over the course of six weeks during the summer of 1969, thousands of people attended the Harlem Cultural Festival to celebrate Black history, culture, music and fashion. Inspired by the Questlove film of the same title, this exhibition showcases select album covers of several of the influential black musicians and artists that continue to inspire music of today. https://www.nevadaart.org/art/exhibitions/summer-of-soul-a-look-at-the-1969-harlem-cultural-festival/
Onn February 23rd and 24th, there will be a virtual reading of Toni Morrison’s novel The Bluest Eye, featuring Black women writers such as Angela Davis, Jesmyn Ward, Edwidge Danticat, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Glory Edim and many others. This program, presented by Literacy Partners, is free to attend. Register at https://www.communitybookstore.net/literacy-partners-bluest-eye
