COLUMBUS, Ind. — Leaders from the African American Fund, Paths to Success, the NAACP Columbus/Bartholomew chapter, Taylor Bros., and the African American Pastors Alliance have announced the launch of Black History Month Columbus (BHMC). See the calendar of events for the month’s festivities here.
The opening ceremony, on February 1 at the Commons, will feature the “And Still We Rise” exhibit led by Tom Harmon as one of the key organizers, along with the exhibit’s creators, Brenda Pitts and Paulette Roberts. The exhibit showcases the resilience and perseverance of the Black community in Bartholomew County, dating back to 1809, and highlights significant events that shaped U.S. history, such as the Underground Railroad and Frederick Douglass’ abolitionist lecture in Columbus in 1873.
Mayor Jim Lienhoop will also be declaring February 1 as the start of BHMC.
Over 50 events are planned for February, with activities catering to all ages, including “Storytime: Highlighting Black authors, illustrators, and characters,” and “Watch-It Wednesday: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” at the Bartholomew County Public Library (BCPL). Families can also go on a self-guided Black heritage tour, created by Roberts in partnership with Landmark Columbus and Columbus Education Coalition, among other educational and entertaining activities.
“In 10 years, I see BHMC as a staple in the community, one that has been duplicated throughout the state,” said BMHC project manager Whitney Wood-Gaines, “I see an increased sense of community support and togetherness.”
