Black History Month events in St. Louis
Blues Kids Boogie and Mardi Gras Party at the National Blues Museum
Head to the National Blues Museum for Blues Kids Boogie and a family Mardi Gras Party! This event includes live music, scavenger hunts, story time, hands-on activities and crafts. There will also be a musical petting zoo!
Reenactment of the Dred and Harriet Scott Case
The enslaved Scott family, including Dred, Harriet and their daughters, sued for their freedom from slavery prior to the Civil War. See a reenactment of the case in one of the restored courtrooms at the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis.
Rangers will facilitate the reenactment and participants will read printed scripts, taking on the roles of the people involved in Mr. and Mrs. Scott's 1850 trial.
Free. 2 p.m. at the Old Courthouse. More information: nps.gov
Dred Scott Portrait Painting
Learn about the historic Dred Scott case and how it led to the American Civil War while creating art. Visitors will work with a park ranger who is also a professional artist to paint an oil portrait of Dred Scott.
The image is based on one of the few surviving images of Mr. Scott from the period. Supplies are provided.
Free. 1 p.m. at the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis. More information: nps.gov
Rhythms and Folklore of Africa
Enjoy the rhythms and stories of Africa with storyteller and performer Kenya Ajanaku at this exciting, free program for all ages. Part of the Black History Month celebration at the St. Louis County Library.
Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Florissant Valley Branch
Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Lewis & Clark Branch
Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. at the Bridgeton Trails Branch
Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Indian Trails Branch
Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. at the Weber Road Branch
More information: slcl.org
African Percussion Workshop
At this free workshop, kids can expand their cultural knowledge and learn the techniques and rhythms of authentic instruments, such as the djembe, caxixi, agogo, and kalimba.
For ages 8 and up. Presented by Freedom Arts and Education as part of the Black History Month celebration at the St. Louis County Library. The workshop will be held:
Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Eureka Hills Branch
Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Grant's View Branch
Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Headquarters Branch
Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. at the Rock Road Branch
