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Where To Celebrate Black History Month in Jamaica

By Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska | February 3, 2016 4:30pm
 Jamaica residents can celebrate Black History Month at a number of neighborhood cultural institutions this February with a series of events, including performances, exhibits and movie screenings dedicated to African-American heritage.
Jamaica residents can celebrate Black History Month at a number of neighborhood cultural institutions this February with a series of events, including performances, exhibits and movie screenings dedicated to African-American heritage.
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Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning

QUEENS —  Jamaica residents can celebrate Black History Month at a number of neighborhood cultural institutions this February with a series of events, including performances, exhibits and movie screenings dedicated to African-American heritage.

Here's what's going on in the neighborhood this month:

All Month:

► Film Festival: Films of Color

Where: Afrikan Poetry Theatre, 176-03 Jamaica Ave.
When: Feb. 9 to March 1, all screenings start at 7 p.m.

The festival will present several independent movies made by African-American directors and filmmakers, including "Personals," directed by Mike Sargent (Feb. 9), Joe Angio's "How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (And Enjoy It)," starring Spike Lee (Feb. 16), "Compensation" by Zeinabu Irene Davis (Feb. 23) and Christine Swanson's "All About Us" (March 1). Screenings are free.

Black History Month Exhibition: Black Royals

Where: Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, 161-04 Jamaica Ave.
When: Feb. 1 to March 31, all day

This free exhibition, on loan from the African American Museum of Nassau County, shows images of Queen Sophia Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, also known as the “grandmother of European royalty,” and Queen Philippa of Hainault, who was mother of the warrior knight, Edward the Black.

Black History Month Exhibition: WEUSI

Where: Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, 161-04 Jamaica Ave.
When: Feb. 5 to March 24, the opening reception will take place on Friday, Feb. 19, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. An Artist Talk is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 20, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This exhibit showcases the works of members of the WEUSI Artists Collective, that was established in Harlem in 1965 during the Black Arts Movement. The group is known for their distinctive use of African imagery.

Feb. 10

► The Black Vintage Movie Experience

Where: Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 150-53 Jamaica Ave.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Presented by Resorts World Casino New York City and A Better Jamaica, this free event will feature two classics films: "Carmen Jones" (1955) at 10 a.m. and "Imitation of Life" (1934) at 1 p.m. There will also be a discussion with film historian Dr. Donald Bogle at noon. To pre-register go here

Feb. 18 — 21

Award-winning play "Fences"

Where: Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 150-53 Jamaica Ave.

When: Feb. 18, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 21 at 3 p.m.

August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize winning drama “Fences" explores African-American life in 20th-century America. Tickets are $15. 

Feb. 19

► "Ghost of Amistad: In the Footsteps of the Rebels" screening

Where: Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, 161-04 Jamaica Ave.
When: 6:30 p.m.

JCAL is partnering with King Manor Museum to screen documentary "Ghost of Amistad: In the Footsteps of the Rebels," which explores the Amistad slave ship rebellion. The free screening will be followed by a discussion lead by co-producers Dr. Phillip Misevich and Dr. Konrad Tuchscherer. 

Feb. 27

► The Year of the Calabash

Where: Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 150-53 Jamaica Ave.
When: 7:30 p.m.

The United African Dance Troupe will present its drumming and dance performance, honoring the ancestors of the African Diaspora. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children.