Pennsylvania Convention Center hosts 9th Annual Celebration
ABOVE PHOTO: Tuskegee Airmen, Dr. Eugene Richardson.
The Black History and Culture Showcase (BHACS), the nation’s premier celebration of African American achievement and intellectual contributions will take place during Easter Weekend, March 30 and 31, 11am to 7pm at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, 12th and Arch Street.
The Showcase is FREE to attend and everyone is welcome. It was started in 2004 by Executive Producer, Everett Staten as a way to promote a greater awareness and appreciation of African American history. In 2012, Culture activities were added to the event to recognize the artistic (fine art, literature, theater, music and film) and intellectual contributions African Americans have made to the world.
The need to tell an often forgotten story was Staten’s inspiration for creating the Black History and Culture Showcase. “The history of Black people in America is one of unbelievable resilience and achievement. However, in most instances our contributions are not included in the presentation of history. Our history remains the greatest story that has never been told.” said Staten. “What makes the Black History and Culture Showcase so unique is that many of the exhibits have never been shown in museums. These privately owned inspiring exhibits contain priceless artifacts and rare photographs amassed by devoted Black history collectors”, added Staten. The 2013 schedule of exhibits and activities include:
Exhibits
International Black Inventions Museum – Los Angeles, CA
Pays tribute to the invaluable intellectual contributions African Americans have made to the progress of society.
We Forget Black Holocaust Slavery Museum – Philadelphia, PA
This exhibit features the most extensive collection of slavery artifacts, Jim Crow memorabilia and information ever assembled for public examination “free of charge”.
The collection includes shackles, branding irons, photos, documents and more.
Legendary Blue Horizon – Philadelphia, PA
Ring Magazine described it as “the best venue in the world to watch a fight”, the now closed “Blue” will share its’ history and memorabilia. Some items will be available for purchase.
Additional exhibits include: Paul Robeson House, African American Museum of Philadelphia, Black Doll Museum, Negro League Baseball, Black Firefighters, Black Women in Sports, Wilt Chamberlain, Tuskegee Airmen, Montford Point Marines, WWII Black Navy Veterans, Womens Veterans, Black History In the Press, 3rd Regiment United States Colored Troops, Genealogy, Charles Blockson Collection, Archeology, Black Writers Museum, the Philadelphia Black Sports & Culture Association and the Clef Club.
Living Legends
Herb Douglas (oldest living African American Olympic medalist 1948) Sat 2pm – 4pm Tuskegee Airmen, Montford Point Marines, Mahlon Duckett and Pedro Sierra (Negro League players), Tina Sloan Green (first Black head coach in women’s college lacrosse history and won 3 national championships)
New to the Showcase this year is the Fine Arts & Crafts Suite which provides a place for African American artists and craftspeople to display and sell their handmade products. There will be original art, jewelry, clothing and dolls available.
In addition, the Showcase has a Black history marketplace where attendees can purchase historical items like figurines, stamps, books, posters, Obama campaign memorabilia, t-shirts and other collectibles.
The 2013 Black History and Culture Showcase is hosted once again by the Pennsylvania Convention Center located in Philadelphia at 12th and Arch Street. Ahmeenah Young, President and CEO of the Convention Center Authority stated,” Philadelphia is recognized as the nation’s most historic city and we are delighted to partner with Everett in presenting such an educational and historically relevant event.
The Black History and Culture Showcase has become an integral part of the mosaic that represents Philadelphia and it is also an essential component of our hospitality and tourism attractions.”
The Black History and Culture Showcase is FREE to attend and everyone is welcome. This would not be possible without the support of corporate sponsors like PRWT Services, Inc that realize the importance of such an event. “PRWT is proud to sponsor BHACS and we applaud BHACS as they commemorate and celebrate the African American experience. Throughout PRWT’s history we have always demonstrated our commitment to institutions like BHACS that promote education, arts and culture, and we will continue to support those institutions as they continue to enhance the lives of the people in which we live and work”, said Harold Epps, President & CEO of PRWT. Additional sponsors and media partners are Colgate-Palmolive Company, PECO, WURD, Philadelphia Sunday Sun, Black Professional News, BOUNCE TV, rolling out.com, Philadelphia Tribune and Third Floor Media.
The Black History and Culture Showcase is an initiative of the Proud African American Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to producing community events and activities that provide positive portrayals of African American people. It is produced by Everett & Associates, Inc. For more information about BHACS visit www.blackhistoryshowcase.org.
Leave a Comment