As you know, February is Black History Month. But Black history – like diversity, tolerance, acceptance, and validation – should rightfully be celebrated throughout the year. With that in mind, we want to remind you about ACMi content that you can enjoy at any time, and that reflects the values mentioned above.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Observance that occurs each January in Arlington is in many ways the unofficial launch of Black History Month events and celebrations. Last month’s was the 35th annual iteration of this important event on Arlington’s calendar. It was organized, as always, by a dedicated group of volunteers working in conjunction with Arlington’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Jill Harvey. Jill also regularly records DEI Updates with ACMi, providing a compelling account of how Arlington wrestles with difficult issues, as well as how we celebrate notable occasions, people, and communities.
Margaret Credle Thomas is also a DEI Director, but her bailiwick is the Arlington Public Schools. Margaret hosts DEI Matters, where she and her guests explore the significant challenges and considerable rewards of doing DEI work in a school setting.
ACMi’s commitment to producing quality programming addressing complex issues of racial justice, fairness for all, and giving voice to the voiceless, goes back a number of years. The series of Community Conversations that occurred in Arlington throughout 2021 are just as relevant today, as is the Global to Local panel discussion ACMi hosted about Black Lives Matter, police and violence, a conversation that is remarkable for its combination of frankness and civility.
While we pause at this time of year to recognize and honor the importance of Black history, the vexing issues that permeate that history are not bound by any calendar – they are there every day. At ACMi, we will never forget that, and we will continue to provide programming on these important topics that informs, inspires, and impacts our community.
