February marks an incredibly special month, packed with history and meaning—the annual celebration of Black History Month pays homage to the trailblazers who have played a role in breaking down barriers and fighting for social justice in the United States of America. And for Annapolis residents, this observance is a special one because of our state capital’s strong ties to Black history. Here is a place where you can pay tribute to history’s changemakers throughout the city, visit a museum, attend an educational event, and celebrate the many cultural and social contributions that Black Marylanders have made.
If you’re living in Annapolis or if you’re an out-of-towner who is just visiting, you’ll want to brush up on some of your Black history…
Do You Know These Annapolitans?
Annapolis has a remarkable history of civil rights and is home to the first Black mayor in Maryland. In 1985, Ellen O. Moyer was elected as its first Black mayor and became an advocate for racial justice, health care reform, economic development, and community empowerment programs.
Additionally, the first Black woman to be elected to represent Maryland in Congress is from Annapolis. In 2012, Donna Edwards became an ambassador for her city when she was elected as the first Black woman to represent Maryland’s 4th Congressional District in Washington D.C.
Both Moyer and Edwards are ground-breaking women who have made great strides towards inclusion and diversity, and the City of Annapolis has been praised nationally for their commitment to civil rights progress.
Have You Visited These Places?
There are several places in Annapolis where you can go learn about and pay tribute to Black history, whether during February or all year long.
The Alex Haley Monument
A visit to the Alex Haley memorial in downtown Annapolis is a great way to get an understanding of the author’s legacy. The sculpture of Haley, with a book open in his lap as he reads to three attentive children sitting nearby, pays homage to the way he inspired generations of readers, listeners, and viewers around the world with his work, most notably Roots, an epic novel following an enslaved man named Kunte Kinte who was taken from Gambia and brought to the slave port in Annapolis. As a descendant of the real-life Kunta Kinte, Haley once said that standing at the Annapolis harbor was an emotional experience.
In tribute to this, the Haley memorial is located right at the Annapolis harbor, where visitors can stop and reflect on the impact that Roots and Haley’s other work has had on our culture and our understanding of history.
The Thurgood Marshall Monument
The Thurgood Marshall statue, located in the heart of downtown Annapolis, stands as a symbol of racial justice and equality. Former Supreme Court Justice Marshall was a formidable advocate for civil rights who used his brilliant legal arguments to change legislation and provide unprecedented justice for African Americans in the United States. Marshall passed away in 1993, and a year later—on the 40th anniversary of the landmark case Brown vs. Board of Education, which Marshall won as representation for Oliver Brown and his family—the state of Maryland commissioned the statue on Lawyers Mall outside the State House. Thanks to this monument, Marshall’s legacy continues to inspire citizens both locally and nationally, and the monument serves as an important reminder of the power of strong leadership and commitment to governmental reform.
The Banneker-Douglass Museum
The Banneker-Douglass Museum, located in Annapolis, is a vibrant hub of history and culture. It features rotating exhibits on the lives and legacies of African American leaders locally and regionally, as well as spotlighting stories highlighting diverse individuals and communities throughout Maryland and the U.S. Through captivating programs and workshops, this museum offers an inspiring insight into how Black Americans have contributed to our nation’s history—from educational programs about Harlem Renaissance writers to lectures about Civil Rights icons—allowing visitors to truly celebrate the accomplishments that have created a brighter future for all. These meaningful events also provide a richer understanding of America’s cultural history, with visitors taking home invaluable lessons that last a lifetime.
And Be Ready to Fill Your Calendar Up With Great Events
Because our community is so rich in Black history, there are often many events to both educate and entertain Annapolitans throughout the year. The Kunta Kinte–Alex Haley Foundation sponsors film showings, lectures, family activities, and even performances from local bands. These events are unique in celebrating the past and present influences of African American culture.
Additionally, many of the local schools throughout Annapolis welcome guest speakers to come speak on important topics. In years past, these speakers have included prominent authors, activists, historians, and more speaking on an array of subjects. Anne Arundel County Library will often do events that highlight books, movies, and music by Black artists and promote diversity and inclusion.