Image Source: Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture
As fall calls, September abounds with activities and events online and in person. Don’t be a total stranger to fun. From African-American history to adventure walks and book fairs, make the month eventful! Before participating in any of these in-person activities, please respect the ongoing pandemic safety protocols, and check individual event-attending instructions with the organizers.
Film screening of unheralded female African warriors
September 25, 2022. “Warrior Queens: A History of African Women Warriors” says it all! Check out this online film screening celebrating some tough-as-nails female African leaders and warriors. This virtual account comes on the heels of the “The Woman King” film starring Viola Davis, which features the Agojie, female warriors who protected the African kingdom of Dahomey in the 19th century. The online film digs deeper. African women have ruled ancient kingdoms and empires for centuries; they have defended their land and people in war against European powers and the threat of slavery. Their feats are often untold. Some of the African warrior queens and female armies explored are Queen Amanirenas of Nubia, Queen Nzinga of Ndongo, Queen Yaa Asantewaa of the Ashanti Empire, Dahomey Amazons, a female regiment in the Kingdom of Dahomey. Afterwards, join the live Q&A discussion with the owners of Melaneyes Media Aundar Ma’at and Born Logic Allah. Pay what you’d want, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Registration is required. Email: melaneyes3@gmail.com, or visit eventbrite.com.
Click into African-American history on a live stream
September 25, 2022. Immerse yourself into a virtual live stream tour of the acclaimed Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. It’s the next best thing to being there. The tour, hosted by Robert Kelleman and Michele Ballard, takes you into the museum’s innovative design and exhibits, which focus on: Slavery and Freedom, Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom and A Changing America. The tour is presented by Washington, DC History & Culture. Free, but donations accepted. 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Register: eventbrite.com.
Lunch & Learn about the H.B.C.U.’s
September 26, 2022. The history of Historically Black Colleges & Universities. Lunch & Learn at the Great Plains Black History Museum for a monthly virtual session covering the history of 10 Historically Black Colleges & Universities, from the oldest to the youngest. That’s what it’s called: Lunch & Learn. Explore that these colleges have played in educating generations of African Americans. Free. The presentations will be held at 12 CST via Zoom. eventbrite.com.
Artist Linda Fernandez
Flower a fallen loved one with a tribute
September 22, 2022. Artist Linda Fernandez, of Amber Art and Design, will show you how to create paper flowers in memory of a fallen loved one or community member. Learn techniques to craft one-of-a-kind memorial paper flowers at the Art-Making Workshop at the Memorial Garden, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., 1401 JFK Blvd. Free but register: eventbrite.com or creativephl.org.
A showcase for Latino writers
September 23, 2022. Where is the perfect place where the Latino and general communities can come together to celebrate and connect authors, illustrators, writers, designers and book lovers from all neighborhoods in Philly? The PHL Latin American Book Fair 2022 is where. And the fair has been going on for four successful years now. Be part of this literacy event that spotlights the art of writing and rich talent in Philadelphia. It is part of a partnership of local Latin community leaders sponsored by Councilman David Oh and presented by Commonwealth Charter Academy, (CCA). Free, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., LOVE Park, 15th Street and JFK Blvd. https://www.latinbookfair.com/ or creatiephl.org.
Don’t pass on this free pass.
Through October 30, 2022. The best things in life are indeed free. Look into the Adventure Aquarium Pre-K Kid’s Adventure Pass for children ages 2 to 5, for a year of free admission and a free reign of the aquarium (within reason, that is)! The pass is available for a limited time only. You have to visit the Adventure Aquarium in person by October 30 to activate the passes. Parents must present their child’s proof of age (such as a birth certificate, passport, or adoption papers, etc.) at the aquarium Box Office before entry. As noted, it’s free. Reservations to activate are recommended. AdventureAquarium.com/pre-k.
Adventure walk of watershed moments
Through October 30, 2022. Water is vital to our existence. How to Get to the River underscores that fact. It’s an urban watershed adventure walk of 1.5 miles from the Academy of Natural Sciences down Cherry Street through a micro-watershed of the Schuylkill River. The watershed informs our neighborhoods and lives, according to the promotional material offers: “Scientists understand the watershed to be crucial to our homes, livelihoods, survival and the health of our communities. How does a watershed reveal itself in an urban landscape built from impervious streets, concrete sidewalks and underground sewers?” How to Get to the River follows the path of water across sloped roofs, rain gutters and into underground storm drains. Timed tickets are required and can be secured online or at the museum. Maximum of four walkers per time slot 10:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays; 10:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Fridays, $7 per person, free with museum admission. The Academy of Natural Science of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 215-299-1000, ansp.org.
