From highlighting important moments and Black contributions in history to supporting today’s artists and entrepreneurs, Celebrate Black History Month in the Hershey Harrisburg Region by exploring a variety of engaging events and arts & culture experiences.
VISIT MURALS, MONUMENTS, & GALLERIES
In the photo above, visitors stop to photograph “Raffia.” The bold, towering mural in Harrisburg’s Midtown was created by Harrisburg-based Black artist Bryan “King Prolific” Hickman. Hickman says the “Afro-inspired” mural depicts a personal friend and Harrisburg resident.
Mural Location: 928 James Street, Harrisburg
Visit “A Gathering At The Crossroads: For Such A Time As This,” a monument dedicated to the residents of Harrisburg’s Old Eighth Ward - a neighborhood made up of primarily Black and immigrant residents - that was demolished to make way for the Capitol Complex. The scene is meant to depict residents gathering for a conversation about the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment in 1870 that gave African American men the right to vote.
One of the figures in the bronze monument represents Harrisburg-born T. Morris Chester, a Civil War veteran who became the nation’s first Black news correspondent. The section of Walnut St. where the monument can be seen is known at T. Morris Chester Way in appreciation of Chester’s contributions to the fight for Civil Rights.
Also represented in the life-sized installation are William Howard Day (the educational reformer and civil rights pioneer), Frances Harper (poet, abolitionist, and suffragette), and Jacob T. Compton (sergeant in Company D of the 24th United States Colored Infantry (USCT) and local musician).
Monument Location: Walnut Street, Harrisburg (Between N 4th & Aberdeen)
Nyeusi Gallery is Harrisburg’s first Black-owned and operated art gallery and media showcasing original art, sculptures, and prints by people of color. The gallery features both local artists and pieces from around the world. The gallery also hosts live music events, poetry readings, and other artist-focused events.
Gallery Location: 1224 North 3rd Street Harrisburg, PA 17102
VISIT THE NATIONAL CIVIL WAR MUSEUM
The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg is dedicated to telling the story of the American Civil War. Two floors of intricate and thoughtful exhibits tell the story of the war while focusing on the people and lives affected – including those with ties to Harrisburg.
Did you know? Harrisburg native T. Morris Chester was the nation’s first Black War correspondent.
NCWM presents its FREE COMMUNITY DAY on Saturday, February 17.
SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES
Geno Goodman says you should be “prepared to sleep for 10 days” after you enjoy a meal from Sweet T & Greens – a stand at Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square he runs with his wife, Erin. Goodman says the menu featuring smoked meats, hearty mac-n-cheese, collard greens, and more – is inspired by family and cooked with love.
Find Sweet T & Greens on the 1st floor of Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square: 121 Towne Square Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
Discover more Black-owned businesses HERE.
STORIES ON STAGE
Theatre is a place where voices from the past are lifted and remembered through purposeful interpretations - a place where powerful stories from generations gone by come to life and new stories are created - new possibilities pondered. Harrisburg has several theatre groups committed to inclusive, intentional, and thought-provoking storytelling.
*Final Weekend* - Narcisse Theatre presents "American Son," powerfully intense drama about, race, parenting, and policing in America.
American Son - SHOW DETAILS
Gamut Theatre Group, Sankofa African American Theatre Company, and Dauphin County Parks & Recreation present "The Jackson Rooming House: Music's Resting Place" select dates through February 25. The production highlights reflections on the legacy of Black musicians & Harrisburg's hospitality network that offered safe lodging.
The Jackson Rooming House - SHOW DETAILS
DID YOU KNOW...
- ...that the city of Harrisburg hosted a Grand Review parade for the regiments of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) who were not invited earlier that year to march in the Grand Review for Union armies in Washington, D.C.?
- ...that The Harrisburg Giants were a U.S. professional Negro league baseball team - joining the Eastern Colored League (ECL) in 1924?
- ...that Wilt Chamberlin's famous 100-point game happened at Hersheypark Arena?
Discover these unique stories connecting the Hershey & Harrisburg Region to some of the most important aspects, events, and iconic Black figures throughout Black History in America HERE.
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