2024-Blacktastic-MT

Join us for Blacktastic!

A Virtual Children’s Festival of Maryland and DC Black History + Culture

Thursday, February 22, 2024

9am-12pm

We invite your classes to celebrate Black History Month and the joy of Maryland and DC Black history and culture with our teaching artists and special guests. Enriching virtual performances and workshops—all in one day and for all grade levels!—will bring the inspiration of the arts into your classroom.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore will be on hand to kick off this amazing celebration with a special Black History greeting!

Registration is Now Closed

2024 Blacktastic Programming

2024 Blacktastic Programming

2024 Blacktastic Programming

Order In The COURT! Thurgood Marshall's Rap Musical

Thurgood Marshall made Blacktastic history when he became the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Join Jamaal "Mr. Root" Collier as he brings Thurgood Marshall's legacy and story to life through rhyming raps. This program will feature a virtual field trip to the Thurgood Marshall Memorial Statue on the Maryland State House Grounds in Annapolis, Thurgood Marshall's childhood home in Baltimore, and the Thurgood Marshall Mural designed by Iandry Randriamandroso on the campus of Coppin State University.

Grade Levels: All Grades

Victorious Verda's Welcome Wagon: The Life and Times of Verda Freeman Welcome

Senator Verda Freeman Welcome made Blacktastic history when she became the first Black woman elected to the Maryland House of Delegates and Maryland's second female senator! Join singing storyteller Debra Mims in this one-woman show as she portrays Verda Freeman Welcome as you've never seen her before. The program will feature a virtual field trip to Morgan State University's Verda Freeman Welcome Bridge!

Grade Levels: All Grades

Molding History: The Making of the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, join teaching artists as they bring the museum's origin story to life with a biopic-inspired hip-hop musical. Artists Drew Anderson and Tracie Jiggetts portray founders Drs. Elmer and Joanne Martin, with a virtual behind-the-scenes field trip included.

Grade Levels: Grades 6-12

Denyce Graves: A Real Life Diva

Join 2024 Blacktastic Living Legend Honoree Mezzo Soprano Opera Singer Denyce Graves as she presents an interactive vocal workshop and shares historical artifacts from her career. Jam along with Baba Bomani as he presents his musical tribute to Denyce Graves entitled, "Denyce Graves: A Real Life Diva." Experience an engaging vocal lesson and an interactive interview as she reflects on the lessons she learned in her career and life. Go behind the scenes of her vocal studio at the historic Peabody Conservatory, the oldest conservatory in the United States. This program will also feature a virtual field trip to the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University.

Grade Levels: All Grades

Receive a free digital Blacktastic Activity Book

Blacktastic! A Children’s Festival of Black History & Culture

Every class or school that registers can access our digital Blacktastic Activity Book, filled with Creative Challenge activities that reinforce what students learned during the festival!

Join in on the Black History Bop Dance Challenge!

Black History Bop

Ready for a dance challenge? Join Arts for Learning students to master the Black History Bop! with original choreography, lyrics, and music by teaching artists Quynn Johnson, Jessica "Culture Queen" Hebron, and Baba Bomani!

Participate in Maryland Black History trivia games

Blacktastic! A Children’s Festival of Black History & Culture

In between each performance and workshop, students can participate in trivia games that test young learners’ knowledge of some of our state’s famous historical Black figures!

Receive a Free Digital Blacktastic Activity Book

Blacktastic! A Children’s Festival of Black History & Culture

Every class or school that registers can access our digital Blacktastic Activity Book, filled with Creative Challenge activities that reinforce what students learned during the festival!

Join in on the Black History Bop Dance Challenge!

Black History Bop

Ready for a dance challenge? Join Arts for Learning students and learn the Black History Bop!—featuring original choreography, lyrics, and music by teaching artists Quynn Johnson, Jessica "Culture Queen" Hebron, and Baba Bomani!

Participate in Maryland Black History Trivia Games

Blacktastic! A Children’s Festival of Black History & Culture

In between each performance and workshop, students can participate in trivia games that test young learners’ knowledge of some of our state’s famous historical Black figures!

Thank you to our generous 2024 sponsors

Friends of Arts for Learning

Dr. Norrece Jones & Betty D. Session

Thank you to our generous 2024 sponsors

Dr. Norrece Jones & Betty D. Session

Friends of Arts for Learning