Blacktastic!
February 26 + 27, 2025
Celebrate the joy of Maryland’s Black history and culture with Blacktastic!, a virtual festival featuring professional teaching artists, enriching performances, trivia, and virtual field trips to historic sites that honor local Blacktastic leaders.
NEW! This event spans TWO DAYS, featuring age-appropriate segments for elementary students on February 26 and middle and high schoolers on February 27.
Your purchase includes access to both days, as well as a curriculum-aligned activity book with follow-up lessons to lock in learning. Plus, registrants will experience a new and improved user-friendly streaming platform!
February 26 + 27, 2025
9:30–11:30 AM DAILY
2025 Blacktastic Programming
Isaac Myers: Maryland's Maritime Man With A Plan!
February 26
Audience: Elementary
Spoken word artist Jamaal "Mr. Root" Collier and animator Cullen Cook bring to life the extraordinary story of Isaac Myers–a visionary leader who transformed the maritime landscape of 19th-century Baltimore as the pioneering founder of the Colored Caulkers Trade Union Society.
Myers’ audacious vision challenged the oppressive economic systems of his time, creating pathways of opportunity and collective power for African American tradespeople.
This dynamic STEAM exploration explores themes of entrepreneurship, social justice, leadership, community organizing, and economic empowerment. Myers's innovations rippled far beyond the shipyards, forming a blueprint for building community, breaking systemic barriers, and creating lasting change.
Super Sidney Clifton: Head of Hollywood
February 26 + 27
Audience: Elementary, Middle, & High
Artists Jessica "Culture Queen" Smith and Drew Anderson travel to Hollywood to pitch a Blacktastic animated series to Baltimore's own Sidney Clifton–a trailblazing Emmy-nominated producer and Mattel's Head of Creative, Animation.
Clifton's path from Baltimore roots to the glittering studios of Hollywood is a remarkable masterclass on navigating the complex world of entertainment. An industry visionary shares the profound difference between seeking fame and building a meaningful career. Students explore lessons in professional excellence: crafting compelling narratives, building resilient teams, and creating inclusive spaces of creativity while reimagining leadership, creativity, and personal potential.
We visit the Clifton House, Hollywood's legendary studio lots, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into a world of limitless possibilities.
Josiah's Journey: The Untold Truth About Uncle Tom
February 27
Audience: Middle & High
Artist Drew Anderson and the passionate students of Montgomery Blair High School deliver a powerful, original, musical journey through the life of Josiah Henson–fearless abolitionist, inspiring preacher, accomplished author, profound human being, and the complex inspiration behind Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Filmed on location at the Josiah Henson Museum, this transformative experience challenges, inspires, and reconnects us to the unbreakable spirit of those who fought for dignity, freedom, and justice. Students explore Henson's multifaceted identity and dive into social emotional themes of empathy, moral courage, and the nuanced human experiences that shape our shared history.
Harriet Tubman: The Path of a Star
February 26 + 27
Audience: Elementary, Middle, & High
The remarkable life and story of Harriet Tubman told through an innovative, original musical experience. Renowned storyteller Deborah Mims and musical artist Baba Bomani collaborate to illuminate the ingenious use of science and nature Tubman employed—from navigating by starlight to understanding medicinal plants— that guided hundreds to freedom.
Explore pivotal moments of Tubman's life, including her birthplace at Broadus Plantation, the historic Dorchester County courthouse, and powerful tribute murals celebrating her legacy: resilience, intelligence, and the unbreakable spirit of a true American hero.
Special guests include Mala Powell, Harriet Tubman Tours, Alex and Lisa Green.
Courage Under Fire: A Tribute to Black Fire Fighters of Maryland (Mini-Segment)
February 26
Audience: Elementary
Ignite your imagination with a powerful musical tribute blazing a trail through forgotten history, celebrating the extraordinary courage of Maryland's Black firefighters. Artist Tyronda Boone and the passionate students of Johnnycake Elementary lead this electrifying performance honoring the legendary Smokestack Hardy and the brave heroes of the Maryland Black Firefighters Hall of Fame.
This transformative journey illuminates the untold stories of African American firefighters who battled blazes and systemic barriers with unbreakable spirit and heroic determination. Through the dynamic language of musical theatre, students explore themes of community, sacrifice, resilience, and the profound legacy of service that has long been overlooked.
Hooray for Maryland Emancipation Day!
February 26 + 27
Audience: Elementary, Middle, & High
On November 1, 1864, freedom came knocking down our door! Step into a powerful journey through Maryland's rich history of resistance and triumph during the 160th anniversary of Maryland Emancipation Day—a celebration of hope, resilience, and unbreakable community spirit.
The electrifying Springbrook High School marching band leads a parade with rhythms of liberation, tracing the footsteps and historic landmarks of Nace Hopkins, founder of Maryland’s longest-running Emancipation Day celebration.
Artists Drew Anderson, Jamaal Collier, Dr. David Fakunle, and Jessica Smith celebrate resilience and hope through the groundbreaking "Blacktastic Beats" project, featuring original songs and performances and culminating in the triumphant Freedom Concert.
Receive a free digital Blacktastic Activity Book
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!
Participate in Maryland Black History trivia games
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
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!
Participate in Maryland Black History Trivia Games
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!
Registration Cost
Financial Assistance for Schools
Thanks to our sponsors...
We are able to provide a limited number of free passes to Blacktastic for classrooms and schools with tight budgets. Applications for financial assistance will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply early.
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