Free Programs Celebrate Black History
Ashland Community and Technical College will commemorate February as Black History Month with programs on the theme of Voices of Spirit, Hope and Achievement.
These programs illustrate the influence of African Americans on our society and culture and are supported by ACTC and a number of community, business and education partners. All programs are free and open to the public.
Frederick Douglass
The Spirit of Frederick Douglass Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 12 noon in the J. B. Sowards Theatre on ACTCs College Drive Campus in Ashland.
Frederick Douglass was born a slave and escaped to freedom when he was about 20 years old. Self-taught, he became the most prolific and influential black man of the nineteenth century.
A powerful orator, Douglass was known as the Lion of Washington and is regarded by many as the grandfather of our civil rights movement. He was a leader of the anti-slavery movement, an advisor to Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War era and the first man to stand up for women's rights and suffrage.
Presenter Michael E. Crutcher, Sr. is an actor and scholar. This presentation shares the spirit of Frederick Douglass and his principles of freedom, equality, religion, and self-esteem.
For more information, contact Al Baker, ACTC Director of Cultural Diversity, 606-326-2422.
Gospel Night
Gospel Night will be held Thursday, Feb. 16, at 7:00 p.m. at the Highlands Museum amp; Discovery Center.
The sound and spirit of gospel music has become a profound force in American culture. At Gospel Night, choirs from throughout the Tri-State sing the songs that have inspired generations of Americans.
Previous performers have included the Antioch Male Chorus from Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Huntington, Christ Temple Choir from Ashland, Spiritual Expressions from Full Gospel Assembly in Huntington and the Mens Chorus of First Baptist Church of Burlington, OH.
For information about performing at Gospel Night, contact Leigh Ann Heineman at the Museum. 606-329-8888.
A Night at the Apollo
A Night at the Apollo will be held Friday, March 2, at 7:00 p.m. in ACTCs J. B. Sowards Theatre.
Harlems Apollo Theatre has long been a stepping stone for famous performers. A Night at the Apollo gives amateur Tri-State performers a chance to share their talents in music, dance, poetry, comedy and drama.
A local version of the TV program Americas Got Talent, A Night at the Apollo is both a performance venue and a talent contest. Amateur solo and group performers may enter the contest. Prizes are $200, $100 and $50 for adults and $75, $50 and $25 for youth up to age 12.
The contest entry fee is $5 per act, and registration is through the Highlands Museum amp; Discovery Center, 606-329-8888. The registration deadline for performers is February 24, and the number of acts is limited to 20 on a first-come basis.
For contest information, contact Leigh Ann Hieneman, Highlands Museum amp; Discovery Center, at 606-329-8888. Last years first place winners in the adult and youth categories are ineligible to compete but are invited to perform during the show.
Black History Sponsors
In addition to ACTC and the Highlands Museum amp; Discovery Center, Community Black History Month sponsors have included the Arts Council of NE Kentucky, Boyd amp; Greenup County Branch of the NAACP, City of Ashland Human Rights Commission, Dr. William Boykin, Dr. James H. Martin, Jr., Dr. Charles M. Rhodes, Paramount Arts Center, Tri-State Digestive Disease Associates Dr. Michael D. Canty and Dr. Cheryl L. Bascom, Radio Stations 100.5 WKEE, 103.3 WTCR amp; B97.1, and Tri-State Radiology.
