Feb 23, 2021

Celebrate Black History Month in Morristown, TN

Contributions of the African diaspora to society are largely unrecognized by many. Over 28 days of February, USA and Canada celebrate Black History Month to inform their residents about the contributions of the African Americans in different areas of society. Over several years in American history, black men and women have contributed to oppose forced labor in an oppressive system but have also offered innovative expression and creative thought.

Events Signifying Celebrations:

  1. Walk, don’t Ride: This is a dramatization of various events that helped to shape the American freedom movement, which includes the Nashville Lunch Counter Sit-ins, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and the Trailways Freedom Rides. It ends with Dr Martin Luther King’s famous dream and call to keep it moving forward. The story is meant to celebrate the participants who fought hard during the volatile period of American history. The play will be staged as a roadshow across different parts of America, and Morristown will be on the stops in February.
  2. Movie Screenings: Theatres in Morristown would screen different films that show the contributions of African Americans. This information should be available by keeping track of screenings online.
  3. Art of Jazz: Painting galleries under the title ‘Art of Jazz’ were featured last year during the Black History Month. It took place at the 70 South Gallery in Morristown, along with live music by Jimmy’s Band. Many prominent African American artists got to showcase their work here. Expect something on similar lines in 2021 as well. Similarly, there were a lot of discussions on the reopening of the Atrium Gallery in Morris County.
  4. Speeches by Freedom Fighters: Famous freedom fighters who were involved in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s will be speaking at different schools. Last year, war veteran Joan Browning visited Hamblen County Schools in Morristown.

A few years ago, in the year 2016, senior residents living in the Spring Hills Morristown Assisted Living prepared their own peanut butter while learning about famous Black inventors such as Carvers. Other inventors duly discussed during this period include:

Person Invention
Leonard C. Bailey Folding bed
John Albert Burr Rotary blade lawn mower
Sarah Boone Ironing board

Every year, one or more people are honored from the African American community for their contribution to society. This includes individuals from different professions, which include doctors as well.

Dramatizations of different kinds are very common during this period. These take place in galleries that are easily accessible to the public, such as churches, art galleries, and more.

Changes in Brand Communication:

With the increasing awareness about doing away with stereotypes, a lot of brands have also changed the way they communicate with their audiences. For example, Aunt Jemima syrup in Morristown came with the image of a Black woman for many years, and now the company wants to change the brand image and its name. Quaker Oats, the company behind Aunt Jemima, has finally realized that it had been promoting a racial stereotype for several years.

Morristown Wants to be Heard:

Morristown is commonly known around USA for George Washington’s encampment during the revolutionary period. Despite the attempts so far, there are many voices that still need to be heard. Much like other towns, Morristown has its own historical narrative, lined with several intersections. 2021 is the year to do that, and much more.