Let DART be your Ride to Arts, History and Culture in North Texas
by Tricia White
February is Black History Month. Let DART be your ride to celebrate the cultural history of African Americans and their contributions to society and culture. Read on to see DARTable events North Texas has to offer this month.
The Black Academy of Arts and Letters highlights African American art and history, and keeps the flame going with events, performances and fine-arts education for children. The institution is a short walk from Convention Center Station on the Red and Blue lines. There are numerous events lined up for Black History Month, including exhibitions, plays and the Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra on Feb. 8. Check the organization’s website for details.
The Dallas Black Dance Theatre is acclaimed for its talented dancers and choreographers. Don’t miss “Cultural Awareness” from Feb. 14-16. The troupe’s salute to Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Duke Ellington and more plays at the Wyly Theater, a 6-minute walk from Pearl/Arts District Station on all four DART Rail lines.
The African American Museum is another prized institution. Through March 1, see The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection. The exhibit displays beautiful artifacts of the Harlem Renaissance, which gave us some of America’s greatest artists, writers and scholars. The collection belongs to Bernard Kinsey, an African American who paved the way for greater workplace equality. This glimpse into the past runs through March 1. Get there by taking the Green Line to Fair Park Station.
Dallas’ Black History, Past & Present Tour explores fascinating artifacts of the city’s African American history – from Freedman’s Town to the house where Ray Charles lived. You’ll also visit Martyrs’ Park, the African American Museum, and the post-Civil War community of Joppi. The tour stops for desserts and snacks at black-owned businesses. It happens on Feb. 22 from 1-4 p.m.; the bus departs from Ephesus Mediterranean Grill near N. Central Expressway and Meadow Road. You can get there on DART Bus Route 506, which connects with Walnut Hill Station on the Red and Orange line.
The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum recently opened a new 55,000-square-foot facility, with many new features. On Feb. 19, the institution debuts “The Fight for Civil Rights in the South.” The special exhibit combines two photography exhibitions covering the African American struggle in the 1960s. See it through June 30 just a block from West End Station on all four DART Rail lines.
The Irving Black Arts Council celebrates all month with its Black History Month Exhibition at the Irving Arts Center. The organization’s popular yearly event features local artists, theatrical performances and the unveiling of the Black Heritage Postage Stamp. Get to the venue by catching Bus Route 401 from North Lake College Station.
DART understands there is strength in diversity, and that examining our past is the key to a stronger future. Join us in celebrating Black History Month.
#DARTcelebratesheritage www.DARTDallas.DART.org