In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” 

Having selected the month of February, which has often been criticized for being “the shortest month of the year”, the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) believes Black history is everyone’s history and should be celebrated as such throughout the year. However, in order to set aside a specific time frame organizers begin celebrating Black History Month mid-January for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday national holiday and continue with events, programs, and activities through the second week of March, a date that Underground Railroad organizer Harriet Tubman died on March 10, 1913.  In CAAPA’s efforts to highlights their mission of “Bringing Color to the Classics!” by supporting Black classical musicians they recognize the accomplishments of classical musicians of color and others in the performing arts, making it a point to offer historically relevant and entertaining programs to the community. 

Next month CAAPA will feature a Blacks in Classical Music Panel, Tribute to Paul Robeson concert, Seoul to Soul Musical Extravaganza, Sweet Chariot Negro Spirituals Recital, Voices of the Past: Juanita Hall Concert, and Arias and Shanties Concert. Also included in the line-up are Opera for Fun workshops for children ages Pre-K to 12^th grade and recitals for senior citizens.

While CAAPA recalls the momentous occasions and accomplishments of soprano Marian Anderson singing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial; composer William Grant Still conducting a major symphony orchestra; soprano Sissieretta Jones who became the first Black to sing in what is now known as Carnegie Hall; and the accomplishments of bass-baritone Paul Robeson in music, sports, and civic activism, but they also highlight other little known Black classical musicians in a Blacks in Classical Music 2018 Calendar.  The organization is also focused on music scholarships for graduating high school seniors and performing arts grants for youth of all ages. In order to raise money for both endeavors, CAAPA also launched a Black History Month Pledge Drive.  

All information is found on the website for details, event dates, and donation opportunities.  To contact CAAPA to volunteer, contact the office at 301-839-1444, email info.4caapa.org, or visit www.4caapa.org.

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