As the host organization, we at World Stage Theatre, are grateful for our sponsors and partners in this important work.
"Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history."
~ Carter G. Woodson
EVENT SCHEDULE
City of Portland Black History Month Proclamation
RESERVE YOUR FREE ONLINE TICKETS HERE
BHFNW 2020 Reception Party & Art Installation
View the work of and talk to local artists from the Pacific Northwest as we reveal the art that will be housed for the entire month of February.
RESERVE YOUR FREE ONLINE TICKETS HERE
Festival Kickoff w/Trainer Tyra and Nikki Brown Clown
For the dancer in you, join Trainer Tyra, Nikki Brown Clown in our festival kickoff, email info@worldstagetheatre.org to find out how you can be a part.
RESERVE YOUR FREE ONLINE TICKETS HERE
Gospel Roots
Portland has a rich history of gospel music from choirs to quartets, some of the most inspirational voices in America have come out of the church and it’s no different in Portland. Join artists from Portland, Washington, California and special guest artist as we conclude the festival kickoff with a culmination of Gospel sounds from the early 1900s to modern day.
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Scavenger Hunt
In partnership with Prosper Portland, join in the fun discovering pieces of Portland’s past and present Black community. Cash prize for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.
RESERVE YOUR FREE ONLINE TICKETS HERE
Pieces of Vanport
Join cast members at St. John’s library to hear Pieces of Vanport from the full-length play Vanport written by Shalanda Sims and originally produced at Jefferson high school in 2013
FREE
Youth Displays & Conversation
In partnership with Multnomah County Library, Portland Association of Teachers and high school Black Student Union groups, educational displays will be housed in various libraries for all to see the entire month of February. Great for school field trips. Afterwards, join youth for a candid conversation about the current cultural climate in their lives.
FREE
14th Annual Who I Am Celebrating Me Production
This play, created fifteen years ago by Portland native Shalanda Sims and performed by youth and adults from the Portland metropolitan area, takes audience members on a historical journey through the Black experience, examining and exploring systems put in place since 1619 and the often overlooked and silenced strength, resourcefulness, resilience, brilliance, triumph and contributions made to propel America forward. Perfect for school and classroom field trips, groups, families and anyone interested in history told through heartfelt poetry and prose to the sound track of soul encompassing music and dancing. All performances held at IFCC.
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE
14th Annual Who I Am Celebrating Me Production
This play, created fifteen years ago by Portland native Shalanda Sims and performed by youth and adults from the Portland metropolitan area, takes audience members on a historical journey through the Black experience, examining and exploring systems put in place since 1619 and the often overlooked and silenced strength, resourcefulness, resilience, brilliance, triumph and contributions made to propel America forward. Perfect for school and classroom field trips, groups, families and anyone interested in history told through heartfelt poetry and prose to the sound track of soul encompassing music and dancing. All performances held at IFCC.
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE
Sunday Dinner Mixers
Hosted by local caters, it’s a community dinner, a time to fellowship with friends, meet new people, have meaningful conversation and good food. First come first serve.
RESERVE YOUR FREE ONLINE TICKETS HERE
Also $5 coverRock The Mic Night
Come out and support local artists and leaders as they share with the community.
RESERVE YOUR FREE ONLINE TICKETS HERE
Also $5 coverStorytime with Nikki Brown Clown
Join the library and Black History Festival NW in a story hour featuring Nikki Brown Clown. This story hour is a culturally creative blend of picture books infused with music and movement to a range of African American music. This will be an interactive experience and participation is encouraged!
FREE
Rejoice! presents BEEN READY
For us in the Black community, we've always been told stay ready, so you dont have to get ready. Ready, as in ready for the discrimination, ready for the prejudice, ready for the racism. Well we are ready, weve been ready and now its time to galvanize. Been Ready brings together our five personal experiences navigating conflicts that are inherently imbued with layers of race, gender and bias. With an inward focus we find what makes us ready.
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE
14th Annual Who I Am Celebrating Me Production
This play, created fifteen years ago by Portland native Shalanda Sims and performed by youth and adults from the Portland metropolitan area, takes audience members on a historical journey through the Black experience, examining and exploring systems put in place since 1619 and the often overlooked and silenced strength, resourcefulness, resilience, brilliance, triumph and contributions made to propel America forward. Perfect for school and classroom field trips, groups, families and anyone interested in history told through heartfelt poetry and prose to the sound track of soul encompassing music and dancing. All performances held at IFCC.
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE
Rejoice! presents BEEN READY
For us in the Black community, we've always been told stay ready, so you dont have to get ready. Ready, as in ready for the discrimination, ready for the prejudice, ready for the racism. Well we are ready, weve been ready and now its time to galvanize. Been Ready brings together our five personal experiences navigating conflicts that are inherently imbued with layers of race, gender and bias. With an inward focus we find what makes us ready.
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE
Legacy Luncheon
Due to unforeseen circumstances we are postponing this event until April.
Sunday Dinner Mixers
Hosted by local caters, it’s a community dinner, a time to fellowship with friends, meet new people, have meaningful conversation and good food. First come first serve.
RESERVE YOUR FREE ONLINE TICKETS HERE
Also $5 coverStorytime with Nikki Brown Clown
Join the library and Black History Festival NW in a story hour featuring Nikki Brown Clown. This story hour is a culturally creative blend of picture books infused with music and movement to a range of African American music. This will be an interactive experience and participation is encouraged!
FREE
Dodgeball
Get your heart pumping. Bring the entire family. Get in on the fun! It’s the game you remember from your childhood but better. Come play on an indoor trampoline while trying to get the other team out.
NO MORE TICKETS AVAILABLE
Rock The Mic Night
Come out and support local artists and leaders as they share with the community.
RESERVE YOUR FREE ONLINE TICKETS HERE
Also $5 coverBlazers Black History Month Game
NO MORE TICKETS AVAILABLE
Who I Am
Join local playwright Shalanda Sims and World Stage Theatre on a journey through the African American experience. This masterful production that employs song, dance, imagery, and spoken word presents the hardships and triumphs of unsung African American heroes from Oregon and abroad. Followed by a conversation with the cast and playwright. Ages 10 & older.
FREE
Black Futures Ball
The Black Futures Ball will feature 7 categories celebrating Black excellence & the Ballroom community at large. The first three categories Face, Future Fashion, & Mic Drop are for Black participants only, while Runway, Old Way Vogue & Vogue Femme are open to all. ALL CATEGORIES HAVE $$$ PRIZES.
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE
Last Laugh Sunday
F.I.Y.A'S Place productions presents...An all Black Comedy Showcase in honor of Black History Month.
RESERVE YOUR FREE ONLINE TICKETS HERE
Also $10 coverHow Well Do You Know Your Black History
Come out and support Black Student Union groups as they compete for a cash prize to use as they see fit. Winner not only gets a cash prize but one year of bragging rights! This is a not-to-be-missed event.
RESERVE YOUR FREE ONLINE TICKETS HERE
Rock The Mic Night
Come out and support local artists and leaders as they share with the community.