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Tourism Industry & BACVA News

Media Contacts Only:
Anthony Tornetta
Baltimore Area Convention & Visitors Association
410-659-7301; Fax 410-727-2308
atornetta@baltimore.org

HERITAGE ON THE INNER HARBOR: BALTIMORE CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Accomplishments of African Americans are Remembered with Special Exhibits, Entertainment and Activities for All Ages

(BALTIMORE) - This February, Baltimore will pay tribute to its outstanding African American citizens responsible for much of the city's unique arts, culture and charm. From freedom fighters to sports legends, Baltimore remembers the extraordinary contributions of African Americans with citywide special exhibitions, entertainment and events.

A city rich in African American culture, the men and women of Baltimore have thrived as leaders in both political and social worlds. Frederick Douglass' fight against slavery and injustice changed American history. The great civil rights leader, Thurgood Marshall, became a Supreme Court Justice. The city's talented Negro Baseball League teams paved the way for Baltimore Orioles superstars like Frank Robinson. The legendary Billie Holiday never forgot her Baltimore roots. Reginald F. Lewis became one of America's wealthiest entrepreneurs and gave away more of his fortune than most men can dream of having in a lifetime. And the list goes on.

Some of the ways Baltimore will be celebrating Black History Month include:

• The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture will offer a series of book signings and lectures from famous authors, a Saturday's Child Series of theatrical readings and family workshops along with art lectures and a curator's talk about the museum's special exhibition, "At Freedom's Door: Challenging Slavery in Maryland." All events are Saturdays throughout the month.

• The Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards will host Phil Dixon, one of the country's foremost experts on baseball history, to talk about the Negro Baseball League against a backdrop of a museum exhibit on the same subject on February 24.

• At Fells Point, the Frederick Douglass "Path to Freedom" Walking Tour encompasses several 18th century buildings associated with Douglass. Stops and short discussions along the way will feature where he worked, lived, worshipped and learned to read. Five of his own historic townhouses still stand today.

• Lexington Market's free concert series takes place every day throughout February except Sundays. Performances will include music, songs, skits and dances based on African, Caribbean, Jazz, Blues, Gospel and Big Band themes. More than 100 food vendors offer an international selection of cuisine.

• The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum will place several of its most famous wax figures in locations throughout the city, including Lexington Market.

• The USS Constellation will present Black History Month lectures on Saturday afternoons showcasing the role of Black Americans in the U.S. military.

A great way to take advantage of all the events and activities in Baltimore this winter, including Black History Month, is with a visit to Baltimore's Winter Getaway web site, www.baltimore.org/winter2007. The site provides visitors with access to excellent hotel packages, Baltimore's Winter Waterfront Pass (including admission to four of the city's most popular attractions) and discounts to some of Baltimore's most famous restaurants.

For more information about Black History Month in Baltimore and the Winter Waterfront Pass, visit www.baltimore.org or call 1-877-BALTIMORE.

The Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association (BACVA), a membership-based organization, is the official destination development and marketing leader for Greater Baltimore, responsible for generating incremental economic benefits to the community through the attraction of convention and leisure visits.