Gaithersburg Celebrates Black History Month
The City of Gaithersburg celebrates and honors Black History Month with educational programs, exhibits and an official proclamation. Explore all programs and events here.
Celebrated annually in the United States during the month of February, Black History Month was started in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. He sought to bring national attention to the important contributions African Americans made to the history of the United States. Woodson chose February because it includes the birthdays of Frederick Douglass, Langston Hughes and Abraham Lincoln.
An official proclamation designating February 2026 as "Black History Month" in the City of Gaithersburg will be presented at the February 2 Mayor and City Council meeting. The public is welcome to attend the meeting at 16 S. Summit Hall Ave., watch it live on YouTube or watch it via Teams by registering here.
Accepting the proclamation is Jacki DuPuy, who is recognized for her leadership, advocacy, and dedication to transforming Gaithersburg's community arts and cultural life. Since moving to Gaithersburg in 2010, Jacki has generously shared her talents at numerous City events. She is also an original member of the DiVerse@Casey poetry program, where she often serves as a featured poet.
In 2021, following a personal health scare, Jacki founded the Amateur Artist Showcase, a free and inclusive platform that uplifts voices through the arts. The Showcase provides artists with a rare opportunity to move their work from private spaces into a welcoming public forum that values expression, healing, and community connection.
Jacki's advocacy through the arts is deeply rooted in her family's legacy of courage and resistance. Her parents challenged segregation in Montgomery County during the 1950s, helping dismantle discriminatory practices at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Rockville. Her father became the first African American volunteer firefighter at Rockville Volunteer Fire Department Company #3, serving for decades despite facing racism, while other family members participated in civil rights demonstrations and sit-ins throughout the county. Inspired by this history, Jacki has chosen art, poetry, dance, and community-building as her tools for change. She has created spaces where all voices are heard, honored, and celebrated.
Activities and exhibits celebrating Black History Month include:
"The Creative Mind"Exhibit
February 1 - 28
Activity Center at Bohrer Park
Take the journey from past to present spotlighting Black contributions and achievements in American history. "The Creative Mind" is a traveling exhibit from the National Academy of Sciences that celebrates the contributions of African Americans to medicine, mathematics, engineering, and all branches of science. The exhibit features the careers and achievements of some of today's outstanding Black scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and medical professionals and highlights the work of notable figures from the past. A "Did You Know?" section brings in additional information about each field, pointing to future career possibilities for creative minds of the next generation. The exhibit will be on display in the Activity Center at Bohrer Park from February 1 - 28, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Black History Month Exhibit
February 1 - 28
Community Museum
The Gaithersburg Community Museum will feature a special poster exhibit honoring Maryland's Black heroes and a book-making activity for visitors of all ages. Drop in anytime during museum hours to explore the exhibit and participate in hands-on activities that celebrate and recognize the rich contributions of Black individuals to our history and community.
Celebrate Black History Through Dance
Casey Community Center
Gaithersburg recreation classes offer young dancers the opportunity to connect with the rhythmic roots of African American dance through Hip Hop classes. Hip Hop classes (ages 8 to 14) take place Fridays, January 9 – April 3. Register here.
BIPOC Healing Circle
Fridays, February 13 – 27, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Casey Community Center
This healing circle is a sacred space created by and for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to gather in community, rest deeply, and reconnect with our inner wisdom. Through guided meditation, gentle movement, storytelling, and open sharing, the healing circle will hold space for grief, joy, relatedness, and restoration. Register here.
Celebrating African American History in Montgomery County
Tuesday, February 17, 11 a.m. – noon
Benjamin Gaither Center
Experience history brought to life by Dr. Troy Boddy—co-director of the Sandy Spring Slave Museum and Art Gallery and co-author of A Proud History for Alex. In this captivating program, Dr. Boddy unveils the rich and often overlooked stories of African American life in Montgomery County, Maryland. Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation of the county's heritage and the lasting contributions of its African American communities. Author signed books will be available for sale (bring cash). Limited space available. Call 301-258-6380 to reserve your space.
African American Health Program – Dietician Lecture and Class
Thursday, February 19
Farmers Market: 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Dietician Lecture: noon – 12:50 p.m.
Hands-On Class: 1 – 2 p.m.
Casey Community Center
The Multicultural Affairs Committee, in partnership with the African American Health Program (AAHP) and the Casey Farmers Market, presents a healthy living workshop focused on incorporating fresh winter produce into a balanced diet. AAHP Dietician Wintana Kiros will discuss the importance of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle and how to achieve it using farm-fresh produce. Then, join a hands-on class to learn how to incorporate fruits and vegetables from the Casey Farmers Market into your diet.
The mission of the Multicultural Affairs Committee is to enrich our City through the promotion of understanding, respect, and appreciation of the many cultures of Gaithersburg. Interested in volunteering? Please email MAC@gaithersburgmd.gov.
