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Arlington celebrated a century of Black history on Feb. 21 as the Feel the Heritage Festival filled the gymnasium at Dr. Charles L. Drew Elementary School with performances, food and hands-on activities.
The afternoon program traced culture across generations. A fashion show highlighted 100 years of Black style, while ballroom dancers, senior steppers and drummers took the stage.
Artisans and community groups packed another area of the event. Participating organizations included Encore, AFAC, Bike Share and the National Council of Negro Women.
The Arlington Sheriff’s Office presented a display about Black leaders alongside an 11-question quiz that tested local civil rights knowledge, including a question about demonstrations held in Arlington on June 9, 1960.
Children also had an opportunity to invent their own video games while learning about Jerry Lawson, the Black engineer who helped develop the first video game system to use interchangeable cartridges.
Festival visitors could choose from meals featuring ribs, pulled pork, chicken sandwiches and whitefish, which proved to be the most popular option.
The celebration commemorated the 100 years since Negro History Week began in 1926. The observance expanded into National Black History Month in 1976, honoring Black Americans’ struggles and achievements in science, education, entertainment, the arts and other fields.