Black History Month Activities and Programs

Join the Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center [1] as we celebrate Black History Month in Harrisonburg throughout February. For additional information on all of the below programs feel free to call 540-437-9213 or contact Stephanie Howard at Stephanie.Howard@harrisonburgva.gov [2]. 

2021 Black History Month Virtual Series

Tune into our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/HarrisonburgParksandRecreation [3], during the month of February, as we highlight the lives of key influential members of our community and where their stories took place, including our wonderful Lucy F. Simms Center. 

Black History Month Virtual Series Schedule:

February 3 - Legacy of Lucy F. Simms School - Film by Billo Harper 

Film may be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/232562733 [4]

February 10 - Interactive Timeline of African American Life in Harrisonburg

February 17 - Life and Legacy of Ms. Lucy F. Simms - Film by Beau Dickenson

February 18 - Zoom Webinar 3:15pm - 4:15pm - Virtual Opening Event with Mayor Deanna Reed - Celebrating Simms Expansion Project with James Madison University and Harrisonburg High School 

Register: https://sites.lib.jmu.edu/aaadjmu/celebrating-simms/ [5]

• Moderator: Ember Rensel, James Madison University
• Zoom Coordinator: Brooks Hefner, James Madison University
• Mollie Godfrey, James Madison University
• Sean McCarthy, James Madison University
• Deanna Reed, Mayor, City of Harrisonburg
• Michael Richards, Superintendent of Harrisonburg City Public Schools
• Kirk Moyers, Social Studies Coordinator of Harrisonburg City Public Schools
• Don Burgess, Teacher & Varsity Boys Basketball Coach for Harrisonbgur High School
• Colleen Morris, Counseling Secretary for Harrisonburg High School
• Betty Puck, Former Lucy F. Simms School Student
• Mary Ann Smith Tucker, Former Harrisonburg High School Student

Supported by Virginia Humanities, Harrisonburg City Public Schools, Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation, Massanutten Regional Library, JMU's African, African American, and Diaspora Studies Center, and the College of Arts and Letters.

February 24 - Interactive Map of African American Life in Harrisonburg