Celebrating Black History and Culture at Georgetown

In 1915, Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History—a bold effort to shine a light on the achievements of Black individuals often overlooked. A decade later, in 1926, Dr. Woodson—a distinguished historian, publisher, writer, and editor—initiated a week-long celebration in February to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. By 1976, this celebration had grown into Black History Month, an annual observance to reflect on Black heritage and recommit to the pursuit of justice and equity.

In this spirit, Georgetown University in Qatar is hosting an extraordinary series of events that celebrate Black storytelling and bring its rich history to life:

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Schedule of Events

Feb 9 – Film Screenings

The month begins with African American Cinema featuring screenings of Killer of Sheep, a poignant portrait of working-class life in 1970s Los Angeles, and Residue, a moving reflection on gentrification and memory in Washington, DC. These films will be followed by discussions with Richard Peña, visiting professor at GU-Q and renowned film expert.

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Feb 10-15 – Black Literary Festival

Ink & Impact: The Literary Labor of Black Storytellers will highlight Black authors through readings, discussions, and masterclasses that explore the power of storytelling to connect and inspire. Featured guests include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, and Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad, among others.

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Feb 19 – Here I Am

Mélisande Short-Colomb’s acclaimed one-person play will be staged at GU-Q, marking the first live presentation of the work outside the U.S. An original production of the Laboratory for Global Performance & Politics at Georgetown University, co-founded by Derek Goldman and Cynthia Schneider, the play traces Mélisande’s ancestral journey through 11 generations of maternal grandmothers and their connection to Georgetown’s history.

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