Events and Programs
HOPS AT THE HISTORY CENTER
Anthony Grooms-The Vain Conversation
Inspired by true events, The Vain Conversation reflects on the 1946 lynching of two black couples in Georgia from the perspectives of three characters—Bertrand Johnson, one of the victims; Noland Jacks, a presumed perpetrator; and Lonnie Henson, a witness to the murders as a ten-year-old boy. Lonnie’s inexplicable feelings of culpability drive him in a search for meaning that takes him around the world and ultimately back to Georgia, where he must confront Jacks and his own demons, with the hopes that doing so will free him from the grip of the past. In The Vain Conversation, Anthony Grooms seeks to advance the national dialogue on race relations. With complexity, satire, and sometimes levity, he explores what it means to redeem, as well as to be redeemed, when dealing with America’s race violence, and he speaks to the broader issues of oppression and violence everywhere. A foreword is provided by American poet, painter, and novelist Clarence Major. An afterword is written by T. Geronimo Johnson, the bestselling author of Welcome to Braggsville and Hold It ’Til It Hurts.
Wednesday,February 20, Doors open 5:30
Program, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Book Signing 7:00 pm
Ticket includes: Book Signing, Drink Ticket. Book available for purchase
$5 members, $10 non members
Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 2nd floor
101 E. Court Square, Decatur GA 30030
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The History of African American Politics in DeKalb, from Struggle to Transformation
11th Annual Black History Month Celebration
Please join us at this year’s 11th Annual Black History Month celebration of DeKalb County’s vibrant and powerful African American political heritage! Dynamic presenters, elected politicians, and community leaders will educate us about the early days of voter intimidation and how the African American citizenry of DeKalb mobilized to register to vote, to protest, and to destroy Jim Crow laws, despite being fired from jobs, shamed, and even violently attacked. Some of the highlights of the program include the WWI soldier and the concept of the New Negro, the Primus King case, the elimination of the all-white Democratic primary, voter intimidation, the Obama legacy, and how to prepare for future political issues in diverse communities, followed by an original film and soul-stirring music.
Mrs. Deborah Strahorn - Program Moderator
Dr. Mary Etta Thomas - Panel Moderator
Representative Billy Mitchell, Georgia House District 88 - Opening Speaker
Presenters:
Dr. Robert Holmes - Former Georgia State Representative for the 53rd District;
Mr. Peter Scott - Former civil rights journalist at the Atlanta Journal and Constitution
Panel Speakers:
Representative Vernon Jones - Georgia House District 91
Mr. Jamar Boyd II - Minister and President of Georgia NAACP Youth & College Division
Mrs. Smah Abdelhamid - Community Organizer in DeKalb County
Ms. Janelle Jones - Regional Field Director, Republican Party of Georgia
DeKalb School of Performing Arts Chorus - Musical Talent
Thursday, February 14
11:00 am - 1:15 pm
Historic DeKalb Courthouse, Second Floor
101 E Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030
Tickets are $30 for members and $40 for non-members
Registration includes a catered buffet lunch.
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MEMBER ONLY EVENTS
DeKalb Traveler + Member Meet Ups
DHC Member Meet Ups
Known for their craft cocktails, the Pinewood is of of Decatur's neighborhood gems! Described by Restaurant website, Eater:Atlanta as one of the 10 essential Atlanta Cocktail bars. Come and enjoy an enjoy an after hours mixer with fellow DeKalb History Center members. Grab a cocktail and let's get to know each other!
Tuesday January 29, 5:00 pm
The Pinewood, Decatur
254 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
FREE FOR ALL MEMBERS, COCKTAILS NOT INCLUDED
RSVP NOT REQUIRED
DeKalb Traveler- Member Only
The Delta Flight Museum
February 26, 12:00 pm
1060 Delta Blvd B-914, Atlanta, GA 30354
Take a trip back in time as we explore a behind the scenes look at the Delta Flight Museum. Included is a look inside a Boeing 747. Tour involves moderate walking between hangars.
DHC Member Only (Guests of Members Allowed)RSVP Required, howard@dekalbhistory.org
Ticket: $5 for Senior/Teacher/Student/Individual/Household<$75
Patron+ ($75+) members are , no need to purchase tickets just RSVP
Transportation NOT provided.
