Black History Live

Black History Live is a collaboration between BBC and Karamu House, the oldest Black theater in the US, which is located at East 89th Street and Quincy Avenue in Cleveland. The purpose of this event is to provide area youth with an opportunity to enjoy live theater performed by their peers. 

In March 2006, over one hundred young persons from all across Ward 5 had the opportunity to enjoy two black history plays performed by Karamu's Youth Theatre group, The Little Rock 9: Breaking Barriers & The Little Boy Who Shook Up the World: The Emmett Till Story.

At the beginning of the event, BBC recognizes its Living History Honoree, a person who is currently making an outstanding contribution to the Ward 5 community. Recognizing an outstanding citizen from the neighborhood makes Black History more accessible to young people by making them aware that they should not only learn about those who have made history years ago, but those doing it today. Acknowledging the achievements of those who are making a difference while they are still alive allows them and their families to enjoy the recognition.

The Living History Honoree is someone who lives in their community and who has encountered some of the same challenges that they currently face, as opposed to someone they have only read about in a history book. Previous honorees include Louise Harris, Judge Jean Murrell Capers, Dwayne Browder, Priscilla Walton, and Paul Arnold,

Planning is now underway for a 2007 Black History Live event. Please visit the Events Calendar for more information.