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1/28/2016 - Black History Month kicks off Saturday, Sunday at Mattatuck Museum

Black History Month Celebrations at Mattatuck Museum

The Mattatuck Museum, 144 W Main St., Waterbury, will kick off its Black History Month Celebration this weekend with two events.

On Saturday Jan. 30 at 2 p.m., the kickoff will include inspirational stories, musical performances and a keynote address from Kennedy High School teacher Jahana Hayes, the Connecticut Teacher of the Year and a finalist for National Teacher of the Year

On Sunday Jan. 31 at 2 p.m., the Granville Academy of Waterbury Youth Program, in cooperation with the Mattatuck Museum, the Waterbury School Department and the Silas Bronson Library, will celebrate the opening of Black History Month. Sunday's program will feature the artist and writer James Melvin of Nags Head, North Carolina, and Dr. Jeffrey Ogbar, author and University of Connecticut professor.

James Melvin is a graduate of North Carolina A&T University and a well-known artist and illustrator of books for children. A versatile artist, Mr. Melvin works in oils, acrylics, pastels and colored pencils. He operates Melvin's Studio in Nags Head, North Carolina. and is the author and illustrator of books for children. Jeffrey O. G. Ogbar received his BA in History from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He earned his MA and Ph. D. in U.S. History with a minor in African studies from Indiana University. Since 1997 he has taught at the University of Connecticut's Department of History. From 2003-2009 he served as the Director of the Institute for African American Studies. He served as Associate Dean for the Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences from 2009-2012. In June 2012 he was named the University's Vice Provost for Diversity. In 2014 he became the founder of the Center for the Study of Popular Music.

These events are open to the public and all ages are invited. Refreshments will be served.