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24-32__BMT_pg3-58 2/27/13 8:06 AM Page 31 NORFOLK, VA Once knows as the "Apollo of the South," The Attucks Theatre, named after Crispus Attucks the first African-American to lose his life during the Boston Massacre, is the oldest remaining legitimate theatre in the nation. It was completely financed, designed, constructed and operated by African-Americans. Built in 1919, the theatre is still very much active with live musical performances, plays and dramatic readings. Attucks Theatre is on the state and national register of historic places. The Chrysler Museum of Art has over 30,000 pieces of art spanning 5,000 years, including African and African-American artwork. At the corner of Brambleton Avenue and Church Street stands an 83-ft. granite monument honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and other slain Civil Rights leaders. Attucks Theatre in Norfolk Another Norfolk site worth a visit is the West Point Monument at Elmwood Cemetery. It's recognized by many as the South's only known tribute to African-American veterans of the Civil and Spanish American Wars. A statute of Sergeant Carney, the first Black solider to be killed during the war, marks the Virginia Civil War Trail site. The Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival is slated for July19-21 and the Annual AT&T Bayou Boogaloo and Cajun Food Festival is set for June 20-23. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Basketball tournament featuring 13 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) will be held in Norfolk at Scope Arena starting in March of 2013 for the three years. There are sure to be lots of festivities and cultural events surrounding this tournament. Head to visitnorfolktoday.com for information about these and other events. Reginald F. Lewis Museum BALTIMORE Home to the 2013 Super Bowl champions, this city is a treasure trove Black history and culture. This city was either the home of or influenced by legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday; orator Frederick Douglass; Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and Underground Railroad hero Harriet Tubman to name a few. Three distinct museums capture their stories and the exploits of other famous African-Americans. The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture is the largest African-American museum on the East Coast. The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum is the first museum to celebrate African-American history in the nation. The Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park is a national heritage site that explores African-American maritime history. There are several events commemorating Black History Month extending beyond February for all to enjoy. Here are a few. At the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland now through May 26 is an exhibit called "Defining Moments: An Exhibition of Works by Bryan Collier." Works on display includes imagery from his children's books "Martin's Big Words," "Rosa" and "Barack Obama." "Musical Roots: From Africa to America" will be performed by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra with two performances on February 27. Come and explore the roots of jazz and blues and uncover the influence of African drumbeats, moving spirituals and ragtime on today's most popular genres. Throughout the year, Maryland will celebrate Harriet Tubman's life and legacy to commemorate the 100th anniversary of her passing. The centennial will include special events, performances, art exhibits and more. One way to learn more about Tubman is through the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum group tours offered through March 31. Check out "Preach! New Works by Jeffrey Kent," now through March 31 at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park. This solo show by Baltimore-based artist Jeffrey Kent explores current political events through racially charged imagery. Other events will be held during Black History Month and other times throughout the year at the B & O Railroad Museum, Geppi's Entertainment Museum and the USS Constellation – Pier 1. Check with Baltimore's CVB at Baltimore.org or Maryland Tourism at visitmaryland.org for event announcements. B M & T ••• January/February 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 31