Join us for various Black History Month events at Safe Harbors!

In Ann Street Gallery: From the Ground UP
Open Saturdays & Sundays 12-4 through March with events on Saturday afternoon through February 24.

All events are free and open to the public. No reservations needed.

From the Ground UP activates the gallery with a series of events amidst an evolving installation by Ann Street Gallery Artist Researcher in Residence, Jean-Marc Superville Sovak. The project is dedicated to imagining and collectively creating memorials for honoring African-Americans buried in, and disinterred from, Newburgh’s “Colored Burial Ground”. The exhibition includes a shifting presentation of archeological documentation and historical records, an installation inspired by burial shrouds and conjuring bundles, a growing display of community offerings and messages, and the exhibition of commissioned artworks by regional artists responding to Superville Sovak’s research and speculation on the Burial Ground. An archive of the project, process, artwork, and events will be produced in March 2024.

In Safe Harbors Lobby at the Ritz: The Grooved Pavement
Join us each Sunday for a live podcast – find details here.

Explore “The Grooved Pavement,” a podcast by Phan Media creator Shawn Strong and educator Decarius McClearn.

Shawn Strong and Decarius McClearn will be presenting their podcast The Grooved Pavement live every Sunday throughout February in the Lobby at the Ritz. This weekly podcast explores the history of Black film and television from its origins through Blaxploitation and how it has affected and influenced current filmmaking, media, and the culture at large. Joined by special guest Dr. Willie Williams, Chief Diversity Officer at SUNY Orange, Strong and McClearn will share a screening followed by a deep dive discussion into the content and its place in history.

Celebration on Sunday, February 25 in the Lobby at the Ritz. Come together and celebrate with the community for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Newburgh.

3 pm – Afehyia Pa “afee-shia-pah” – A Celebration!
Experience an afternoon of cultural richness with soul-stirring singing, captivating dance performances, a fashion show, inspiring poetry readings and more! Curated with Ralph M’Vore, Safe Harbors’ 2023 Performing Artist in Residence, this event is a joyous tribute to the resilience, achievements, and contributions that shape Black history and culture. More details and performers to be announced.

5 pm – The Grooved Pavement – Live Podcast

Hosted by Shawn Strong and Decarius McClearn, with special guest Dr. Willie Williams, Chief Diversity Officer at SUNY Orange

Topic: Post-George Floyd – Trauma Based Films

Screenings followed by a deep dive discussion into the content and its place in history.