Image of the BLM Mural on Green Street in Ithaca, NY

February is Black History / Black Futures Month. Here are some activities and thoughtful experiences happening in and around downtown Ithaca to honor and commemorate Black History / Black Futures Month.

ARTWORK & EXPERIENCES IN DOWNTOWN COMMEMORATING BLACK LIVES

Image of the BLM Mural on Green Street in Ithaca, NY

Ten years after the original Underground Railroad mural displayed beneath the Aurora Street bridge on Green Street was painted, it is being revitalized by four local artists. Read about the stories of Justice Painted Into Ithaca Murals by By Grace Azaula — Contributing Writer for The Ithacan. Photo by Jill Ruthauser

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Adrina Dietra collections 

Adrina Graham, entrepreneur and designer, curates collections of wearable art — stylish and comfortable luxury lingerie which is available at her shop, Adrina Dietra.   

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Commons digital directory

Black Lives Matter Kiosk Mural

Local Artist Terry Plater in partnership with the DIA refitted two digital kiosks in downtown with portrait paintings and line drawings of people of color along with the slogan Black Lives Matter on the side panels. View these art pieces on The Ithaca Commons.

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Statue

Created by local artist Rob Licht. Bronze and stainless steel sculpture  inscribed with the quote ”we will not be satisfied untied justice rolls like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream".

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES & HISTORICAL EXHIBITS

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Virtual Exhibit part of the Breaking Barriers exhibit happening at the History Center in Tompkins County. 

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Virtual Exhibit
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MLK Freedom Walkway: 

In 1960, Martin Luther King, Jr., first visited Ithaca as a guest of Cornell University, delivering a sermon to a standing-room-only crowd at Sage Chapel and answering questions afterward in the Memorial Room of Willard Straight Hall. In 1961, Dr. King returned to Ithaca to speak at a fundraiser at Bailey Hall that was sponsored by the Cornell Committee Against Segregation and the Ithaca Freedom Walk. 

In 2009, 49 years after MLK Jr.'s second visit, the city of Ithaca Freedom Walkway Committee embarked on the development of a physical MLK Freedom Walkway in the city of Ithaca. The walkway is a physical trail celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King in the context of Ithaca's African American history. It traces local events and people whose efforts mirror the national struggle for civil rights and social justice.

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EVENTS

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Gallery Night Ithaca

February Gallery Night will feature the latest works of local and regional artists, including exhibits from black artists. The Gallery Night Ithaca happening on Friday, February 3, 2023, 5-8 pm, will feature several exhibits.

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