2-01-2026 4:10am

'Black History & Culture: Revolutionary Legacies' explores freedom's challenges

Robert Brum Contributor

Poster for Bethany Arts Community’s annual Black History & Culture exhibition, titled “Black History & Culture: Revolutionary Legacies,”

Bethany Arts Community’s annual Black History & Culture exhibition, titled “Black History & Culture: Revolutionary Legacies,” curated by Ossining Village Historian Joyce Sharrock Cole, opened Jan. 31 and runs through March 6.

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the exhibit explores how African Americans have defined and redefined freedom from 1776 to today. Each gallery is rooted in a line from the Declaration of Independence, showing how Black people have continually challenged the nation to live up to its founding ideals.

Through art, artifacts, photography, storytelling, and interactive installations, the exhibit honors the spirit of revolution, resilience and representation that continues to shape our culture. From the battlefield to the way they dressed to command dignity, from innovation to influence, Black Americans have been, and remain, trendsetters of freedom and style.

This exhibit anchors Bethany Arts Community’s Black History Month programming and serves as both a historical and contemporary reflection, using art, primary sources, and storytelling to foster understanding, dialogue, and connection across the community. It invites visitors to engage with history not as something distant, but as something that continues to inform who we are and how we move forward together.

“This year’s exhibit intentionally centers the presence, contributions, and lived experiences of Black people from the very founding of the country through the generations that followed,” said Sharrock Cole. “Revolutionary Legacies challenges visitors to broaden the traditional narrative of the Revolution by recognizing that Black Americans were not only present from the beginning, but integral to the building, defense, and ongoing shaping of this nation.”

Gallery hours are Monday – Saturday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., as well as 30 minutes before other scheduled weeknight and weekend events at Bethany Arts Community. The exhibit will close at 3 p.m. March 6. The exhibit is closed on Sundays.

Programming throughout the month will include a culinary and storytelling event, a narrated stage drama, guided tours, school and community tours, and a living museum with local actors.

A programming highlight is “Soulful Flavors: A Black Diaspora Culinary Journey” hosted by Sharrock Cole and Neeks Catering with Chef Babatunde Cole. This program takes visitors from the bold, vibrant flavors of Sierra Leone in Africa to the comforting dishes of American soul food, exploring the diverse foods of the African diaspora along the way. Through tastings and storytelling, attendees will celebrate the deep cultural connections and resilience reflected in these cuisines.

“Soulful Flavors” will take place Saturday, Feb. 7, from 7-9 p.m. at Bethany Arts Community. Purchase tickets here.

A narrated stage drama “They Call Me Dimmock” will premiere February 20-21 and 27-28 as part of Bethany’s Black History & Culture programming. All performances are at 7 p.m. This true story follows Dimmock, a self-emancipated man who hunts for his kidnapped granddaughter, secretly hidden in Ossining, and confronts power, law and the true cost of freedom, with John Jay as his ally.

The drama is written, developed and narrated by Sharrock Cole, directed by Mel Hancock, and performed by Keith Bulluck, Jason Summers, Naomi Onativia, Joanna Stone, Suzanne Duke, Daniel Hirsh and Howard Weintraub. Production assistant is Donna James.

Bethany’s Docent Program, which trains students as well as adult volunteers to guide students and community members through the exhibit, is designed to offer an exciting and engaging experience that stimulates learning, understanding, and compassion for others' lived experiences. Educators interested in scheduling a school tour, and/or learning more about the Docent Program, can contact Julia Schonberg, BAC’s Community Engagement & Outreach Coordinator, at julias@bethanyarts.org.

Walk & Talk tours led by Sharrock Cole are scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4, and Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 7-8:30 p.m. Admission is $20 student/senior and $25 general admission. To inquire about booking a private group tour of the exhibit (for 8+ people), email julias@bethanyarts.org.

“Black History & Culture: Revolutionary Legacies” is made possible with support from ArtsWestchester and the Westchester County Government, and Revolutionary Westchester 250. Exhibit partners include Historic Hudson Valley, Ossining High School, Claremont School and volunteer docents.

Bethany Arts Community seeks additional sponsorships to continue the success of this engaging exhibition of Black History and Culture. Sponsorships help bring these stories to life through immersive gallery design, multimedia storytelling, educational programs, and community engagement. All contributions are tax-deductible. Sponsorships will be taken on a rolling basis. To inquire about sponsoring Black History & Culture 2026, contact Development Director Nancy Zallo at nancyz@bethanyarts.org

Bethany Arts Community is located at 40 Somerstown Road, Ossining. Contact BAC at: info@bethanyarts.org or visit its website: www.bethanyarts.org