Provided by AARP Virginia
AARP Virginia is hosting a poetry reading and a tour of a historical site to honor Black History Month.
At 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24 AARP will present februaries: A Celebration of Black Voices at the Haymarket Gainesville Library, 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket. The event features an afternoon of poetry and conversation with Michele Evans, author of purl, featuring readings from februaries, her new poetry chapbook inspired by the annual African American Read‑In and the enduring legacies of figures such as Maya Angelou, Harriet Tubman and Billie Holiday. The program offers an opportunity to experience Evans’ poetry and engage in thoughtful discussion about her work and creative influences. Complimentary refreshments will be served. Registration is requested at events.aarp.org/
A guided Black History Month tour honoring history and celebrating the resilience of the community will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow. As Prince William County’s fourth county seat from 1822 to 1893, Brentsville was a place of both tragedy and triumph for African American residents. Visitors will hear stories of enslaved people and free Black individuals in central Prince William County, African American Civil War veterans, the promise of emancipation, the lingering legacy of Reconstruction and the emergence of the Jim Crow era, offering a powerful look at perseverance and hope.
This free, docent-led tour is ideal for history enthusiasts seeking a deeper connection to local heritage and will be led by staff from the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation. The event takes place outdoors and includes walking on uneven surfaces; attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes. Complimentary hot chocolate will be served. In the event of inclement weather, the tour will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Registered guests will be notified by AARP 24 hours in advance. Sign up at events.aarp.org/
Find all of AARP Virginia’s Black History Month events at aarp.cvent.com/VABHM. All AARP in-person and virtual events in your area can be found at aarp.org/local.
With 1 million members in Virginia, AARP is the largest organization working on behalf of people age 50-plus and their families in the Commonwealth. To learn more about AARP Virginia, like them on Facebook at facebook.com/aarpvirginia and follow @AARPVa on X at X.com/aarpva.
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit aarp.org/about-aarp/
