2019-11-06 01:02:43
Steeped in tradition and rich in diversity, Maryland is truly reflective of the colors and complexities of the great people who have called it home. This guide is your passport to the Maryland African-American experience — the undertakings, accomplishments and sacrifices, past and present, that have shaped a state and influenced a nation. It’s the story of a resilient people and their deeply rooted traditions. It’s a tale of triumphs, sorrows, joys and hardships as spoken by Frederick Douglass, written by Frances E.W. Harper, played by Eubie Blake and mapped by Benjamin Banneker. Their words and deeds, as well as the actions of countless others, continue to impact all walks of life. Inside this guide, you will find listings for travel destinations and programs throughout the state that are linked to African-American heritage and culture. The listings are separated by region — from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore — so you can easily find sites no matter where your travels take you. As you navigate Maryland — whether following a byway toward historic discoveries, sampling local foods during ethnic celebrations or enjoying the arts at world-renowned cultural venues — experience today what generations have built. Honor the past while celebrating in the present. Maryland hosts a number of ethnic events and celebrations of African-American pride and heritage. The Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival, held annually in Annapolis each September, features music, food and dance from the African diaspora. Baltimore’s Afram Festival, a weekendlong mix of music, food and exhibits, draws thousands of visitors every year. Other events honor Harriet Tubman in Cambridge and Juneteenth celebrations take place throughout the state. For a Maryland Calendar of Events, go to www.visitmaryland.org. Relax while shopping and dining on the waterfront, in the countryside or downtown. Charming boutiques, galleries and collectibles shops give way to name-brand outlet centers and upscale malls. Antiques stores are also plentiful. For your dining pleasure, the state is home to some of the best seafood around. But beyond the crabs, oysters and rockfish, you will enjoy international cuisine and soul food, as well as farm-to-table produce and sumptuous desserts, including the official state dessert, Smith Island Cake. Furthermore, Maryland has many breweries, distilleries and wineries open for tours and special events. Maryland offers the perfect location for your next reunion, regardless of the size. At Maryland’s heart is Baltimore, the second-largest immigration point-of-entry to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. African American, Greek, German, Italian, Polish and other ethnic neighborhoods stand side by side. Throughout Maryland, you’ll find diverse destinations, attractions and accommodations to make your next get-together a memorable one. For resources to help plan a reunion, contact local county tourism offices or go to www.visitmaryland.org.
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