Lula Washington has had a remarkable career.
She danced in films such as “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Band” and “Funny Lady” with Barbra Streisand. She later choreographed the films “Avatar” and “The Little Mermaid.”
One could argue that her greatest achievement came in 1980, when she opened the Lula Washington Dance Theatre as a “creative outlet for minority dance artists,” according to the company’s website.
Certainly, she has amassed awards and traveled the world with the company. Local audiences will get to experience the Lula Washington Dance Theatre when it comes to the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County Feb. 16 for a 7 p.m. show.
“They are a fantastic, highly-regarded dance company from the Los Angeles area,” said Gwethalyn Bronner, executive director of the James Lumber Center. “Lula Washington herself has been awarded various accolades over the years for this company that has specialized in African dance but also blends contemporary dance as well. Their dancers are infectious and engaging. I’m really excited to have them featured here.”
They are presenting a full-length program that serves to both educate and entertain the audience, exploring aspects of African-American culture and history, she said.
There are different regional styles of African dance that will be represented, she said.
“I think that the interesting thing is that you should be able to come and be open to seeing and learning about these different styles of African dance in addition to what may also fall into the repertoire to represent contemporary dance,” she said. “I’m excited to get the chance to see how they ebb and flow and curate within the program. How do they flow from contemporary-based musical style back to an African-based style throughout their program? It should be a lot of fun.”
This is a good program to honor and represent Black History Month, Bronner said.
“As you know, we did not come to the United States on a vacation. We were on ships but they weren’t cruise ships. We were brought onto this continent,” she said. “It is part of the history of America. It’s only in recent times that (we’ve acknowledged) the representation of how people from Africa got onto this continent and it’s not pleasant.
“The reality is our origins came from countries in Africa. It is a part of African-American history. I do hope it encourages more research and reading about Africa and about the African experience here in the North American continent. I hope it does inspire curiosity from all people.”
Here are some other programs to educate and inspire during Black History Month.
Grayslake
Lula Washington Dance Theatre: 7 p.m. Feb. 16 at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St. Tickets: $10-$38. 847-543-2300; www.jlcenter.clcillinois.edu.
Libertyville
Lunchtime Tours: African American History Makers: 12-12:30 p.m. Feb. 5 and Feb. 26 at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Road. Tickets: $3-$6. 847-367-6640; www.lcfpd.org/events.
Learn about African American history makers from Lake County, including the first African American settler, the Golden Thirteen Navy divers; and James Brister, the first African American dentist in Lake County. Meet at the entrance of the Dunn Museum for the tour. Includes museum admission.
North Chicago
A glimpse in African American History: 2:30-4:40 p.m. Feb. 1 at the North Chicago Public Library, 2100 Argonne Drive. Free. 847-689-0125; www.facebook.com/NCPLibrary.
Waukegan
The 36th annual Salute to Gospel Music: 7 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St. Tickets: $28 in advance, $33 at the door. 847-543-2431; www.clcillinois.edu/salutetogospel.
The College of Lake County presents this concert, starring Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee Bishop Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir. The concert also features the College of Lake County Gospel Choir and the first-ever Reunion Choir. A CLC ticket special is available through Feb. 27 offering five tickets for $50 at the LancerZone stores at CLC Grayslake, Waukegan and Vernon Hills campuses, according to CLC spokesperson Lindsey Nemcek.
Programs at the Waukegan Public Library: 128 N. County St. All programs are free. 847-623-2041; www.waukeganpl.org/black-history-month.
Privilege, Position and Power in 2020: 2-3:30 p.m. Feb. 9 in classroom AB. Counselor Ashley Cullen-Williams will present a program about chasing the American Dream in the current culture.
“Hair Love:” A Celebration of Coils, Kinks and Curls: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Feb. 11 in the Bradbury Room. Watch Matthew A. Cherry’s Oscar-nominated animated short “Hair Love,” about an African-American father doing his daughter’s hair.
“Selma:” Movie Screening and Discussion: 5-7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 in classroom AB. Ava DuVernay’s film tells the story of Martin Luther King Jr.’s journey to secure equal voting rights for Black people with a march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., eventually culminating in the signing of the Voting Rights Act. Discussion will follow.
Taste of Nigeria: 6-7 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Bradbury Room. Learn to make jollof rice and other delicious Nigerian dishes.
Breaking Bread Community Meal: 3-4:30 p.m. Feb. 23 in classroom AB. Facilitated by counselor Ashley Cullen-Williams. Lunch catered by Chef Williams of On Pho Nem.
Zion
30th annual Black History Celebration: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 29 at Zion-Benton Township High School, 3901 21st St. Tickets: free. www.facebook.com/events and search for Zion Black History Celebration.
Bring the family for a program of singing, dancing, guest speakers and poetry.
Annie Alleman is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
