As part of its 41st anniversary season, the MOJA Arts Festival will mark Black History Month with two events at Dock Street Theatre in Charleston. The festival aims to highlight Black artistry and cultural heritage through poetry, visual art, music, and storytelling.
The first event, “The Roots of a Renaissance: A Celebration of Culture and the Storytellers Who Capture It,” is scheduled for Monday, February 9 at 7:00 p.m. This exhibit will feature work from poets, artists, and storytellers who represent the Lowcountry. The program honors the 50th anniversary of Black History Month—also known as Black Futures Month—and includes a gallery with recent Moja Arts Festival poster artists. A live poetic play will weave together five poets’ voices into a narrative about roots and renaissance. Charleston Poet Laureate A$iahMae has arranged the performance with musical accompaniment.
Earlier that day, a public workshop will take place from 3:00-4:30 p.m. in The Drawing Room at Dock Street Theatre to discuss Black Futures Month and explore how art shapes community identity.
On Tuesday, February 10 at 7:00 p.m., Javetta Campbell will headline “Amazing Grace: The Aretha Franklin Experience.” Backed by musicians and the Lowcountry Voices choir, Campbell will perform songs from Aretha Franklin’s acclaimed gospel recording “Amazing Grace.” Reverend Randolph Miller will host the concert.
“The Roots of a Renaissance is a curated visual and sonic exhibit celebrating the poets, artists, and storytellers who give language to the Lowcountry, honoring the 50th anniversary of Black History Month, also known as Black Futures Month. The experience unfolds through a gallery featuring a dynamic group of artists including the three most recent Moja Arts Festival poster artists alongside a live poetic play that weaves the voices of five poets into a story of roots, resolution, and renaissance, arranged by Charleston Poet Laureate A$iahMae and backed by a music trio.”
“Vocal powerhouse Javetta Campbell brings to life one of the most soul-stirring performances ever captured on record Aretha Franklin’s Amazing Grace. Backed by a dynamic ensemble of musicians and choir, this concert pays tribute to the Queen of Soul’s unforgettable return to her gospel roots. Relive the spirit, the power, and the sheer joy of this historic recording in an evening that celebrates faith, music, and timeless artistry. Hosted by Reverand Randolph Miller, including the Lowcountry Voices choir.”
Charleston is recognized for its historical significance in American history through sites such as the Old Slave Mart Museum, which documents aspects of domestic slave trade history. The city also preserves important spaces like the Council Chamber, dating back to 1818 with original chandeliers and portraits still present today; it once contained functioning Thomas Edison light bulbs until 1983.
Charleston’s efforts extend beyond preservation; according to its official mission page, city leadership prioritizes improving residents’ quality of life while working with regional entities for community enhancement.
The city’s influence reaches across areas around Charleston Harbor within the greater Charleston–North Charleston–Summerville region.
