History

The Billie Holiday Center for Liberation Arts and Sheridan Libraries is growing a collection of African American primary sources with a special emphasis on local history and culture that stands unprecedented in Maryland. In collaboration with donors, we are developing collections that illuminate the region’s arts, politics, and history. The Baltimore Africana Archives Initiative is only the first phase of this ambitious historic preservation plan. Working in tandem with the JHU-University of Baltimore Community Archives Program, the archivists, curators, and educators on our team are working tirelessly to contribute to an accurate record of the Black presence, productions, and potential within our city and beyond.

People

One of the longterm goals of the BHCLA is to stand as an institution actively creating educational, artistic, and professional development opportunities for Black artists, archivists, and scholars in Baltimore City. In addition to a number of past research opportunities for JHU students, our Fellowships and Residencies span topics from oral history, policy studies, and curatorial work as well as from graduate students to local community elders.

Place

Strongly committed to the preservation and perserverance of Baltimore’s art and cultural scene, BHCLA works to be a present in our local communities. In addition to our annual free events throughout the calendar year, the Digital Humanities Lab and Curated Exhibits are two ways thay we remain connected throughout the city.