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“A Good Government Job”: A History of Black Civil Servants [Black History Month Exhibition]


  • Montpelier Arts Center 9652 Muirkirk Road Laurel, MD, 20708 United States (map)

Exhibition: Jan 27 - Feb 28 | Public Reception: Feb 2, 2-5pm

Exhibit Hours: Daily, 10 am - 5pm (except holidays)

Since the era of emancipation, black migration to the Washington, D.C. region has been fueled by the promise of economic opportunities, especially those opportunities afforded by employment with the federal government. For generations of African Americans, careers in the federal civil service have paved the way for professional advancement and economic security, expanding the ranks of the middle black class. However, this path has also been fraught with obstacles born of the nation’s dark history of segregation and racism. This exhibit explores this complicated history, focusing on how Black federal employment has shaped Prince George’s County.

This exhibition is curated by the M-NCPPC Black History Program. For additional information, email blackhistory@pgparks.com or call 240-264-3415. 

To RSVP for the opening reception, email blackhistory@pgparks.com

Earlier Event: January 30
Ben Barnes - Where the Light Gets In
Later Event: January 31
Will Downing