African American history for all seasons

African American history traditionally is celebrated in February, but organizers of the Black History Showcase want to highlight cultural achievements a lot more often.

This Saturday and Sunday mark the seventh year of the showcase produced by Everett & Associates with the Proud African American Foundation. Showcase founder Everett Staten moved the event to April this year to avoid winter storms and to begin a quest to celebrate black history all year round.

Founded to promote a greater awareness and appreciation of African American culture, the showcase will feature a mix of exhibits and activities centered on the annual theme "real people, real artifacts, and real stories."

Staten said the theme differentiates the showcase from other events. "There are real people to give you their stories firsthand, as opposed to actors." These real people include the Tuskegee Airmen and former Negro League Baseball players, among others like Philadelphia basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain.

Staten said he also wanted to create something people could enjoy even if they didn't have money, which is why admission is free.

This year's exhibits include what's called the most extensive collection of slavery artifacts and Jim Crow memorabilia ever assembled for public examination free of charge, courtesy of the Lest We Forget Traveling Slavery Museum. Several exhibits focus on African American scientists and feature replicas of inventions.

Another will focus on native son Chamberlain, who is under consideration to receive a commemorative U.S. postage stamp. The exhibit is sponsored by the Philadelphia Tribune, which is leading the effort. Fans can sign a petition to show support for the stamp. If chosen, Chamberlain will be the first basketball player to be featured on a stamp.

Staten said this is the first year the showcase will include activities. Saturday activities include a workshop hosted by the African American Genealogy Group of Philadelphia at noon, a lecture on "The Ancient Egyptian Formula to Obtain Personal Power" at 1 p.m., and a WURD Speaks symposium at 3 p.m.

On Sunday, the Clef Club Youth Jazz Band performs at 1 p.m., which Staten hopes will showcase positive things youth are doing.

This performance will be followed by the highlight of the weekend, a reenactment of Marian Anderson's 1939 Easter Sunday concert at the Lincoln Memorial, after the Daughters of the American Revolution refused to allow her to perform in Washington's Constitution Hall.

"There are two things that we want people to understand," Staten said. "It's free, and everyone is welcome. This is not just something for African Americans. Understanding is what fosters tolerance and respect between races."

Contact staff writer Dana Vogel at 215-854-2737 or dvogel@phillynews.com.