Graphic courtesy Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
County Library Celebrates Black History Month With a Variety of Engaging Programs for All Ages
By PRESS OFFICER
Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
LARGO, Md. (Feb. 2, 2026)—The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is proud to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, by hosting more than 70 engaging library programs throughout the month of February that celebrate Black culture, heritage, and history.
The Library’s Black History Month programming line-up will feature a “100th Birthday Tribute” to Miles Davis and John Coltrane presented by trumpeter and jazz historian Muneer Nasser; an exciting jump rope showcase presented by the Greenbelt SITY Stars; the return of the family-favorite “Heroes of Black History Puppet Show,” presented by Ebony Sonshine Puppets; and a series of special children’s storytimes with local authors Ada Ari (“The Spider’s Thin Legs,” “The Turtle’s Cracked Shell”) and Allen R. Wells (“Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark,” “Danté Plays His Blues”).
Alongside these highlights, branch libraries across the system will be hosting specially themed storytimes, craft programs, book discussions, and film screenings for customers of all ages.
“The 100th anniversary of Black History Month, which began as Negro History Week, is truly a milestone,” says Dr. Mark Winston, CEO of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. “We are very pleased to provide such a robust collection of program offerings for our customers throughout Prince George’s County as we highlight so many aspects of the richness of Black history and culture.”
The Library also invites customers to celebrate Black History Month with a visit to the Sojourner Truth Room at the Oxon Hill Branch Library, where PGCMLS hosts a large multimedia collection dedicated to African American history, both in Prince George’s County and beyond. Additionally, customers are encouraged to explore Black History Month collections on Kanopy, Hoopla, and OverDrive, digital resources which are available free on demand with a PGCMLS library card.
Featured PGCMLS Black History Month events are highlighted below. For the full listing of Black Heritage programming at PGCMLS, both in February and throughout the year, please visit our online calendar.
Community members are also invited to visit PGCMLS’ Black Heritage hub, which is available 24/7 and serves as a cultural resource that includes book recommendations, historical timelines, research databases, upcoming events, and more. The Black Heritage hub can be visited anytime at pgcmls.info/black-heritage.
Featured PGCMLS Events Celebrating Black History Month
Heroes of Black History Puppet Show
Presented by Ebony Sonshine Puppets
Free | Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. | Ages 3–8 | Upper Marlboro Branch Library
Free | Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. | Ages 3–8 | Hillcrest Heights Branch Library
Watch history come to life in this engaging performance by Ebony Sonshine Puppets. Through dynamic storytelling, music, and puppetry, participants at this program will learn about inspiring Black history makers who changed the world.
Miles Davis & John Coltrane 2026: 100th Birthday Tribute
Presented by Muneer Nasser, Trumpeter and Jazz Historian
Free | Saturday, Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. | Teens and Adults | Surratts-Clinton Branch Library
Did you know that 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month? It also marks the centennial of the births of jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Join Muneer Nasser and his trio for a special tribute celebrating the groundbreaking music and enduring influence of these two musicians. With his live performance and insights into their remarkable lives, Nasser—a musician, author, historian, and son of the late acclaimed jazz bassist Jamil Nasser—brings a personal and deeply informed perspective to two of jazz’s most iconic figures.
Jump Legacy: Honoring the Past, Jumping into the Future
Presented by Greenbelt SITY Stars
Free | Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. | Ages 5–12 | Greenbelt Branch Library
Honor the spirit and endurance of Black history through rhythm and motion with the Greenbelt SITY Stars, a local athletic club that has been training young people in the art of jump rope since 1991. At this program, you will enjoy a powerful, expressive jump rope showcase that celebrates storytelling through coordinated movement. Participants will also be invited to jump!
Celebrate Black History Month with Children’s Author Allen Wells!
Free | Saturday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. | Ages 4–8 | Beltsville Branch Library
Free | Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. | Ages 4–8 | Bowie Branch Library
Allen R. Wells—accomplished local author, engineer, and advocate for inclusion and representation in children’s literature—returns to PGCMLS to share his children’s books celebrating Black voices, music, and imagination. After listening to Wells read from “Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark” and “Danté Plays His Blues,” kids will get a chance to participate in an engaging Q&A session. A brief author signing will follow the program, during which Wells will have books available for purchase.
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is a beacon within its diverse and dynamic community. The Library serves Prince George’s County, Maryland’s 966,000+ residents through 19 public branches, a law library in the County Correctional Center, various pop-up services and events, and 24/7 access to free online resources. As a trusted and responsive community leader, PGCMLS democratizes knowledge and opportunity by providing safe, accessible spaces where customers of all backgrounds can freely engage with the resources needed to build knowledge, literacy, skills, and creativity at every phase of life. Learn more at www.pgcmls.info/about-us
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Prince George’s County Allows Legal Ownership and Adoption of Pit Bull–Terriers Under a New Law
Registration, licensing, $25 permit, and training are required
By PRESS OFFICER
Department of the Environment
LARGO, Md. (Feb. 1, 2026)—Prince George’s County now allows pit bull–type terriers to be legally owned and adopted following the passage of County Bill CB-97-2025, provided all registration and ownership requirements are met.
Under the new law, individuals who own or wish to adopt pit bull–type terriers must comply with specific County requirements designed to promote responsible pet ownership and public safety. These requirements include registration with the County, obtaining the appropriate County license and permit, and completing mandatory training.
The permit fee is $25, in addition to the standard County license fee, which applies to all dog breeds. While licensing fees remain the same, dogs will be identified by breed during registration.
Mandatory training is required for individuals who own or wish to adopt pit bull–type terriers. Owners or dogs identified as needing additional support or training will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, including those involving potentially dangerous or high-risk dogs.
“This legislation allows the County to move forward with a balanced approach that supports responsible pet ownership while maintaining safeguards for residents, pets, and the community,” said David Fisher, Associate Director of the Animal Services Division.
Residents are reminded that all dogs in Prince George's County must continue to comply with applicable animal control laws, including leash requirements, licensing, and vaccination standards.
For more information about registration, licensing, training requirements, or to determine eligibility, residents may visit www.environment.mypgc.us/pitbulls
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MGM National Harbor Celebrates Bold Arrival of the Year of the Horse With Month-Long Celebration
Festive offerings include a majestic Conservatory display, all-new Lunar Lounge, traditional dragon and lion dances, special culinary menus, and Mystic Nights V
By PRESS OFFICER
MGM National Harbor
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (Feb. 2, 2026)—MGM National Harbor invites guests to charge into the Year of the Horse with month-long holiday festivities, a spectacular Conservatory display, authentic culinary specialties with Lunar New Year specials, and high-energy celebrations. Symbolizing strength, freedom, and forward momentum, the Horse sets the tone for 2026, and MGM National Harbor is the ultimate destination to ring in Lunar New Year in style.
The Conservatory
MGM National Harbor’s iconic Conservatory is transformed for the Year of the Horse into an immersive exhibit experience. Inspired by the elegance and vitality of the Horse, this year’s display invites guests to explore large-scale botanical installations and traditional Lunar New Year designs across three beds.
Highlights of elements inspired by Lunar New Year symbolism include:
• Eight galloping horses stretch across 32-feet in celebration of the Year of the Horse, ushering in prosperity and bold forward momentum
• Golden bamboo forest stretching to 25-feet in height, symbolizing a flourishing, lucky year ahead
• A 15-foot illuminated red lantern that wards off bad luck and brightens a path for prosperity and good fortune
• A towering money tree adorned with oversized gold I-Ching coins and iglots
• 8-foot lanterns accented with firecrackers to scare away negative spirits and
to welcome the new year with energy and vitality
• Koi fish and a jade rock fountain, symbolizing abundance, resilience, and harmony
Lunar Lounge by Hennessy
Beginning on Friday, February 6, from 5–10 p.m., the all-new Lunar Lounge by Hennessy will debut in The District at MGM National Harbor as a limited-time, cocktail pop-up. Transformed into a charming, Chinese tea house, the Lounge offers signature Hennessy cocktails, immersive décor including a wishing tree, interactive games, photo ops, and more to welcome the new year. This celebratory experience continues Fridays and Saturdays until February 28, and will also be open for the MGM National Harbor Lunar New Year celebration on Sunday, February 15.
Lunar New Year Activations
• Lion and Dragon Dance—Guests can experience a ceremonial lion and dragon dance on Sunday, February 15 at 6 p.m. The performance will begin in the Casino Valet and will weave throughout the property. The lion dance is a traditional celebration for the holiday that marks the transition into a new year, and invites blessing, prosperity and positive momentum for the upcoming year.
• Ginger, MGM National Harbor’s pan-Asian restaurant—A limited-time menu will feature traditional celebratory dishes, including steamed whole fish, symbolizing abundance and prosperity, and sweet glutinous rice balls, a classic dessert associate with family together and good fortune. Other specialty dishes include lobster with salted egg yolk and braised chicken with ginseng and abalone. Enjoy these limited offers from February 13-22.
• Mystic Nights V at The Theater—Mystic Nights V: Song Ca ??u Xuân (Duets for the New Year) welcomes the Lunar New Year with an elegant evening of unforgettable music, connection, and celebration. This special concert on Saturday, February 28 brings together some of the most beloved voices in Vietnamese music for a night devoted to meaningful duets and timeless melodies that honor new beginnings. Experience iconic performances by Lam Tr??ng, ?an Tr??ng, Quang Lê, Mai Thiên Vân, Nh? Loan, Vy Oanh, Tr?nh Lam, Leon V?, and Jessica Shum (???), accompanied by the live sounds of the Tutti Band. Hosted by the charismatic MC Ngh? S? Thúy Nga, the evening blends heartfelt storytelling with musical moments that reflect hope, love, and renewal. From classic favorites to beautifully arranged collaborations, Mystic Nights V is a festive tribute to the spirit of spring and the joy of welcoming a new year together.
Located in an unrivaled setting, MGM National Harbor offers stunning panoramic views of the Eastern shore of the Potomac River in Maryland. The $1.4 billion LEED® Gold Certified resort sits a short distance from Washington, D.C. to the north and historic sites, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate across the river in Virginia. The 24-story, 308-room resort features premier amenities and experiences for locals as well as visitors from around the world including a dynamic two-level casino with over 160,000 square feet of space that includes slots, table games, and poker; a world-class spa and salon; an entertainment theater with flexible seating for up to 3,000; high-end branded retail; 50,000 square feet of meeting space; and restaurants from renowned local, national, and international chefs. MGM National Harbor is owned by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit mgmnationalharbor.com?or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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PGCPS Honored as National ‘Education Changemaker’ for Removing Language Barriers Through AI-Driven Innovation
By PRESS OFFICER
Prince George’s County Public Schools
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (Feb. 2, 2026)—Following the 2026 State of the Schools address where Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph declared a new “acceleration imperative” for the district, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) has been named a national leader in educational equity. The district is the recipient of Pocketalk’s Education Changemaker Award, recognized for its pioneering use of secure translation technology to support its diverse student body.
The recognition comes as PGCPS centers AI Literacy as one of five “Strategic Accelerants” designed to move the district from “variance to velocity”. Serving more than 131,000 students who represent 116 countries and speak 123 languages, PGCPS is leveraging AI-powered tools like Pocketalk to ensure language is never a barrier to care, connection, or academic achievement.
“In our schools, language should never be a barrier to safety, dignity, or belonging,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph. “Our work is about moving outcomes, not just maintaining systems, and this award reflects our commitment to disrupting cycles of inequity. By providing real-time, private translation, we are ensuring that every family feels seen, heard, and valued from the moment they enter our buildings.”
The district’s language access strategy is a core component of its “Five Big Rocks,” specifically the goal of improving outcomes for multilingual learners.
Implementation began in August 2024 with school nurses to support urgent health communication and has since expanded to front offices, counseling teams, and classrooms. Today, every school nurse is equipped with a Pocketalk device, allowing students to communicate sensitive health concerns directly and securely without relying on peers to translate.
“Pocketalk allows our staff to communicate with respect and privacy,” said Dr. Jennifer Love, Director of Language Access. “It is a productivity partner that helps our staff reclaim time and focus on what they do best: supporting our students”.
PGCPS was the first large district in Maryland to launch a comprehensive AI Framework and Board policy, ensuring that tools used for language access also meet the highest standards for student privacy and security.
For more details, visit the Pocketalk Impact Awards webpage (https://pocketalk.com/newsroom/pocketalk-announces-2025-impact-award-winners-spotlighting-breakthroughs-in-language-access) and look for the Education Changemaker Award link.
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