February is Black History Month, an annual observance dedicated to recognizing the triumphs and struggles of African Americans and the greater Black experience throughout U.S. history. From education to entertainment, there are many ways to honor this legacy.
Take a look at these Black History Month inspired happenings in and around Houston and start marking your calendars.
‘Skeleton Crew’
The third installment of Dominique Morisseau’s acclaimed trilogy “The Detroit Project,” Skeleton Crew is this year’s Black History Month show at the Pearl Theater. The play explores the work lives of four Black employees at an automotive stamping plant in Detroit in the midst of the 2008 recession.
When: Through Feb. 11
Where: Pearl Theater, 14803 Park Almeda Dr.
Details: $16-18; pearl-theater.com
Woodson Black Fest
In honor of the distinguished author and thinker Carter G. Woodson, the Woodson Black Fest brings enlightenment, creativity, and innovation to celebrate Black artists and artisans’ contributions. The festival consists of spoken word, film, music, lively conversation and a short film screening. Food provided by Ate Kitchen will be available for purchase.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Feb. 2
Where: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose
Details: Free, registration encouraged; camh.org
SUPPORT LOCAL BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES: A Black-owned cafe in Houston rolls out tamales combining Mexican and soul food traditions
Black History Story Time Series
Children’s Museum Houston and ABC13 Houston celebrate Black History Month with a story time series featuring books written by African American authors and local leaders in the community, including Samica Knight (Feb. 4), Erica Simon (Feb. 11), Chauncy Glover (Feb. 12), Gina Gaston (Feb. 18) and Melanie Lawson (Feb.25).
When: 1:15-p.m. Feb. 4, 11, 12, 18, 25
Where: 1500 Binz
Details: $14-$15; cmhouston.org
Black History Month at Lone Star Flight Museum
Throughout February, Lone Star Flight Museum will celebrate the achievements of African Americans in aviation. Learn about Bessie Colemen, Jesse Brown and join a Tuskegee Airmen Hangar Talk with WWII Veteran, Bob Wehnert.
When: 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 18 and 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 11
Where: 11551 Aerospace Ave.
Details: $12-$18; lonestarflight.org
Movies on The Lawn: Black History Month
First Colony Mall celebrates Black History Month with a month-long celebration of “Movies on The Lawn.” Featured films include “Remember the Titans” (Feb. 4), “The Princess and the Frog” (Feb. 11), “Soul” (Feb. 18) and “King Richard” (Feb. 25).
When: 2 p.m. Feb. 4-25
Where: First Colony Mall, 16535 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land
Details: Free; firstcolonymall.com
BLCK History Now!
BLCK Market and Karbach Brewing Co. partner to celebrate Black History Month with two events featuring pop up vendors, music, food trucks, ice-cold beer, 97.9 The Box and a special performance by Houston Rockets’ Sonic Boom Drumline.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 5 and 26
Where: Karbach Brewing Co., 2032 Karbach
Details: Free; blckmarkethouston.com
Genealogy Workshop: The Search for Lost Relatives after Emancipation
The Black History workshop will offer three sessions that explore the practice of formerly enslaved persons writing letters to the Freedmen’s Bureau and placing ads in newspapers hoping to reconnect with family after emancipation. Genealogist Diane L. Richard will discuss pursuing formerly enslaved ancestors and their descendants, using research tips, techniques, tools, strategies and under-utilized resource collections. Houstonians Kelley Dixon-Tealer and her mother Alva Marie Jenkins will share revelations of their ancestor featured in the Ancestry documentary “A Dream Delivered: The Lost Letters of Hawkins Wilson. Presented by the Holocaust Museum Houston in partnership with Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc. and Willie Lee Gay H-Town Chapter (AAHGS) Freedmen’s Town Museums.
When: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Feb. 11
Where: Albert and Ethel Herzstein Theater, 5401 Caroline
Details: Free, advance registration required; hmh.org
Black History Month Celebration at Avenida Houston
Avenida Houston’s Black History Month Celebration includes an outdoor market featuring locally black-owned businesses along with live musical entertainment hosted by KTSU 90.9FM. Visitors can enjoy free activities fit for the whole family including educational activities that celebrate Houston’s diversity.
When: 2-6 p.m. Feb. 11, 18, 25
Where: Avenida Houston, 701 Avenida de las Americas
Details: Free; avenidahouston.com
Moving Beyond Slavery Identity, Culture and Global African History
Society for Africans in Diaspora host a conversation with leading civic leaders to discuss the bold and meaningful action on how to honor one’s ancestors and what lessons should be passed down to the next generation. The main objective of the summit is to promote a greater knowledge of history and respect for the diverse heritage, culture and contribution of people of African descent to the development of societies.
When: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 18
Where: SAiD Pan African Library, 12126 Westheimer Rd. #118
Details: Free; bit.ly/movingbeyondslavery
‘From Africa to the White House’/’The Storm is Here’
Award Winning playwright Vincent Victoria offers two of his original works to celebrate Black History Month. From Africa to the White House is a theatrical collage of almost forgotten African American men and women from the past. “The Storm is Here” is a play that recounts the lives of two people whose fates were unwittingly intertwined during the insurrection of Jan. 2021.
When: 8-10 p.m. Feb. 24
Where: Midtown Art Centre, 3414 La Branch
Details: $25; vincentvictoriapresents.com
Black Excellence Art Exhibition
The exhibition at Elevate Creative Studios honors Black History Month through art. The event features ten local artists and their representation of Black Excellence. Opening reception will be held Feb. 19th with complimentary cocktails, live music and art. The exhibition is a great event to meet with the featured artists as well as connect with Houston creatives and the arts community.
When: 2-6 p.m. Feb. 19 and 6-10 p.m. Feb. 23
Where: Elevate Creative Studios, 1919 North Main
Details: $10-$15; elevatecreativestudios.co
Freedom Walk: Black History Month Celebration
Missouri City Parks & Recreation and the Edison Arts Foundation host their 2nd Annual Freedom Walk. Attendees will walk from Community Park to Freedom Tree (half a mile) and hear from local leaders, pastors, poets, singers and performers, then return to Community Park for a celebration of unity and freedom.
When: 10 a.m. Feb. 25
Where: Community Park, 1700 Glenn Lakes Ln, Missouri City
Details: Free; facebook.com/events/1195613248034144
Black Literature Matters 2
BE Impactful presents Black Literature Matters 2, the Black History Month bookfair is a great way to come together, enjoy delicious food and celebrate creativity in the community. The event features interactive experiences with authors, publishing professionals, bookstores and more.
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 25
Where: Five Central Houston, 2736 Virginia
Details: Free; bit.ly/blackliteraturematters
ana.khan@chron.com
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