In honor of Black History Month, a collection of local institutions are hosting a variety of events and exhibitions that which celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans in the field of art, history, medicine, education, and more.
1. Houston Museum of African American Culture
HMAAC is a private, free, non-profit that conserves, exhibits, and celebrates African and African American intellectual culture. While open year-long, the museum is presently exhibiting a dazzling array of paintings for Mathieu JN Baptiste: The Secret in the wARTer curated by Romeo Robinson from now until April 15.
Additionally, HMAAC is presenting Ekow Nimako: Kumbi Saleh 3020 CE from now until May 14, which features a 30-square-foot, 100,000-piece LEGO meditation on mental health.
2. Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
The Buffalo Soldiers were a group of soldiers comprised of former slaves, freemen, and Black Civil War soldiers, that which served in numerous military campaigns including World War I, World War II, and The Spanish American War. BSNM seeks to highlight the military and historical contributions of these soldiers.
3. Black Women Are Worthy at POST Houston
POST Houston, the former United States Postal Service (USPS) turned technologically advanced mixed media complex, is hosting an immersive exhibition by artist and creative visionary, Deun Ivory entitled, black women are worthy. In partnership with POST and Lululemon, the exhibition features a gallery of visuals, film screening of the exhibition’s eponymous short film written, directed, and narrated by Ivory, as well as a guided meditation held on opening night, February 19 from 6 – 6:30 pm.
4. Bisong Art Gallery
Throughout the month of February, the Bisong Art Gallery is hosting a number of exhibitions, panels, and discussions on the topic of black heritage. On Thursday, February 17, the public will have one final chance to see Culture: Our New Normal Exhibition. A Look Into Black Culture. Through mixed media pieces, the exhibition focuses on the historical effect of current events of black culture, as well as the value that it entails.
On Thursday, February 24, Bisong will host a Black History Month Artist Panel Discussion at the Trez Art & Wine Bar featuring visual artists Corey Haynes, Romeo Robinson, John Whaley Jr. and a musical performance by the hip-hop saxophonist, Clarence Riley.
5. Avenida Houston
Each Saturday from 1 – 5 pm this month, Avenida Houston is hosting a special celebration honoring Black History Month. Held at the Plaza at Avenida Houston, the event features art, music, and educational activities weekly. This month also sees the return of BLCK Market for the 3rd year, an outdoor bazaar featuring 50 locally black-owned vendors, artists, and entrepreneurs each Saturday.
6. West African Film Festival
From February 21 – February 26, the West African Film Festival will screen (virtually and in-person) a variety of regional, cultural, and/or West African artist-made films. Screenings include Marrying a Campbell, Hello Yesterday, El Maestro, Love Castle, Illusion, and What Happened at St. James.
“We will screen those films that provide insight into the complexity and diversity of the region and that give the viewer realistic perspectives on the people, culture, art, history, and politics.”
7. Celebration of Black Voices Festival
On Saturday, February 19, the Houston Public Library will host the inaugural Celebration of Black Voices Festival. Beginning at 10:45 am with a DJ-spun mix of jazz, rumba, and salsa, the festival will feature prominent local writers, authors, and poets. Here, visitors can listen in on a discussion with award-winning author and illustrator, Don Tate, hear the words of Houston’s Poet Laureate, Youth Poet Laureate, as well as see a performance from actress Jean Donatto. From 1:45 pm to 2:15 pm, The Underground Railroad and Quilt Codes: A Collection of Mini Quilts will be on display in the Central Library Gallery. The event is free, but registration is required.
8. Sawari Tours: Black Houston Bus Tours
For the month of February, Sawari Tours will be hosting two different tours. For Houston’s Black Art tours, passengers will get to see some of Houston’s most profound artwork as well as the meet the people and organizations behind it. For their morning tours, the company will be exploring the history of prominent Black Houstonians while visiting some of the most important historical sites, neighborhoods, and institutions. Tickets range from $35 to $55.
9. Candlelight Concerts
Celebrate some of the greatest artists of all time – black or otherwise – at these enchanting concerts by Candlelight in Houston with tributes to Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and more!
- Candlelight Jazz: Aretha Franklin and the Divas of Soul
- Candlelight: Tribute to Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, and more
See also: Glamorous Cinema Speakeasy Opens With 24-Karat-Gold Ribeye In Houston