The roots of Black History Month begin in 1926 when scholar Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week during the second week of February. The Harvard-trained historian was tired of White scholars ignoring the legacy of African Americans, and he spent much of his career working to fix that. Over the years, the week expanded into Black History Month, and President Gerald Ford officially recognized the celebration in 1976.
The U.S. still marks Black History Month each February. Events are happening all over Dallas, from museum exhibitions and concerts to walking tours and crafts. Here are 34 ways to commemorate Black History Month in North Texas this February.
Ongoing Events:
The African American Museum features exhibitions on blues performer Blind Lemon Jefferson and Central Track, which explore the history of jazz and Deep Ellum. (You can read more about both exhibits here.) 3536 Grand Ave.
Dallas Public Libraries will mark Black History Month across its various branches this February. There should be something for everyone, including jazz performances, a children’s Black Superhero Day, various crafts, a Black history trivia competition, a lesson on traditional African textiles, a Jean-Michel Basquiat-inspired self-portrait art class, and more. Various times and locations. Learn more here.
In its lobby, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center will display artwork depicting “African Americans and the Arts” from students across North Texas throughout February for Black History Month. 2922 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Dallas College is hosting nine events at its campuses this February to commemorate Black History Month. The events include a talk on the Black Angels, a group of Black nurses who treated tuberculosis in New York City; the “I AM Black History” summit; a panel called “Being Black and LGBTQ+ in Religion”; and more. Various times and locations. Learn more here.
More Events:
Local company The Soul of Dallas Food & Black History Bus Tour has two North Texas tours this month. Founded by Deah Berry Mitchell and Dalila Thomas in 2017, the tour highlights Black-owned business and restaurants in North Texas. Dallas tour: 10 a.m. Feb. 3. $75. 3536 Grand Ave. Learn more here; Origins of Black Cowboys tour (Fort Worth): 10 a.m Feb. 10. $85. Learn more here.
The Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra of Houston, which celebrates Black composers and musicians as well as Black representation in the industry, returns to Dallas for its seventh performance. The Black Academy of Arts and Letters Live concert will include classical, jazz, blues, gospel, and contemporary music. The event will also feature performances from the South Dallas Children’s Choir and the winners from the African American American Museum’s Youth Classical Artist Competition in January. 5 p.m. Feb. 3. From $15. Black Academy of Arts and Letters Live, 1309 Canton St. Learn more here.
To mark the closing of its “Afro-Atlantic Histories” special exhibition, the Dallas Museum of Art has a slew of late night events scheduled on Friday, February 9. The night includes a scavenger hunt and gallery tour. There are artist studios, plus opportunities to learn more about the heritage and practice of both quilting and salsa. Artist Jammie Holmes will give a talk on his painting “Black Sparrow” in the exhibition, local vocalist Albion Josiah will sing, and Dallas Black Dance Theatre will put on an encore performance of its ‘Echoes of Diaspora: A Ballet Inspired by “Afro-Atlantic Histories’ piece. 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Feb. 9. 1717 N. Harwood St. Learn more here.
The Dallas Black Dance Theatre is celebrating Black History Month and exploring global movement and expression through its “Cultural Awareness” show. The performance, which will also be livestreamed, will premiere dances by Hana Delong and Alysia Johnson. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 & 10. From $35, in-person; $25, livestream. Wyly Theatre, 2400 Flora St. Learn more here.
Author and publisher Louie T. McClain is coming to Dallas to chat with students about the life and legacy of Booker T. Washington in a roundtable writer’s breakfast. At the event, which does include breakfast, McClain will talk about his children’s book, Brick By Brick: A Snippet of the Life of Booker T. Washington. 10 a.m. Feb. 10. $15. Black Academy of Arts & Letters, 1309 Canton St. Room T-204. Learn more here.
The Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center is hosting a Black History Month Expo on Saturday, February 10. During the event, visitors can learn more about the history of Black aviators through presentations, artifacts, activities, and more. The center will also play a film on the famed Tuskegee Airmen from World War II. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 10. $15; kids under 17, free. Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center, 5657 Mariner Dr. Learn more here.
The Oak Cliff Community Center is hosting City of Dallas Community Artist Program musician Kamica King for a screening of “For They Endured.” The short documentary recounts the history of Black women in music therapy. 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 10. Oak Cliff Community Center, 223 Jefferson Blvd. Learn more here.
Four years ago, Autumn Yarbrough founded NU Standard, a textured hair care and wellness company, inspired by her own hair dryness and hair loss challenges. This month, NU Standard will host a screening of Netflix’s docuseries Black Beauty Effect, which examines social and representation changes in the beauty industry through the lens and experiences of successful Black professionals. Episode Three features Yarbrough’s grandfather Comer Cottrell, whose company, Pro-Line Corp., helped make the Jheri curl more accessible. 7 p.m. Feb. 15. Violet Crown Cinema, 3699 McKinney Ave.
The African American Museum is hosting a free community day with arts and crafts, trivia, documentary screenings, a read-in with The Dock Bookshop (learn more about that event here), and more. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 17. 3536 Grand Ave.
Cara Mía Theatre is putting on the first-ever English-language performance of Yanga, by Mexican playwright and screenwriter Jaime Chabaud. The play recounts the life of Gaspar Yanga, an African slave who, in the late 1500s, led a rebellion and established the first freedman’s town in the Americas in what is now Veracruz, Mexico. Feb. 17–Mar. 3. From $12. Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak St. Learn more here.
Don’t miss the African American Museum’s Music Under the Dome concert. This rendition of the winter jazz series features local saxophonist and singer Rob Holbert. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22. 3536 Grand Ave. Learn more here.
Learn more about Dallas history on this free guided walking tour of West Village and Uptown’s Freedman’s Cemetery, which was established in 1861 and is now one of the largest freedman’s cemeteries in the country. The tour will begin at Sip Stir Coffee House. 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 23. 3800 McKinney Ave. #180. Learn more here.
The Central Market on Lovers Lane has several Black History Month-themed cooking classes available this month. On February 23, attendees will cook recipes from chef Marcus Samuelsson’s The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food: A Cookbook. The menu includes dishes from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Jamaica, and more. On February 25, attendees will whip up brunch recipes from Black chefs, including Kwame Onwuachi and Edna Lewis. Marcus Samuelsson class: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 23. $85.; Brunch: 12 p.m to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 25. $80. Central Market, 5750 E. Lovers Ln.
The Black Academy of Arts & Letters is hosting its Festival of Black Dance Rhythm and Soul of a People. The event, which honors African, modern, and contemporary dance, features performances from the Atlanta Dance Connection, the Unified Performing Arts Dance Company, and students from Booker T. Washington High School. Student performances: 10 a.m. Feb. 22 & 23. $5. Bruton Theater, 1309 Canton St.; Public performances: 8 p.m. Feb. 23 & 24. $10. Bruton Theater, 1309 Canton St. Learn more here.
Love to cook? Enter the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center’s ‘Taste of Soul’ Cook-Off. Competition categories include meat, sides, vegan/vegetarian, and dessert. Category winners will receive $500, and the grand prize-winner will take home $750. For folks just wanting to taste and enjoy the food, admission is free. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 24. 2901 Pennsylvania Ave. Learn more here.
At its annual Hall of Fame Induction luncheon this February, the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame will celebrate its 2024 honorees, including Texas athletes Tamicha Jackson, Nate Newton, Richard Bonner, and more. 11:30 a.m. Feb. 24. $125. Dallas Renaissance Hotel, 2222 N. Stemmons Fwy. Learn more here.
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Expert Introduction: As an expert in African American history and culture, I would like to provide information related to the concepts used in the article about Black History Month events in Dallas. I have a deep understanding of the historical significance and contributions of African Americans, and I can provide insights into the various events and exhibitions mentioned in the article.
Black History Month:
Black History Month is an annual observance that takes place in February in the United States. It originated as Negro History Week in 1926, established by scholar Carter G. Woodson. The purpose of Black History Month is to recognize and celebrate the achievements of African Americans throughout history, as well as to raise awareness of their contributions to society.
Carter G. Woodson:
Carter G. Woodson was an influential African American historian and scholar. He dedicated his career to studying and promoting the history and achievements of African Americans, which were often overlooked or ignored by mainstream historians. Woodson's efforts led to the establishment of Negro History Week, which eventually evolved into Black History Month.
African American Museum:
The African American Museum in Dallas features exhibitions that explore various aspects of African American history and culture. The museum mentioned in the article showcases exhibits on blues performer Blind Lemon Jefferson and Central Track, which delve into the history of jazz and Deep Ellum.
Dallas Public Libraries:
Dallas Public Libraries participate in Black History Month by organizing various events and programs across their branches. These events include jazz performances, a children's Black Superhero Day, crafts, a Black history trivia competition, and a lesson on traditional African textiles.
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center:
The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Dallas displays artwork related to "African Americans and the Arts" throughout February. This exhibition highlights the contributions of African Americans to the arts and showcases artwork created by students from North Texas.
Dallas College:
Dallas College hosts several events to commemorate Black History Month. These events include talks on the Black Angels, a group of Black nurses who treated tuberculosis in New York City, the "I AM Black History" summit, and a panel discussion on being Black and LGBTQ+ in religion, among others.
The Soul of Dallas Food & Black History Bus Tour:
The Soul of Dallas Food & Black History Bus Tour, founded by Deah Berry Mitchell and Dalila Thomas, offers tours that highlight Black-owned businesses and restaurants in North Texas. The tour aims to promote and celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the African American community.
Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra:
The Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra of Houston focuses on celebrating Black composers and musicians, as well as highlighting Black representation in the music industry. The orchestra will be performing in Dallas as part of the Black Academy of Arts and Letters Live concert, which features classical, jazz, blues, gospel, and contemporary music.
Dallas Museum of Art:
The Dallas Museum of Art hosts a special exhibition called "Afro-Atlantic Histories." To mark the closing of this exhibition, the museum organizes late-night events, including a scavenger hunt, gallery tour, artist studios, and opportunities to learn about quilting and salsa. The event also features a talk by artist Jammie Holmes and performances by vocalists and dancers.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre:
The Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents the "Cultural Awareness" show, which explores global movement and expression. The performance will premiere dances by Hana Delong and Alysia Johnson and will be available for both in-person attendance and livestreaming.
Louie T. McClain:
Author and publisher Louie T. McClain will be coming to Dallas to engage in a roundtable writer's breakfast, where he will discuss the life and legacy of Booker T. Washington. McClain will also talk about his children's book, "Brick By Brick: A Snippet of the Life of Booker T. Washington."
Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center:
The Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center hosts a Black History Month Expo, where visitors can learn about the history of Black aviators through presentations, artifacts, activities, and a film screening about the Tuskegee Airmen.
Oak Cliff Community Center:
The Oak Cliff Community Center screens a short documentary titled "For They Endured," which recounts the history of Black women in music therapy.
NU Standard:
NU Standard, a textured hair care and wellness company, hosts a screening of Netflix's docuseries "Black Beauty Effect." The event examines social and representation changes in the beauty industry through the experiences of successful Black professionals, including Comer Cottrell, whose company, Pro-Line Corp., helped make the Jheri curl more accessible.
Cara Mía Theatre:
Cara Mía Theatre presents the first-ever English-language performance of "Yanga," a play by Mexican playwright Jaime Chabaud. The play tells the story of Gaspar Yanga, an African slave who led a rebellion and established the first freedman's town in the Americas.
Other events:
The article mentions several other events, such as the "Music Under the Dome" concert at the African American Museum, a guided walking tour of Uptown's Freedman's Cemetery, cooking classes at Central Market, the Festival of Black Dance hosted by the Black Academy of Arts & Letters, and the "Taste of Soul" Cook-Off at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. Additionally, the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame will hold its annual Hall of Fame Induction luncheon to honor notable Black athletes from Texas.
These events and exhibitions provide opportunities to learn about and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans in Dallas and beyond.
