Black History Month is a time to celebrate the richness of African-American culture and recognize the central role of African Americans in U.S. history, as well as the numerous contributions African-Americans have made to society. HISD’s 2018 theme, “African Americans in Times of War,” commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the end of World War I and recognizes the participation of African Americans in all U.S. wars.
Below are some ways to celebrate Black History Month in Houston.
See a parade
Third Annual African American History Parade
8-11 a.m. Feb. 17, 2018, downtown at Texas and Hamilton streets near Minute Maid Park
This year’s theme is African-Americans in Time of War showcasing African-American inventors, produced by the Houston Sun community newsletter.
See a performance
“And, And, And—Stammering: An Interview: at the Station Museum of Contemporary Art from 12-2 p.m. on Feb. 4.
“PAUSE” with Kam Franklin and Lisa E. Harris, who fuse song and spoken word in an interactive performance at Discovery Green’s Brown Promenade, 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 9. Free
Visit a museum
Houston Museum of African American Culture
4807 Caroline St., Houston 77004, 713-526-1015
Free admission at all times
This month, the museum is hosting an exhibition about Sandra Bland, the motorist who was arrested for a minor traffic violation in 2015 and ended up dying in custody. The show runs from Feb. 3-28. The HMAAC was founded to collect, conserve, explore, interpret, and exhibit the culture of Africans and African Americans not only in Houston but also the state of Texas and the southwest. It features rotating exhibitions in three gallery spaces, as well as a film-viewing area.
4101 San Jacinto, Ste. 116, Houston 77004, 713-523-1616
Free admission at all times
The collective was founded 30 years ago to meet the needs of African American artists and women in particular. They have rotating exhibitions, educational programs, after-school programs, Saturday classes, and specialized workshops in many of the creative arts. The current exhibition is “Catch on Fire: Works by Ashley Washington” through Feb. 23.
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
9816 Caroline St., Houston 77004, 713-942-8920
Free admission from 1 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays
The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated primarily to preserving the legacy and honor of African-American soldiers. It houses the largest repository of African-American military history in the world.
Visit the Houston Public Library
The African American Library at the Gregory School
This is a special collections library within the Houston Public Library system. They serve as a resource to preserve, promote, and celebrate the history and culture of African-Americans.
Special event: “Over Time: Documenting Life in the Fourth Ward 1880s to 1980s”
6-8 p.m. Feb. 1, 2018
Special exhibition: “Chasing Perfection: The Legacy of Architect John S. Chase” through June 2
Chase was the first African-American to enroll at the University of Texas and the first licensed African-American architect in Texas.
Get your creative juices flowing as you explore the art of creative writing
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Feb. 3, 2018
Central Library Downtown
Stories, songs, and activities related to Black History Month
12-1 p.m. Feb. 10, 2018
HPL Express Discovery Green
Screening of “I am not your Negro”
Documentary narrated by Samuel L. Jackson uses James Baldwin’s words to illuminate the pervasiveness of American racism and the effort to curtail it.
1-3 p.m. Feb. 10, 2018, at the Collier Branch, 6200 Pinemont
2-4 p.m. Feb. 17, 2018, at Gregory School Reading Room
Limited seating so RSVP to 832-393-1440
Bright Star Theater presents Frederick Douglass
Children from age 5 on are invited to experience the powerful story of the life and legacy of abolitionist, writer, and statesman Frederick Douglass on the 200th anniversary of his birth.
11 a.m-12 p.m. Feb. 24, 2018, at Stimley-Blue Ridge Neighborhood Library
2-3 p.m. Feb. 24, 2018, at the Gregory School’s African-American Library
4-5 p.m. Feb. 24, 2018, at Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library
Visit an area college or university
University of Houston Black History Month Celebration
Events include panel discussions, documentaries, celebrations, and speakers.
See a documentary
“This is our Home, it is not for Sale” by Jon Schwartz will be shown at Houston Public Library’s Gregory School’s African-American Library. Schwartz will speak about the film, which will be shown at 6 p.m. on Feb. 22 and at 1 p.m. on Feb. 24. It is recommended for young adults, ages 18-35. Free.
“Death by Delivery,” a documentary by Nelafar Hedayat on why African-American women are dying during childbirth at four times the rate of other women in the U.S. Includes a panel discussion with State Rep. Shawn Thierry. 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 20 at Texas Southern University’s Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, 3100 Cleburne.