8 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month

BLACK HISTORY MONTH IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE ONE OF HOUSTON’S LARGEST COMMUNITIES. Institutions like the Buffalo Soldier Museum, Houston Museum of African American Culture, and the Ensemble Theater honor the contributions of Black Americans and Black culture year-round. Still, many organizations around town have joined in the month-long festivities with specially curated events. We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to commemorate African American history and culture this February from exhibitions, movies, and book clubs.

Celebrating Black Cinema at Rooftop Cinema Club

Black films have a long history in American cinema, and Black actors, producers, and directors have come a long way from Hattie McDaniel’s Academy Award in 1940. Throughout February, the Rooftop Cinema Club in Uptown will host a series of Black films celebrating Black History Month, from the unruly Friday to MCU’s Black Panther. 

Rooftop Cinema Club, 1700 Post Oak Blvd. The full schedule of films is here. 

Black History & The Fight Against Human Trafficking

Local organizations The Twelve11 Partners, United Against Human Trafficking, The Landing, and the Faith Collaborative are joining together to host an open forum that will explore the racial history within human trafficking. 

St John’s United Methodist Church, 2019 Crawford Street. Thursday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m. Free, but registration is required. Find more information on Eventbrite. 

Black History Month Market

Celebrate Black excellence and entrepreneurship at the Black History Month Market from the Culture Collective. Hosted in the food truck park in North Houston, the one-day event will not only host a variety of cuisine, but the marketplace will be a one-stop shop for live music, poetry, and shopping. 

Black History Month Market, 17703 Kieth Harrow Blvd. It ends on February 19. Free, but registration is required. Find more information on Eventbrite.  

Global Connect: Black History Month x Lunar New Year

Houston is a city filled with various cultures that coexist. For Black History Month, Global Connect is hosting an intimate gathering at Mala Sichuan Bistro to discuss international affairs and diversity. 

Mala Sichuan Bistro, 9348 Bellaire Blvd. Saturday, February 26, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. More information here. 

UnCovering the Legacy: Black History Celebration of Dance and Art Exhibit

Art in all of its forms wouldn’t be what it is today without the creativity of POC. To highlight the contributions of the Black community, the Edison Arts Foundation will showcase work from over a dozen of the city’s best dance companies, studios, and more. 

Missouri City Community Center, 1522 Missouri City Drive, Missouri City, TX 77489. Saturday, February 26 at 4 p.m. More information here. 

Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America 

The Houston Public Library’s Race & Social Justice Book Club will explore the impact of racism in society through legal, political, and social lenses with the National Book Award Winner, Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America. 

Race & Social Justice Book Club, virtual. Tuesday, February 22 at 7 p.m. Registration is required. More information here.  

Mathieu JN Baptiste: The Secret in the wARTer

The Houston Museum of African-American Culture’s reopening to the public comes at the ideal time for Black History Month. HMAAC’s latest exhibition, The Secret in the wARTer, is a visual showcase of Houston-based muralist Mathieu JN Baptiste, curated by Romeo Robinson. The exhibit will be on view until April 15. 

Houston Museum of African American Culture, 4807 Caroline Street. Open Thursday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. More information here. 

Black History Now! 

Karbach Brewing Company will host a Black-owned marketplace to close out Black History Month. Come on an empty stomach and taste cuisine for various food trucks, and shop till you drop with 20 Houston vendors. To bring the expo to life, guests can expect community, live music, and (of course) tons of beer!

Karbach Brewing Co., 2032 Karbach Street. Sunday, February 27, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. More information here.