It’s been 100 years since historian Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week.
He chose February because the month contains the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist and social reformer Frederick Douglass, both of whom played major roles in ending slavery. The Civil Rights Movement and a growing awareness of Black identity in the 1960s helped the week evolve into a month-long celebration on many college campuses.
But it was only fifty years ago, in 1976, when President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, and 1986 before it became law. What began as a way to teach students and young people about the myriad contributions Black people have made to the country’s history has evolved into a celebration of those who’ve made an impact on the country (and world) through their activism and achievements.
Whether looking to celebrate or learn more, Richmond has plenty of events to do both:
“Exposure: Nu West,” a Black History Month film series at the ICA, examines how four Black filmmakers reworked and reckoned with the American West in their movie narratives. The series launches with Sidney Poitier’s directorial debut, “Buck and the Preacher” from 1972 and includes films from Jordan Peele, Gordon Parks and Charles Burnett. Runs Feb. 4, 6, 17, 25 at 6:30 p.m. Registration required
Stop by the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia to explore the life of Black tennis legend Arthur Ashe, who journeyed from his Richmond roots to becoming a humanitarian known around the world. The museum’s latest immersive, technology-based exhibition, “Arthur Ashe: An Enduring Legacy,” is presented in partnership with UCLA. Opens Jan. 28. Step into the life story of this inspiring Richmonder.
VCU’s annual Black History Month lecture at VCU Cabell Library is “Reading a Dress: Fashioning Black Women’s Histories” by Fashion Institute of Technology Museum curator Elizabeth Way. She’ll discuss how Black women’s clothes provide clues to their perspectives, opinions and the way they positioned themselves in the wider culture. Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. Registration here.
If you haven’t been to visit Richmond’s three Black-owned art galleries, Southside Contemporary, Chromophore Artspace, and HI•RES Gallery, February offers a great chance as all three galleries will be joining forces to all month with various events from artist talks to live DJs and drawing sessions. Check individual sites for listings the entire month for “The Heart and the Eye: An Engagement with Black Art.”
The Main Library is also celebrating Black History Month with a film series that kicks off with the urban Black cinema cult classic, “The Last Dragon.” Other films include “Roll Bounce,” “One of Them Days” and concludes with “Buck and the Preacher.” All screenings are matinees and free. Takes place Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 at noon.
The National Council of Negro Women Richmond Section is presenting “Threads of Freedom: From Roots to Runway,” a fashion show celebrating the journey of Black fashion, taking place at Virginia Union University. Each model’s runway walk represents a chapter of Black history and celebrates the resilience and legacy of the past through fashion, storytelling and creative expression. Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. Tickets
Rescheduled from January, the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation is hosting its inaugural MLK Day of Service with a Cap Trail Clean-Up. Volunteers will hit the trail with trash grabbers, bags, and gloves to help ensure that the trail stays clean and beautiful for all users, whether on foot or wheels. Dress warmly and bring water. After the clean-up, volunteers are invited to stay for refreshments. Feb. 7, 10 a.m. Register
Every Saturday during Black History Month, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture is offering a highlights tour of its “Un/Bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865” exhibit. “Un/Bound” examines how Black Virginians achieved their freedom, established communities, and persevered within a legal system that recognized them as free but not equal. Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets
Book talk at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture with Marvin Chiles on his book “Playing for Power: Black Resistance in Amateur Basketball and Football in Jim Crow Virginia.” Chiles’ book looks at amateur sports in segregated Virginia, revealing how, in addition to churches, workspaces, and civil rights organizations, sports were also a key arena for Black resistance to white supremacy. Feb. 10, noon. Tickets
Style Weekly’s former food editor Debra Freeman will present “The History of Black Distillers and Brewers in America” at Clover Hill Library in Chesterfield County on Feb. 12 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
VMFA celebrates Black History Month with a Black-focused Art of Wine event. Guests will enjoy unlimited wine tastings; ticket price also includes two glasses of wine from Black-owned Longevity wines while noshing on Mama J’s legendary catfish nuggets, along with cheese and charcuterie. And could there be a better opportunity to head downstairs and see “Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys?” Not likely. Feb. 13, 5:30 p.m. Tickets
The Virginia War Memorial is hosting a Black History Month story time for ages 4 to 10 with Howard and Richard Baugh of the Baugh chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. The free event offers educator-led readings of children’s history books as well as craft activities, including assembling and decorating toy airplanes. No registration required. February 14, 10:30 a.m.
Take in a powerful display of storytelling at VMFA’s African American Read-In, sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English. Notable Richmond figures will give prose and poetry readings by Black authors and artists in galleries throughout the museum. Feb. 19, 5:30 p.m.
“Black History in the Making: A Conversation with Dr. Daryl Dance” at the Main Library looks at her time launching the fledgling African American Studies program at VCU. Dance will also discuss the changes in celebrating Black History Month over the years. Feb. 19 at 6 p.m.
Virginia Parks and Rec is presenting the play “Creme de la Crème: The James Hemmings Story” at Pine Camp Arts and Community Center. Hemmings, the brother of Sally Hemings, was chosen by Jefferson to accompany him to Paris, where he was the first American trained as a French chef. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment was bringing mac and cheese to the U.S. Feb. 21, 2 p.m.
The Black History Month book swap at the Hull Street Library provides an opportunity to exchange books for all ages by and about African Americans and people of color. Bring a book, take a book. Feb. 24 and 25, all day.
Dr. Paula Royster, an expert on African diaspora history and culture, will give a talk at the Hull Street Library on the “Reclaiming Our Time Genealogy Project,” and its work with families in the historic Blackwell community. Feb. 27, 11 a.m.
