Black History Month has arrived. Originally established as “Negro History Week,” by Carter G. Woodson in 1926, today Black History Month is a time to celebrate the considerable achievements and abundant contributions of African-Americans throughout US history. All February long, local organizations celebrate Black heritage through a series of lectures, performances, and social gatherings. Below are 15 ways to celebrate Black History Month in Houston.

All Black Entrepreneur Convention

Saturday, February 4 – Sunday, February 5 | 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. | 13100 South Post Oak Road #STE B | General admission $20

To kick off the first week of Black History Month, Taylors of Houston presents the first-of-its-kind business convention with vendors, food, and more. The event’s goal is to promote community among Black-owned businesses and bolster entrepreneurial spirit in Houston. 

MOCA Exhibition, Expressions! Steppin’ Back in Time: Houston in Retrospect

Now until February 28 | Monday - Friday 9 - 4 p.m. |  901 Bagby St., at the City Hall rotunda | Free

The Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs has introduced an all-new exhibition for Black History Month, dubbed Steppin' Back in Time: Houston in Retrospect. The exhibit chronicles the years from 1893 through the 1950s as documented by the Houston Informer and Texas Freeman newspapers. MOCA, in partnership with Houston Informer, will double as a visual exhibition and virtual reality experience that details Black entrepreneurship in Houston at that time. 

Rhyme and Reason: A Poetic Celebration of Black History For Children

February 4, 18, and 25 | 2 - 3 p.m. | 4916 Main St. | Tickets start at $12

This family-friendly event commemorates Black History Month with a 45-minute song, dance, and spoken word performance. The immersive experience will showcase many of the societal contributions made by African-Americans, with special tributes to Queen Nefertiti, Martin Luther King, Jr., Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, and more. 

Black History Bike Ride

Saturday, February 11 | 8 - 11 a.m. | 500 Clay St. | Free, but donations accepted

This fun outdoor activity allows guests to bike through historically Black Houston locations. The 20-mile-long celebratory ride is planned for a leisurely pace of 14 mph so anyone can join. But be sure to arrive on time as the ride starts at 8 a.m. sharp. 

Permanent Collection

February 11 - March 5 | Times vary | 2540 Times Blvd. | Tickets start at $20

Main Street Theater gives new life to Thomas Gibbon's 2005 drama, Permanent Collection. Set in the Morris Foundation, a fictional world-famous art gallery, the play follows African-American businessman, Sterling North, as he becomes the gallery’s new director. When North proposes that the gallery include African artwork, he’s met with resistance from a colleague which raises questions of loyalty, control, and racism.  

BLCK Market

February 11, 18, and 25 | times vary | Avenida De Las Americas | Free

For the fourth year in a row, owner and founder of BLCK Market, Jo Malone, brings his Black-owned retail marketplace to Avenida Houston. On Saturdays throughout the month, Malone will bring locally black-owned businesses to the outdoor market, including artists, designers, and entrepreneurs, offering various products and services. 

From Africa to the White House/The Storm is Here

February 17 - March 11 | Times vary | 3414 La Branch | Tickets start at $25

The award-winning playwright, Vincent Victoria, who specializes in producing plays about African-Americans will put on two of his original one-act plays at the Midtown Art Centre. The first play, From Africa to the White House, is a montage of notable African-American men and women of the past including Barbara Jordan and Louise Martin. The Storm Is Here recounts the lives of two people who cross paths during the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. 

Moving Beyond Slavery, Identity, Culture, and Global African History

Saturday, February 18 | 6 - 9 p.m. | 2126 Westheimer Road ##118 | Free, but reservation required

The Society for Africans in Diaspora is hosting a conversation with Houston civic leaders to discuss the road ahead for the Black community, and how to pay homage to African ancestry properly. The three-hour discussion will examine the history of African heritage and its contribution to society. 

8th Annual African American History Parade Symposium

Saturday, February 18 | 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Parade: Texas and Hamilton St near Minute Maid Park/Symposium: 3100 Cleburne St 3100 Cleburne Street | Free

The achievements of African-American innovators are the focus of the 8th Annual African-American History Parade Symposium, where. essays and art contests about this year’s theme, Black Resistance, take center stage. 

Black History Extravaganza

Saturday, February 18 | 1 - 4 p.m. | 2965 South Sam Houston Parkway East #100 | Free

This one-day celebration of heritage will be a day to remember, with performances from poets, singers, and dancers. Expect a trunk show of an eclectic variety. Vendors, selling everything from fashion to food to artisan candles, will attend, plus plenty of street eats from food trucks. 

Black Excellence Art Exhibition

Sunday, February 19 | 2 - 6 p.m. | 1919 North Main Street | Free

Elevate Creative Studios celebrates Black History Month through art. This year the north Houston art gallery spotlights ten artists, showcasing their depictions of the meaning of Black excellence. The event will be cocktail themed, with light refreshments and live music. 

The Black Poetry Slam and Book Fair

Tuesday, February 21 | 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. | 2010 Waugh | Tickets start at $10

Write About Now is calling Black authors and poets from Houston and beyond to enter its upcoming poetry slam. Honoring great Black writers throughout history, the Black Poetry Slam is looking for the best poets to grace the stage. Hosted at Rudyard’s in the Heights, the event will be judged by the two-time Women of the World Poetry Slam Finalist, Free. K. 

Black Literature Matters 2

Saturday, February 25 | 11 - 3 p.m. | Five Central Houston 2736 Virginia Street | Free

Houston's BE Impactful will host its second annual Black Literature Matters book fair. The community will amplify, share, and sell some of Black literature's best works from Zora Neale Hurston to Toni Morrison. Authors and poets are invited to present their works to the public. The interactive experience includes conversations, food, and a wide selection of books. 

Black History All Month Long 

Become an Ally

Use this month to learn more about the Black experience in America. Through its Equity Innovation Center, the YMCA of Greater Houston offers plenty of resources, including activities, definitions, web links, and even a curated list of books.

Read a Book

Similarly, Houston Public Library’s Black History Month reading list includes dozens of essays, memoirs, biographies, histories, and more, with the same goal. Books include The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, and Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama. HPL also has E-book and audiobook options. See the complete reading list here. 

Support Local

One of the best things you can do this month is support a local Black-owned business. If you're looking to eat, check out our recommendations for some of our favorite Black-owned Houston restaurants. If you want to shop, check out this list of awesomely creative Black-owned shops around town.