Black History Month celebrates 54 years with observances throughout the boroughs

Black History Month, now in its 54th year of observances will showcase the incredible talents of African Americans in events ranging from music to dance, art exhibition, and forums to entertain, and educate future generation about the struggles and evolution of black people.

The 2024 theme is “African Americans and the Arts” spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more.

Bruce A. Blakeman, Nassau County executive will kick-off Black History Month celebrations on Feb. 1, with an honoree ceremony at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building 1550 Franklin Ave., Mineola. This event will run from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

The celebration will continue with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. BHM Commemorative Awards Luncheon on Feb. 24, at 11 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

Medgar Evers College will present a breathtaking celebration of Black creativity, culture, and resilience at its Arts Festival in honor of Black History Month, on Feb. 2-3, at 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., at its 1150 Carroll St., Multimedia Dance Studio Rm223, location.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/renaissance-arts-festival-tickets-793367622917

Black History Month Movies celebration will be held at the DeKalb Library and will showcase Black American History and Culture at its 790 Bushwick Ave., Brooklyn location, from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., on Feb. 2. The free viewing will continue every Friday during the month of February.

The office of Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez will host a discussion titled: Conversation with Leroy Campbell – Art’s Intersectionality with History and Social Justice on Feb. 3, at 5 p.m. The Black History Month event will be held at the Brooklyn Museum of Art, 200 Eastern Parkway, in the American Art Galleries 5th Floor.

RSVP is required: CommunityAffairs@BrooklynDA.org

Council Member Nantasha Williams of the 27th Council District, in partnership with Senator Leroy Comrie, NY District 14, will be spotlighting African American history under the theme; “African Americans and the Arts, and pays tribute to the creativity, resilience, and innovation of African Americans in the arts.

The second annual three-hour celebration will begin at 12:00pm on Feb. 3, at the New Jerusalem Worship Center, 12205 Smith St., Queens.

Registration is required. BHMD27.EVENTBRITE.COM

A Black History Movie Night & Comedy Show will be held on Feb. 3-12, is being hosted by the Extravagant Events and Suits. The show will take place a 99 Varet St., Brooklyn, from 12 – to 5 a.m.

African Americans & The Arts: A Black History Month Celebration, will be hosted by Mayor of Hempstead, Waylyn Hobbs, Jr. & NYS Senator Kevin Thomas on Feb. 8, at Kennedy Memorial Park, 335 Greenwich St., Hampstead, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Sedalia to Harlem: A Celebration of Black Music in America a free interactive concert for kids will be held on Feb. 10, as “Church in the Gardens,” located at 50 Ascan Ave., Queens, from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The musical gems of the jazz, opera, and African American Spiritual genres, tracing the rich tradition of black music, art, and culture in America. Meet some of the artists who will be performing that evening and learn about how their experiences, particularly as African American musicians growing up in the United States, shaped their lives and careers as adults in the arts and music industry.

Community Concerts for Kids is a series created with our youngest audience members in mind. All concerts are interactive, 60 minutes in length, and are “Free” to all who attend.

Teaching Artist Hosts: Beata Moon and Barbara Podgurski will be on hand to interact with the kids.

The Rock & Roll Playhouse plays the music of Rihanna, plus more for kids, at a Black History Month event on Feb. 11, at Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave. Show time is 12 p.m.

The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children aged 10 and under games, movement, stories, and an opportunity to rock out to educate children and explore their creativity.

Medgar Evers College (MEC) and the Center for Black Literature will partner to present the History and Legacy of the Center for Black Literature, an Online Exhibition, on Feb. 15, at the College’s, Edison O. Jackson Auditorium, 1638 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn, from 6:30 – 8 p.m.

The forum will focus on stories, voices, and literary works that have shaped the Black literary landscape.

The captivating exhibition showcases the remarkable contributions of Black authors, poets, and intellectuals throughout history. Through thought-provoking displays and engaging videos, the online presentation will celebrate and honor the Center for Black Literature’s commitment to amplifying Black voices and fostering literary excellence.

Celebrating Black History Month: Arts, Nature, and Wellness in Harlem, will take place on Feb. 20, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., at the East Harlem Neighborhood Health Action Center, 158 E 115th St., Harlem.

This Randal Island Park Alliance celebration of Black History Month event will uplift the stories and work of the local Black community. The gathering will enjoy food from a local business, participate in a dance class, and engage in nature-based activities with local partners. This program is free and accessible to all ages — geared toward families and adults.

For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

A Black History Month concert at the Central Brooklyn Library, featuring The Harlem Chamber Planers, with Chan and William Frampton on violin, and Wayne Smith on Cello, will take place at the 10 Grand Army Plaza location, on Feb. 24, from 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/classical-interludes-central-library-dweck-20240224