Every year, the month of February is recognized as Black History Month, a time where we honor historic struggles experienced by generations of Black Americans, highlight their boundless achievements, and commit to advancing racial equity in all areas of our society.
In 1915, historian Carter G. Woodsan co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, after seeing how little the public knew of African-Americans’ accomplishments.
By 1926, Woodsan’s group had declared the second week of February as, “Negro History Week” to celebrate the many achievements African-Americans have made to U.S. history.
This specific week was chosen as it includes the birthdays of both President Abraham Lincoln, who issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and renowned abolitionist Fredrick Douglas. President Gerald Ford extended this recognition into the entirety of February in 1976 to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Black Americans have made our country what it is today through their countless contributions to technology, medicine, culture, the arts, entrepreneurship, civil rights, and so much more. It is imperative that we express our support and solidarity with Black communities during and beyond Black History Month, especially as their history remains under relentless attack, and their own lives continue to be threatened by deep-seated racism and institutional barriers.
Just last week, the DeSantis administration rejected the College Board’s Advanced Placement African-American Studies course be taught in Florida high schools, dangerously claiming the instruction “lacks educational value” and is “historically inaccurate.” We must remember that Black history is American history.
Although we have seen progress, we will never stop fighting beside Black communities, celebrating Black history, and nurturing a future that greets Black lives with love and leadership. Join us in those efforts by attending and sharing the following local community events.
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Event Name: Black History Celebration Breakfast
Description: Join for a gathering of prominent African-American leaders who will share the first meal of the day, and positively engage in conversation about their successes, challenges, and guiding philosophy.
Location: Valencia College, East Campus 701- North Econlockhatchee Trail, Building 8 Room 101, Orlando, FL 32825)
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Wednesday, February 1st, 8:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Event Name: Black Resistance Exhibit
Description: The City of Orlando has opened its brand new visual-arts exhibition featuring local artists who have used a wide range of mediums to shine light on the African Americans’ fight against repression and how they have inspired the curation of civil rights and racial equity movements. Open reception is Thursday, February 2nd from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Orlando City Hall Terrace Gallery, 400 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Date & Time: IN PERSON from February 2nd to April 30th, 2023
Event Name: Emotional Roller Coaster: Love Letter to Life
Description: Join onePULSE Foundation as we partner with the Orange County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative and Bethune-Cookman University to present the original theater piece, “Emotional Rollercoaster: Love Letter to Life” in recognition of Black History Month.
Location: Black Box at the Orlando Repertory Theatre – 1001 East Princeton Street Orlando, FL 32803
Date & Time: IN PERSON Fri, February 3rd, 2023, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM EST
Event Name: African American Read-In
Description: As part of the 33rd African American Read-In, local leaders will perform poetry, story, and song to celebrate African American Literature.
Location: Orlando Public Library, 101 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Sunday, February 5th, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Event Name: City of Orlando’s Black History Month Signature Event
Description: Join the City of Orlando for their annual Black History Month Signature Event celebrating the remarkable contributions and positive influence of Black Americans in the Central Florida community. This free event will include a keynote address from Jasmine Burney-Clark, Founder of Equal Ground Education Fund and Action Fund, the City of Orlando’s Poet Laureate Shawn Welcome, live entertainment by local performers, music by DJ Dalastmo, and delicious food!
Location: Camping World Stadium – West Lounge, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando, FL 32805
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Wednesday, February 8th, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Event Name: Black History Walking Tour
Description: The second annual Black History Walking Tour will take place in the Parramore neighborhood of downtown Orlando on February 10, 2023, beginning at 2 p.m. During the hour-long tour, a guide will share all about Orlando’s rich Black history while viewing various historic sites, including the inside of the Wells’Built Museum.
Location: 511 W South St, Orlando, FL 32805
Date & Time: February 10th, 2023 at 2:00 PM
Event Name: Samone Hicks and Rose Grace: Songs of Hope and Inspiration
Description: Celebrate Black History Month with Samone Hicks and Rose Grace with “Songs of Hope and Inspiration” – a program comprising songs and performances by black composers.
Location: 2000 S. Summerlin Ave., Orlando, FL 32806
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Friday, February 17, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Details: Half price tickets are available for students, veterans, and teachers
Event Name: Celebrating Black Arts and Culture
Description: In honor of Black History Month and to celebrate African American arts and culture, this free event will have a variety of performances and activities for the whole family as well as activities for children, and more!
Location: Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Saturday, February 18, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Event Name: 1619 FEST | The Equity Council
Description: This year’s 1619 Festival theme is “Imperishability & Endurance” to be tough in difficult times and endure hardships that may come your way!
Location: MLK Park 1050 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789
Date & Time: Saturday February 18th, 2023 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Event Name: 8th Annual MLK Gospel Concert at Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts
Description: This event is an opportunity to listen to live music produced and composed by Grammy-award winning Dr. Jeffrey Redding to celebrate the 8th Annual MLK Gospel Concert.
Location: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Saturday, February 18, at 7:00 PM
Details: Admission through donations of non-perishable food
Event Name: Salute to Black History Month
Description: The Sanford Jazz Ensemble will be hosting a Black History Month concert at the historic Ritz Theater. The event will celebrate and honor highly acclaimed African American musicians.
Location: Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center,
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Sunday, February 19, at 3 PM
Details: Prices starting at $93 per person
Event Name: Snack & Learn: Black History Bingo
Description: Join Casman Mosby, with Village Medical, in Black History bingo, where all is to win by learning the history of African Americans. Snacks are also provided! Register also using the link above.
Location: Eatonville Branch Library, 200 E Kennedy Blvd, Orlando, FL
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Wednesday, February 22, 12 PM – 1 PM
Event Name: What’s Up Downtown Parramore Historic Bus Trolley Tour
Description: Celebrate Black History Month and the positive contributions, culture, and heritage of our African American residents. Take a step back in history to board a trolley for a historic tour! The conductor for the event will be none other than the tour creator herself – Jennifer Campbell, Art Director and Graphic Designer of Dancing Fish Design.
Location: Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture, 511 West South Street, Orlando, FL 32805
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Thursday, February 23rd, 9:15 AM – 10:30 AM or 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Event Name: 10th Annual UNITY Black History Month Celebration
Description: We are proud to celebrate 10 years of amazing conversations and networking while supporting local small businesses and non-profit organizations. Join us for a reception, cash bar, and live musical performances.
Tickets can be purchased here: Tickets
Location: Orlando Museum of Art 2416 North Mills Avenue Orlando, FL 32803
Date & Time: Saturday February 25th 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM