February is Black History Month. Recognized nationally by President Gerald Ford in 1976, the holiday commemorates the accomplishments and contributions of the Black community in the United States. This year鈥檚 Black History Month theme is 鈥淎frican Americans and Labor,鈥� which reflects on the pivotal role Black Americans have played in shaping the country.
North Texas鈥� Black History Month events this year include cook-offs, performances, film showings and more.
One notable event is the , presented by The Dock Bookshop in partnership with the African American Museum. The event, which focuses on the depth and richness of African-American literature, will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including author meet-and-greets, book discussions, poetry readings, vendor booths and even speed-dating. Highlighted books include The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renee Watson, as well as Henry鈥檚 Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine.
Throughout the event, students, local celebrities and community leaders will read aloud excerpts from their favorite African-American literary works.
: The African American Read-In is Feb. 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave., Fair Park. Free.
Here are six more ways to celebrate Black History Month in Dallas-Fort Worth. Also, make sure to check out the calendar, as new events are added all the time.
- , Feb. 8 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Cozby Library and Community Commons, 177 N. Heartz Road, Coppell. Free. .
- , Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the MLK Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St., Denton. Free. .
- , Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. at Opal Lawrence Historical Park, 711 E. Kearney St., Mesquite. Free.
- , Feb. 8 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Mesquite North Branch Library, 2600 Oates Drive, Mesquite. Free. .
- , Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lofty Spaces, 816 Montgomery St., Dallas. Tickets are $6-$30, free for children 15 and younger.
- , Feb. 11-16 at Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth. Tickets start at $44.
The calendar is a partnership between 四虎影院 and The Dallas Morning News.
Arts Access is an arts journalism collaboration powered by The Dallas Morning News and 四虎影院.
This community-funded journalism initiative is funded by the Better Together Fund, Carol & Don Glendenning, City of Dallas OAC, The University of Texas at Dallas, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Eugene McDermott Foundation, James & Gayle Halperin Foundation, Jennifer & Peter Altabef and The Meadows Foundation. The News and 四虎影院 retain full editorial control of Arts Access鈥� journalism.
