Black History Month, which has been observed annually since 1926, honors the contributions of African Americans throughout history. In 1986, The U.S Congress officially designated the month of February as National Black History Month, encouraging the American people to observe the life, achievements, and history of Black Americans with activities, ceremonies and reflection.
Enjoy these snapshots depicting some of the ways that our WT classrooms celebrated Black History Month 2023.
The following is a listing of events and activities celebrating Black History in Indianapolis. (these events were posted prior to February 2023)
MLK Shining a Light
Downtown Indy Inc’s will continue to showcase the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr with its light technology from Feb.1-28. The presentation presented by the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, will be projected nightly at 6:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on the AES Indiana building.
Through2Eyes Walking Tour
Through2Eyes is a historical “walk & talk” program offered in various locations around the city, in areas where black history was made and shaped Indianapolis. Storyteller Sampson Levingston leads the walking tours, sharing tales of Indianapolis history often overlooked.
Center for Black Literature & Culture | Indianapolis Public Library
The Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) is located in the Central Library at 40 E St Clair Street in Indianapolis. The CBLC celebrates black culture and heritage, featuring art and information about prominent contributions to black culture, including activism, literature, science, sports, business, and music. Meet the Artists —is an annual exhibit of local African American artists, fashion designers, authors, comedians and musicians on display through the month of February.
A Gala Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 5:30 to 11 p.m.
Learn more here.
Legacy Theater | The Indiana State Museum
Gain insight into the legacies of African American Hoosiers throughout Indiana’s history as you read and listen to the stories presented in this powerful exhibit at the Indiana State Museum. Journey back to the birth of Indiana as a state and follow the advancement of African Americans on a national level as well as in a more focused, local context. Meet key Black contributors to our state, hear recorded performances of Southern African American spirituals, and more. Learn more here.
Theatre At The Fort
February 23, 2023, Time TBA
Black History Month Celebration at The Fort. Experience history through music, dance, storytelling, and visual art. Open seating. All are welcome. This is a FREE event. Learn more here.
Art & Soul Festival
Indy Arts Council’s 27th annual Art & Soul Festival returns with several events in Indianapolis highlighting black art, music, dance, and literature. The festival kicks off on Feb.3 with a First Friday Gallery. The festival also features an artist showcase on Feb. 8th and a finale celebration at the Indianapolis Arts Garden on Feb. 25.
Lunch With Legislators
The Indy Black Chamber of Commerce will host a free Lunch with the Legislators event at the Indiana State House on the 2nd floor of the South Atrium – 200 W. Washington St., from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb.16.
This networking event will provide an opportunity for all business owners and individuals to meet with legislators to about the laws that may assist local businesses and the economy, as well as individuals and the community as a whole.
Legacy: Celebrating Black Voices
Garfield Park Arts Center will exhibit artwork by Black Artist for free from Feb. 3 through Feb.25. Visitors will find paintings, drawing, mixed media and sculptures by Black artists.
Learn more here.
Kyle T. Mays: Leon Jett Memorial Lecture
On Feb. 16 at the Eiteljorg Museum, Mays (Saginaw Chippewa), a professor of African American Studies and American Indian Studies and History at UCLA, will speak about hip-hop music by Native artists.
Tickets are $15 for non-members and $10 members.
The Afro-Jewish Intersection: Revealing Our Connections
Through March 3 at JCC Indianapolis view the exhibit by two local artists: Kassa Bekele and William Rasdell. Bekele is an Ethiopian American painter. Rasdell is a photographer who has traveled around Africa in search of Jewish enclaves. He has also spent time within the community of Ethiopian Jews in Israel.
Bekele and Rasdell provide an artistic experience that helps sew together thousands of years of common history and belief that leads right to the present day.
Black History Month Art Show
February 25, 2023, 3-8 pm
Phiri Art
Promoting cultural awareness and togetherness at the Black History Month Art Show.
