With February comes Black History Month, and there are less than two weeks left. Fortunately, there are still a ton of upcoming events happening in the City of Brotherly Love. Philly is a rich city that’s full of culture, so there are many opportunities to experience—as well as learn about the history of—the black community of Philadelphia through art, speakers, and more. If you haven’t yet taken the time to celebrate Black History Month, here are a few events coming up:
In honor of Black History Month, the Free Library of Philadelphia is hosting several events for the public. From poetry readings on the 26th to Quizzo on the 28th, there’s sure to be something for everyone available.
When: throughout the month
Price: free
History After Hours: Liberty For All?
Learn about the history of Philly’s black community from guests such as Sofiya Ballin, creator of Black History Untold, “an identity series that explores the importance of a comprehensive Black history education," Terry Buckalew of Bethel Burying Ground Project (a group that researches a 19th–century African American burial ground in Philly), and Margaret Jericho, an activist from the Mother Bethel AME Church.
When: Tuesday the 19th | 5:00p.m–8:00p.m
Price: $10 for the general public
Screening of The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross
In order to celebrate both Black History Month and its 110th year, the NAACP Philadelphia Branch will be hosting a screening of this documentary, which tracks the evolution of the black community and, with that, the “multiplicity of cultural institutions, political strategies, and religious and social perspectives they developed.” A discussion will follow the film, and snacks will be provided.
When: Friday the 22nd | 6:00p.m–8:00p.m
Price: free
CSN Black History Month Celebration
Come celebrate Black History Month with CSN at this event that features arts performances, including music from the Historic Freedom Choir of Philadelphia, “historic prose” by Terri Lyons, and spoken word by Jack Drummond. There will also be vendors displaying “clothes, jewelry, pocketbooks and speciality items” and an afro–centric fashion show for participants.
When: Friday the 22nd | 7:00p.m–10:00p.m
Price: $15 presale, $20 at the door
Perceptions & Complicity in Beauty & Race
2019 marks the 23rd Annual Arturo A. Schomburg Symposium, which is a conference that “explores the complex relationship of the African Diaspora to Latinx cultures.” This year, the symposium will be focusing on “social perceptions and construction of beauty and how these influence our understanding, acceptance, and emotional responses to race.”
When: Saturday the 23rd | 9:30a.m–5:30p.m
Price: $25 presale ($12.50 for students), $30 at the door ($15 for students)
Black History Month Mural Tour
Experience stunning murals depicting “civil rights, freedom, and equality” throughout Philly on this guided trolley tour, hosted by Mural Arts Philadelphia. This event is perfect for both art and history buffs, as well as the general public since Philly is well–known for its murals. You can expect a comprehensive tour, including details about the mural, artist, and the artist’s mural–creating process.
When: Sunday the 24th | 12:30p.m–2:30p.m
Price: $32 per ticket, with a discount for seniors ($30) and students and children under the age of twelve ($28)
