Experience Downtown Blog

Honoring Black History Month: Celebrating Legacy, Culture, and Impact

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Black History Month is an annual observance in February that honors the achievements, contributions, and history of Black individuals in the U.S and beyond. It was first established as Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson. In 1976, it expanded to a full month and became widely recognized in the U.S., Canada, and the UK. The month of February was selected as it includes the birthdays of Frederick Douglass, who was a formerly enslaved abolitionist and writer, and Abraham Lincoln, who issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

This month, celebrate Black culture, art, music, literature, and achievements in all industries. Check out a Black History Month Celebration happening in Downtown Milwaukee or support a Black-owned business. You can also follow Judge Derek Mosley (on social) as he shares a daily history fact focused on Black Americans for the entire month of February.

Special Events and Programs:

Black History Month Challenge
Now through February 28
Milwaukee Public Library
Join the Milwaukee Public Library in celebrating Black History Month. All month long, Milwaukee Public Library is welcoming citizens of all ages to participate in at least three activities, all aimed at celebrating Black voices. Activities range from reading a book by a Black author or illustrator to attending a Black History Month program at a Milwaukee Public Library and more. 

Drop-In Tour: Art by Artists of the African Diaspora
Saturday, February 15 & February 22 
2pm to 3pm
Milwaukee Art Museum 
Celebrate African American and Haitian artists in the Museum s collection. Join a Museum docent to learn more about how artists of the African diaspora document their lives, tell the stories of their communities, and address social justice issues.

Saturday Storytime Series
Saturday, February 15 & 22 and March 1
10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm
Milwaukee Public Museum
The Milwaukee Public Museum is hosting "Storytime" in celebration of Black History Month. Families with young children (ages 3-6) are welcome to stop by the Early Learning facility for stories and hands-on activities! Pre-registration is not required. 

Saturday Exhibit Tours
Saturday, February 15 & 22 and March 1
11am to 1pm
Milwaukee Public Museum
The Milwaukee Public Museum and America s Black Holocaust Museum are partnering for this special tour edition. Museum docents will lead 50-minute tours highlighting African and African American history throughout the Milwaukee Public Museum exhibit galleries. Free with admission. Pre-registration is not required, but capacity for each tour is 15 people. First-come, first-served. 

Crossing the Line: The Milwaukee Fair Housing Marches of 1967-1968 Traveling Display
February 19 - March 6
Milwaukee Public Museum
The Milwaukee Public Museum will host a special traveling display from the Wisconsin Historical Society on the Museum's ground floor garden galleries. The display tells the story of Milwaukee's civil rights marches with historic photos and documents. Free with admission. 

Love N Struggle 
Now through March 1
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
An exhibition from MIAD's Black Leaders & Artist Coalition, drawing inspiration from James Baldwin's writing. View student works that explore love and resistance and their impact on the Black experience.

Illustrating Our Stories: Exploring History Through Art
Saturday, February 22 
1pm to 3pm
Milwaukee County Historical Society
MCHS will host artist and illustrator Aaron Boyd for Illustrating Our Stories: Exploring History Through Art. Boyd will share the inspiring story behind his illustrations for the new children's book "Valiant Vel: Vel Phillips and the Fight for Fairness and Equality." Learn about Vel Phillips' remarkable history and her role in the fight for justice, as seen through Aaron s vivid artwork. After the presentation, attendees are invited to let their creativity shine by creating a portrait of someone meaningful in their lives by using oil pastels and watercolors. Boyd will lead the interactive workshop fit for all ages and art supplies will be provided. "Valiant Vel" will be available for purchase in the MCHS gift shop, with members receiving a 10% discount. Tickets are now on sale, and advance purchase is encouraged as space is limited.

The Sound of Gospel (An Anthology Depicting the Rich History of Gospel Music)
Sunday, February 23 | 3pm
Pabst Theater
An expansive historical journey featuring work and freedom songs, ring shouts, Negro spirituals, choirs and quartets, plus contemporary and urban gospel. Elements of drama and joy will resonate throughout the production.

Milwaukee Film/Black Lens
Now through February 23
Oriental Theatre
Created in 2014, Milwaukee Film s Black Lens Program "aims to foster meaningful community conversations, promote celebration, and strengthen community bonds within and beyond a cinema setting." Black Lens Programmer Ty Williams has selected an array of films that showcase the dynamic range of Black stories. Featured films include "Do The Right Thing," "Get Out," "Obsessed" and more. 

Social X
Various Dates & Locations
Follow Social X for their curated list of events happening locally.

Support Black-Owned Businesses:

Help support and uplift Black-owned businesses during Black History Month. A comprehensive list of businesses in the metro area can be found at MKE Black Business Directory.