Black History Month Events, Concerts, and Exhibits

All month long, the city will celebrate and pay tribute to African-American community, culture, and heritage through a wide range of events and programs. Pay homage with everything from movie marathons and choir concerts to trivia nights and museum events.

To FEB. 29: Let it Shine!
Any weekend in February, gather the kids and head to Charm City’s hub for educational fun to celebrate African American history and culture. Each weekend a local artist will share their talent through spoken word, step-dancing, and drumming performances. Children will even have the opportunity to meet young entrepreneurs to learn about self-empowerment. Port Discovery Children’s Museum 35 Market Plc. Saturdays and Sundays. Times vary. Free-$17.95.

TO FEB. 29: To Catch a Thief: Constellation Fights the Slave Trade Tour

Batten down the hatches, it’s time to help the Constellation’s crew in the fight against Trans-Atlantic slave trafficking. Historic Ships in Baltimore provides tours and hands-on activities to illuminate the ship’s career, including its remarkable pursuit of the slave ship, Cora. Board the valiant vessel and witness the success of this ship in the struggle for freedom. Historic Ships in Baltimore Pier 1, 301 E. Pratt St. Sat. and Sun. 1 p.m. Free-$18.

TO FEB. 23: Empowered! Black Action Figures, Superheroes, and Collectibles
If comic books are your guilty pleasure, this is the exhibit for you. Head to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture to see your favorite black superheroes fly off the page. From the Marvel to DC Universe, many of these figures were the first to resemble black Americans. Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture 830 E. Pratt St. Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Free.

FEB. 1-28: Black History Month Fact Find
During your next visit to the Southeast Anchor branch of the Enoch Pratt Library, take your little one to the children’s department to find and read facts scattered throughout the section about historical African-American figures who have made an impact in the world of art, music, science, and activism. Once you find three facts, tell a library staff member to take home a special prize. Free.

FEB. 1: Black Authors Book Expo
Kick off Black History Month with this family-friendly book expo at the Baltimore War Memorial. Spend Saturday afternoon browsing for new and familiar titles by African-American authors, with the chance to meet a few local authors and hear excerpts from their latest books. Free.

FEB 1: Douglass, Tubman, and Harper: 19th Century Freedom Fighters
Stop in to the Northwood Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library to listen to a presentation on 19th century freedom fighters. Learn something new about the brave men and women who battled slavery, including Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Frances Harper. Enoch Pratt Library 4420 Loch Raven Blvd. 2-4 p.m. Free

FEB. 2: Celebrate Black History Month: Sophisticated Ladies

Come create an original work of art featuring elegant black ladies. Paint someone close to you, someone who inspires you, or even yourself. This event is BYOB, so don’t forget to bring your drink of choice to sip on while you perfect your painting. Painting with a Twist 1134 York Rd. 5-7 p.m. $35.

FEB. 6: Balthazar: Behind a New Walters Acquisition

Visit the Walters Art Museum and listen to two curators of Renaissance and Baroque art establish who this African mystery man is. Learn how to think like a curator and gather clues from the man’s facial expressions and body language to reveal the identity of the museum’s latest procurement. The Walters Art Museum 600 N. Charles St. 6:30-7:15 p.m. Free.

FEB. 7: Master African Class with Camille Weanquoi
There’s no better way to kick off the weekend than with some dancing. Whether you’ve got two left feet or you’re a star performer, immerse yourself in African culture through movement at Morton Street Dance Center. Morton Street Dance Center, 3600 Clipper Mill Rd. 7-8 p.m. $5.

FEB. 8: Black History Month Celebration Concert
Visit the Cathedral of the Incarnation to hear the Baltimore Children’s Choir perform songs by noteworthy African-American artists and composers during this commemorative concert. Joined by Charm City Singers, neighborhood choirs, and school choirs, this free show will lift your spirits and celebrate some of the greatest musicians of our time. Free

FEB 8: African Fabric Workshop: The Cloth Speaks

Discover the meaning behind the intricate, woven patterns on African printed fabrics. The workshop will be hosted by Regal Clothes designer Akos “Sunday” Regal, who designs chic tribal clothing. By the end of the class, you’ll be able to take home a fabric swatch of your own. The Baltimore Museum of Industry 1415 Key Hwy. 10-11:30 a.m. $10-15.

FEB. 15: Kuumba Showcase

In Swahilli, “kuumba,” means creativity. Appreciate the beauty of black culture and express yourself through art in the company of family with numerous activities. Stroll through the Amalie Rothschild Gallery and admire students’ artworks celebrating Black History Month. Then, experience the event’s theme–Black Dance Through Time–with live music and performances. Creative Alliance 3134 Eastern Ave. 12-3 p.m. Free.

FEB. 20: Museum Nights: Red, Black, and Green
Celebrate Black History Month with the return of museum nights at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, featuring live music by DJ Tanz, history and culture trivia games, and a complimentary drink. Spend the evening experimenting with printmaking, inspired by the on- going exhibition Elizabeth Catlett: Artist as Activist, and be sure to wear red, black, or green to receive a 10 percent discount at the museum’s shop. $20-25

FEB. 21: When They See Us Marathon
This award-winning Netflix miniseries will stop viewers in their tracks. When They See Us retells the true story of five teenagers who are charged, convicted, and exonerated for the crime of assaulting and raping a Central Park jogger in 1989. Watch this gripping series in full at Turner Auditorium, presented by The Hopkins Diaspora. Free.

FEB. 22: All Black Everything

In Partnership with Dewmore Baltimore, the American Visionary Art Museum will be hosting a slam poetry workshop led by the award-winning black slam poet Meccamorphosis. Participants will learn how to create black out poetry, which consists of concealing words on newspapers, books, and magazines with black marker to leave behind something creative. American Visionary Art Museum 800 Key Hwy. 1-3 p.m. $10

FEB. 23: The 3rd Annual Thurgood Marshall Black History Month Celebration Our Struggle, Our Strength
Attend this celebration, emceed by Fox 45 Morning News anchor Patrice Sanders, to listen to keynote speakers and enjoy performances by The Carter Legacy Singers and hip-hop violinist Marvillous Beats, LLC. Guests can even shop around the National Black Memorabilia Fine Arts and Crafts Show to acquire historic collectibles. Prince Hall Foundation of Maryland 2201 Argonne Dr. 3 p.m. Free.

FEB. 29: African American History Month Pop Up
Shake up your exercise routine, and head to this Midtown yoga studio to discuss the influence of African American yogis. After some conversation, sweat it out while listening to music by African American artists from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Yogaworks 107 E. Preston St. 1:30 p.m. $25.