7 events to celebrate Black History Month in Alabama this year

Once recognized as Black History Week, the month of February has been designated as Black History Month since 1976.

As a state with rich ties to the Civil Rights Movement, Alabama is not short of events to commemorate the role African American leaders have played in U.S. history. Keep reading for ways to celebrate this legacy in Alabama.

1. Soul Food Night Cooking Class in Mobile

The City of Mobile has a lot in store for Black History Month, and they’re kicking it all off with a delicious Soul Food Night Cooking Class. Participants will be able to learn about African American cuisine and culture, as well as healthy cooking techniques.

• When: Thursday, February 1, 5:30-7:30PM
• Where: James Seals Community Center, 540 Texas St, Mobile, AL 36603
• More Details

2. An Evening with Wil Haygood in Huntsville

Acclaimed biographer, Pulitzer finalist, award-winning author and reporter Wil Haygood is coming to Huntsville for an impactful start to Black History Month. Hosted by the beautiful Huntsville Museum of Art, this event will feature a cocktail hour, presentation and dinner.

• When: Thursday, February 1, 5:30-9PM
• Where: Huntsville Museum of Art’s Loretta Spencer Hall, 300 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
• More Details + Tickets

3. A Celebration of Black History with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra in Birmingham

As the opening of Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s “Momentum Symposium for Future Music Professionals,” the Celebration of Black History program will include a narration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail and Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait.

Plus, there will be food trucks on site after the show.

• When: Friday, February 2, Noon
• Where: Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
• More Details

4. African Americans and the Arts: A Black History Month Event in Montgomery

The stunning Alabama Department of Archives + History is hosting a free event in honor of Black History Month. African Americans and the Arts will be a family-friendly celebration featuring a museum scavenger hunt, special presentations, crafts and book readings.

• When: Saturday, February 10, 10AM-3PM
• Where: Alabama Department of Archives + History, 36130, 624 Washington Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104
• More Details

5. African Americans in Education and the Arts in Huntsville

The beautiful Burritt on the Mountain is hosting an impactful event for Black History Month, “African Americans in Education and the Arts.” With hands-on activities and immersive experiences, this showcase of history, art and education will include a scavenger hunt, presentation in the historic Rosenwald School and an exploration of the legacy of Booker T. Washington.

• When: Saturday, February 10, 10AM-4PM
• Where: Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
• More Details

6. 44th Annual Heritage Festival in Anniston

Anniston Museums and Gardens is hosting the 44th annual Heritage Festival: Words that Lift the Soul.

This unique celebration of Black History is made complete with an Oration Competition for youth, a performance by K.B. Solomon, local vendors and a tour of the Anniston Museum of Natural History and Berman Museum.

• When: Saturday, February 17, 9AM-3PM
• Where: Longleaf Event Center, 808 20th Street S Birmingham, AL 35205
• More Details

7. History in the Making: Talent Show in Mobile

Ready to see history in the making? The City of Mobile’s Black History Month celebrations, focused on progress and diversity, include a talent show for the community. See talented locals showcase what they’ve got—singing, dancing, acting, magic and more!

• When: Wednesday, February 22, 6PM
• Where: Harmon-Thomas Community Center, 1611 Belfast St, Mobile, AL 36605
• More Details

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