Looking for things to do to celebrate Black History Month? Here’s a variety of events happening throughout February.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Black Cinema through the Decades: Cleveland Public Library, 325 Superior Ave. What: Discuss key Black cinema accomplishments from the 1920-60s. Free. When: 1-2 p.m.
The Theron Brown Group in Concert: Cleveland Public Library, 325 Superior Ave. What: Jazz pianist Theron Brown returns for a free performance. When: 2-3 p.m.
The Cleveland Pops Orchestra plays Motown: Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave. What: Experience a night of music and memories as the Cleveland Pops Orchestra performs the music of Motown with this vibrant tribute to the timeless sound of soul music. When: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25.
Sunday, Feb. 2
Black History Month Tours: Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd. What: Tour includes permanent collection pieces by Jacob Lawrence, Edmonia Lewis, Robert S. Duncanson and more. Groups meet at the information desk in the Atrium. When: Noon-1 p.m. Feb. 2-23; Wednesdays, 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 5-26. Free; ticket required.
Monday, Feb. 3
Cleveland Has Talent: Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, 601 Lakeside Avenue. What: A showcase of local talent to celebrate Black History Month. When: 12-2 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Money Talk Tuesdays: Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, 601 Lakeside Avenue. What: A free weekly series throughout February offering basic financial literacy assistance. Topic: OPERS Ready to Retire. When: 11 a.m.-noon.
Wednesday, Feb. 5
Cultural Doll Making Class: East Cleveland Public Library, 14101 Euclid Ave. What: Celebrate Black History Month by designing handmade dolls that reflect the Black American experience. Class is appropriate for elementary students, teens and adults. When: 4:15-5:45 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 6
Artists Run the Streets opening reception: Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, 601 Lakeside Ave.
What: The City of Cleveland’s third annual Black History Month exhibit highlights the profound impact of labor through the lens of six talented Cleveland artists. Curated by the For Art’s Sake artist collective – led by branding, design and marketing visionary Kumar Arora, a Transformative Arts Fund awardee – the exhibition brings together works that align with the national theme of African Americans and Labor. Featuring works by Christa Freehands, Chris Goody, Ryan Harris, Mike Miller, Sampson Smiley and Lacy Talley. When: An opening reception will be held from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. RSVP. The exhibition will run through May 30.
Saturdays beginning Feb. 8
Black History Film Series: East Cleveland Public Library, 14101 Euclid Ave. What: Watch classic black films including “Cabin in the Sky,” “School Daze,” “Stormy Weather,” “Lean on Me,” “Cotton Comes to Harlem” and “Marshall.” When: Saturdays beginning Feb. 8, 12-2 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Pathways to Freedom: Stories of Strength and Legacy: Hale Farm and Village. What: A celebration of Black history honoring the legacies of Sara Lucy Bagby and Eliza Bryant. Explore historic artifacts that bring their stories to life. Free. When: 1-4 pm.
More Black History month celebrations Find Black History month events in Akron here
Sunday, Feb. 9
Book signing/discussion: “Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer”: Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere. What: An afternoon of story time, art activities and discussion with Quartez Harris, author of the new picture book “How James Baldwin Became a Writer.” Harris will be joined by educator/activist Lisa Vahey. When: 1 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 10
African Collage Art: East Cleveland Public Library, 14101 Euclid Ave. What: Make one-of-a-kind collage art with African fabrics. When: 4-5 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 11
Money Talk Tuesdays: Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, 601 Lakeside Ave. What: A free weekly series throughout February offering basic financial literacy assistance. Topic: Estate planning. When: 11 a.m.-noon.
Friday, Feb. 14
Frederick Douglass Day: Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere. What: Each year, Loganberry Books celebrates the chosen birthday of Frederick Douglass on Feb. 14 as Douglass Day, which features the general correspondence of Frederick Douglass from the Library of Congress. During the celebrations, locations around the world transcribe an online collection of Black history and culture, which helps to make Library of Congress materials more accessible to communities, researchers, teachers and students. Bring your laptop. Wi-Fi and instructions will be provided. When: Noon.
Suggested Reading
Sunday, Feb. 16
Travis “Moonchild” Haddix in Concert: East Cleveland Public Library, 14101 Euclid Ave. What: Local blues guitarist/vocalist Travis “Moonchild” Haddix recently celebrated his 86th birthday. Haddix, a local blues treasure, is probably better known outside Cleveland to aficionados of the genre and those who attend blues festivals. When: 4-6 p.m. Doors open at 3 p.m. Free.
Tuesday, Feb. 18
Money Talk Tuesdays: Cleveland City Hall, 601 Lakeside Ave. What: A free weekly series throughout February offering basic financial literacy assistance. Topic 1: Deferred Compensation in Room 30. Topic 2: Credit Repair and Finance 101 in Room 514. When: 11 a.m.-noon.
Virtual Discussion with author Lee Hawkins: Euclid Public Library, 631 E. 222 St. What: Discover the inspiring story of Lee Hawkins, author of “I Am Nobody’s Slave.” Q&A to follow discussion. Please register. When: 2-3 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 19
Family Reunion: Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, 601 Lakeside Ave. What: An afternoon of soul food samples, music and socializing. When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.
Thursday, Feb. 20
Showin’ Up Black: Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave. What: On the eve of their daughter’s cotillion, the Hopegoodes, an affluent Cleveland African American family, see their plans for the perfect debutante ball collide with a Black Lives Matter protest. As the protest gets nearer, secrets and competing desires get shaken loose, tearing at the fabric of the family, challenging what, exactly, it is to be Black. Tickets: $25-$75. When: Runs through March 8.
Friday, Feb. 21
Ease on Down the Road: A Musical Journey Through Time: Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, 601 Lakeside Ave. What: The Cleveland Municipal School District presents a production filled with classic hits. When: Noon.
Saturday, Feb. 22
Genealogy Program: Shaker Heights Public Library, 16500 Van Aken Blvd. What: The African American Genealogical Society of Cleveland (AAGS), in partnership with Shaker Library, presents monthly public programs on genealogical research of interest to both beginning and seasoned family history researchers. Participants can attend in person at Shaker Library or virtually on Zoom. Please register by emailing AAGS President Joseph Houser at [email protected]. When: 10:30 a.m.
BLAX Museum: East Cleveland Public Library, 14101 Euclid Ave. What: A performance showcase open to all art forms and dedicated to honoring notable Black figures in American history and culture. When: 2-4 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 23
7th Annual Black History Dinner: Harvard Square Center, 13510 Harvard Ave. What: A night of celebration, reflection and community. This in-person event will feature food, speakers and live entertainment. All ages. Free. Please register via Eventbrite. When: 12:30-3 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 24
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad (streaming performances): Playhouse Square. What: A stage production of the riveting story of Harriet Tubman is available for teachers to stream in their classrooms. Registration is $20 per class. Reduced rates may be available for CMSD Schools and approved partner schools. When: Streaming available through March 14.
Want to find more things to do around Greater Cleveland? We’ve got you covered from big events to neighborhood gatherings. Check it out.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Money Talk Tuesdays: Cleveland City Hall, 601 Lakeside Ave. What: A free weekly series throughout February offering basic financial literacy assistance. Topic: How to Avoid Probate Court. When: Noon-2 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 27
An Evening at Zanzibar with Abby Collette: Zanzibar Soul Fusion, 13225 Shaker Square. Mystery writer Abby Collette discusses her soul food-infused book series. The evening includes appetizer samples from Zanzibar’s menu. Please register. This event is presented in partnership with Cleveland Public Library, Euclid Public Library and Shaker Heights Public Library.
Black History Trivia Challenge: East Cleveland Public Library, 14101 Euclid Ave. What: Test your knowledge and dive into the rich legacy of Black history in this trivia challenge. Teens and adults will compete for prizes – individually or in teams – as they answer questions about influential figures, events and contributions from the past and present. When: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Book Signing/Discussion: How James Baldwin Became a Writer: Cleveland Public Library MLK Branch, 10601 Euclid Ave. What: Picture book author Quartez Harris concludes his current tour for “Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer.” Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the author and his work and explore the brand NEW Martin Luther King Jr. branch. When: 11 a.m.-12:30 pm.
Friday, Feb. 28
Tri-C Sings: A celebration of Gospel music: Cuyahoga Community College – Metro Campus Auditorium, 2900 Community College Ave. What: Gospel music performances by special guests, including the Cleveland Chorale and the Tri-C Joe Clark Gospel Choir.