ST. LOUIS — Organizations across St. Louis are celebrating Black History Month with free special events and programming. See a list of events below.
Missouri History Museum
Professional Development Workshop for Educators:
Wednesday, Feb. 6, from 6:30-7:30 p.m
Black Missourians In STEM: Educator Professional Development Workshop is a free, one-hour virtual walk through history. Learn about important Black Missourians who worked in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Find a link to register here.
A night of Joy, Arts and Community:
Thursday, Feb. 20 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m,
Stay late at the museum to enjoy performances, activities, food and drinks. Hear stories from local artists, history from experts and participate in a Black history themed scavenger hunt in the gallery.
St. Louis Art Museum
Short film showing and gallery tour:
Every Friday and Saturday this month from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The short film Pendulum, by Haitian Canadian artist Manuel Mathieu, connects the generational search for Black liberation and rituals of faith and healing. Inspired by Mathieu’s storytelling, this tour features artworks made by Black artists that reflect on themes of freedom and community support. Free showings and tours run every Friday and Saturday this month from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Free Fridays— Narrative Wisdom and African Arts:
Every Friday from 10 a.m to 9 p.m.
The Narrative Wisdom and African Arts exhibit connects historical arts and oral traditions across Africa, with work from the 13th century to today.
Family Sunday—We the People: A Black History Month Celebration:
Sunday, Feb. 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Honor Black History Month with several free performances by Neighbors Impacting Communities, a nonprofit organization celebrating local diversity and youth in the arts. Hands-on art activities and special interactive components featuring two demonstrations.
St. Louis Public Library
Free film series:
Every Thursday in February at 5:30 p.m.
The Central Library is showing four narrative feature films themed around African Americans and Labor. Explore the experiences of Black Americans navigating the places where race, class, gender, and work intersect.
February 6
Hidden Figures (2016, PG)
February 13
10,000 Black Men Named George (2002, R)
February 20
Fences (2016, PG-13)
February 27
Sorry to Bother You (2018, R)
Bread and Roses “Strike! How St. Louis United for Change in 1877”:
Saturday, Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon
Learn about a historic but little-known piece of St. Louis history at the Schlafly library in the Central West End. Through labor songs, theater and visual art activities, learn how people of all ages, backgrounds and races joined together to demand better working conditions and more pay, and how modern day workers still organize strikes as a way to demand change.
St. Louis County Library
From Blacksmiths to Wordsmiths: How the Labor of African Americans Continues to Shape American Culture: County branches will host performances by the Black Rep, a jazz concert, a gospel celebration, author events, historical lectures and more.
Charmaine Wilkerson, “Good Dirt”:
Wednesday, February 5, 7:00 p.m., Clark Family Branch
This author event features the bestselling author of “Black Cake,” basis for the hit Hulu series produced by Oprah Winfrey, Charmaine Wilkerson’s latest novel brings to life a multi-generational epic.
Victoria Christopher Murray, “Harlem Rhapsody” and more:
Thursday, February 6, 7:00 p.m., Clark Family Branch
Bestselling historical fiction author Victoria Christopher Murray shares the extraordinary story of Jessie Redmon Fauset, the first Black woman to serve as literary editor of the NAACP’s magazine, “The Crisis.”
The Black Rep’s “Jabari Dreams of Freedom”:
Saturday, February 8, 10:00 a.m., Clark Family Branch and 2:00 p.m, Lewis and Clark Branch.
Follow Jabari through a world of rap and sketch as he dreams of Civil Rights leaders and role models that help him ace his social studies test at school. All ages.
The Black Rep’s “Secret Gallery”:
Monday, February 10, 6:00 p.m., Mid-County Branch
“Secret Gallery” explores Black art through live interpretations of stories enhanced by movement and song, complementing Saint Louis Art Museum’s exhibition “Narrative Wisdom and African Arts.”
The Black Rep’s “What She Said”:
Wednesday, February 12, 6:00 p.m., Lewis and Clark Branch
“What She Said” uses poetry, prose and song to encapsulate the African American experience through artistic works by women of color, exploring themes of self-reflection and sisterhood. All ages.
Walter Mosley, “Been Wrong So Long It Feels Right: A King Oliver Novel”:
Thursday, February 13, 7:00 p.m., Clark Family Branch
In the latest from master of suspense Walter Mosley, a family member’s terminal illness leads P.I. Joe King Oliver to the investigation of his life.
Set the Night to Music:
Friday, February 14, 7:00 p.m., Florissant Valley Branch
Spend Valentine’s Day in a romantic setting at the library, enjoying a performance by The Remedy. Adults. Registration required.
Judith Giesberg, “Last Seen: The Enduring Search by Formerly Enslaved People to Find Their Lost Families”:
Tuesday, February 18, 7:00 p.m., Clark Family Branch
Drawing from an archive of nearly 5,000 documents, historian Judith Giesberg shares the story of formerly enslaved people who spent years searching for family. “Last Seen” finally gives this lesser-known aspect of slavery the attention it deserves.
Earnest Hart, Jr.: Martial Arts, Leadership and Awareness:
Wednesday, February 19, 6:00 p.m., Clark Family Branch, Teen Creative Lab
Earnest Hart, Jr., a martial artist professional, actor, self-defense and awareness guru, will discuss his life and career, and his work in self-awareness and leadership for children and adults.
The Black Rep’s “Jabari Dreams of Freedom”:
Thursday, February 20, 6:00 p.m., Daniel Boone Branch
Orv Kimbrough, “Twice Over a Man: A Fierce Memoir of an Orphan Boy Who Doggedly Determined a Finer Life”:
Thursday, February 20, 7:00 p.m., Clark Family Branch
This is the story of a young man who was determined to make a better life for himself and is resolute about showing others the way. Orvin Kimbrough chronicles his early years through foster care, hunger and poverty. Today, Orv Kimbrough is the Chairman and CEO of Midwest BankCentre, St. Louis’ second-largest privately-owned local bank.
Jennifer Jones, “Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience from the First African American Rockette”:
Friday, February 21, 7:00 p.m., Clark Family Branch
When the Rockettes began in 1925, Black people were not allowed to dance on stage with white people. In 1987 the color barrier was finally broken by one brave and tenacious woman. When she arrived, Jennifer Jones was met with pushback—a fierce resistance she details in this intimate and inspiring memoir.
Gift of Gospel:
Friday, February 21, 1:00 p.m., Clark Family Branch
Enjoy an inspirational musical experience with performances by The Simmons Sisters, mime dancer Quincy Fielding III, The Duncans and more. Pastor Shaun Williams will serve as the master of ceremonies.
Ibi Zoboi, “(S)Kin”:
Wednesday, February 26, 7:00 p.m., Clark Family Branch
Bestselling Young Adult author Ibi Zoboi presents a groundbreaking contemporary fantasy novel.
