In honor of Black History Month, local businesses and organizations are recognizing and celebrating the impact, legacy and history of Black Americans with community events throughout February. Below are upcoming events taking place in the Phoenix area that will honor those who have made a difference here in the Valley and beyond through art, music, stories and more.
A Look Back in Time and History in the Making at Chandler Center for the Arts
Held at Chandler Center for the Arts on February 17 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., this free event will present History in the Making, a showcase that celebrates the historical accomplishments of Black Americans throughout the ages within the realm of Arts, Comedy, Dance, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Government, Health and Beauty, Mindfulness, Meditation, Music, Sports, Step and Yoga. Legends from within the local Arizona community will be highlighted in the showcase as well.
ASU Chamber Orchestra Strings: Reflections of Hope and Home
Join the ASU Chamber Orchestra, Daniel Bernard Roumain and guests from ASU’s Theatre and Dance program in a meditative concert in celebration of Black History Month on February 27 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Held at the Tempe campus, the free event features Quinn Mason’s moving Reflections on a Memorial, Julius Eastman’s minimalist masterpiece Joy Boy and Roumain’s ode to Rosa Parks Isorhythmic Nationalistic. ASU Alumni soprano Yophi Adia will also return to sing a newly created arrangement of Roumain’s powerful “They Still Want to Kill Us” written to commemorate the 1921 Tulsa Massacre. Learn more here.
Black History Month Family Program at Tempe History Museum
Join the African American Advisory Committee of Tempe History Museum for a fun, interactive program celebrating Black History Month on February 11 at 2 p.m. The event will kick off with an African dance and drum performance from Kawambe Omowale, followed by more dancing with a basic ballet and hip hop class. Kids can also make a magazine bead craft. The family fun celebration is free and held at Tempe History Museum.
Family Story Time at Downtown Chandler Library
Join the Downtown Chandler Library on February 11 at 11 a.m. for an all ages family storytime that celebrates Black History Month through song, dance and stories.
Grassrootz Books & Juice Bar Black History Month Celebration
Join Grassrootz Book & Juice Bar in downtown Phoenix for its third annual Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, February 11 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The free event will feature 28 local black-owned vendors, musicians, poets and activists plus food and music. RSVP here.
Merchant Extravaganza in Glendale
Hosted by the Black Business Owners Coalition of Glendale, the Merchant Extravaganza at Rose Lane Park takes place on Sunday, February 19 at 1 p.m. Come support local black-owned businesses and vendors who will showcase their products, learn about community resources and enjoy food trucks offering African and kosher food.
Multicultural Music Festival & Black History Celebration in Peoria
The 25th annual Peoria Multicultural Festival and Black History Celebration returns with more live music on February 11 at Centennial Plaza Park in Peoria. This year’s event features performances from The Intruders and the original members of the legendary latin band Tierra Legacy. Gates to the event open at 11 a.m. General admission is $10, while children 10 years and under are free.
Old School Jam with the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.
The Phoenix Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. is celebrating Black History Month with an Old School Jam event on February 18 from 2-6 p.m. that will benefit and honor the youth. Enjoy old school music, dancing, plus spades, bid whist, chess and checkers. Click here for tickets and more information.
Scottsdale Community College Concerts
Scottsdale Community College is hosting two concerts this February in honor of Black History Month. Renowned jazz and R&B musician George Benson will perform on February 11 at 7 p.m. for the college’s 11th annual Black History Month musical showcase, along with the recipient of this year’s George Benson Honorary Scholarship, Jack Meyers, and Scottsdale Community College student and faculty musicians. On Monday, February 13, guests can enjoy a multimedia performance of Langston Hughes’ kaleidoscopic jazz poem suite, “Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz,” by Malcolm-Jamal Warner and the Ron McCurdy Quartet. Tickets to the February 11 concert are $10 for students and $15 for the public. Admission to the multimedia concert on February 13 is free to the community. RSVP here.
Shining Light Foundation Black History Month Mural Project
In its mission to positively impact marginalized communities, the Shining Light Foundation started its Black History Month Mural Project, where artists create 28 murals in 28 days to highlight impactful Black figures in the U.S. The group kicked off its 2023 project with a mural of Sidney Poitier, the groundbreaking actor and director who changed film history and paved a way for black actors. The mural can be found at 40 E. Pepper Place in Mesa.
