In 1926, Carter G. Woodson, the “father of Black history,” designated a time to promote and educate people about Black history and culture. Even though Black History Month only happens once a year in February, the teaching and acknowledgment of Black history doesn’t begin and end there. We should seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor. Here are six ways to celebrate Black History Month in Texas year round. 

Read Karen Valby’s book, “The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and the Reclamation of Their Groundbreaking History”

For those who love “Hidden Figures” and are interested in dance and culture, you’ll love Austin-based author Karen Valby’s new book, “The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and the Reclamation of Their Groundbreaking History,” out April 30. Captivating, rich in vivid detail and character, and steeped in the glamor and grit of professional ballet, The Swans of Harlem is a riveting account of five extraordinarily accomplished women, a celebration of their historic careers, and a window into the robust history of Black ballet, hidden for too long.

Visit The African American Museum, Dallas 

The African American Museum, Dallas has an array of activities honoring and celebrating Black History Month. These include a health and wellness fair, family/community day, musical concerts, an African American heritage bowl competition for local high schoolers, a Black sports hall of fame event and more. The museum will also feature three ongoing exhibitions including Central Track: Crossroads of Deep Ellum, Seeing A World Blind Lemon Never Saw, and The Souls of Black Folk: Selections from the Billy R. Allen Folk Art Collection and The Decorative Arts Collection. Also, it’s encouraged to view the newly dedicated Texas Historical Marker, which commemorates the Hall of Negro Life that was constructed for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition at Fair Park in Dallas. 

Hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free self-parking is available in nearby lots. 

February’s Events:

TEXAS BLACK SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION LUNCHEON
Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at 11:30 a.m.
Dallas Renaissance Hotel
2222 N. Stemmons Freeway Dallas
Tickets: $125 

The Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame (TBSHOF), housed at the AAM, chronicles the sports history contributions made by African Americans. It was established in 1996 to honor Texas coaches and athletes of high character and achievement who have made recognizable contributions to African American culture and/or history. Each year, the general public submits nominees and a panel of judges (including sports media journalists) makes the final selection. The 2024 honorees for basketball are Jennifer Bell, Tamicha Jackson, Robert Pack Jr. and Retha Swindell; for football are Bobby Brooks, Lester Hayes, Nate Newton and Marvin Washington; for golf is Richard Bonner; for journalism is Roger B. Brown (posthumously); for Rodeo is Fred Whitfield; and coaching is Abron Young, Jr.

MUSIC UNDER THE DOME
Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
African American Museum, Dallas
Free and open to the public; register at aamdallas.org/events

Bringing jazz concerts to the heart of Fair Park, the three-part Music Under the Dome winter series continues with saxophonist /vocalist Rob Holbert. While admission is free, seating is limited and registration is required. Food and beverages will be available for sale.
See the full list of events and exhibits.

Purchase Tickets to The Musical “Lonesome Blues” 

The musical “Lonesome Blues” pays tribute to one of Deep Ellum’s most famous and influential songsters, Blind Lemon Jefferson. Produced by Documentary Arts in association with Central Track Productions, the show opens Sunday, Feb. 25, and continues with weekend matinees through Sunday, April 7, at Club Dada in Deep Ellum. Written by author/filmmaker Alan Govenar and acclaimed actor/director Akin Babatundé, the one-man musical is sponsored in part by the Deep Ellum Community Association and presented in association with the African American Museum, Dallas, which is currently presenting two exhibitions that commemorate Deep Ellum’s 150th anniversary. Tickets are available at lonesomebluesmusical.com.

Celebrate Black History Month at the Briscoe with these Events & Activities

The Briscoe is bursting at the seams with amazing events and activities! Celebrate Black History Month at the Briscoe with a wide array of family-friendly programming aimed at engaging, entertaining and educating museum goers on the often overlooked and unknown rich history of black cowboys and contemporary black artists in the Western United States. Commemorate President’s Day by visiting the incredible bronze bust of President Lincoln sculpted by Gutzon Borglum – the artist who carved Mount Rushmore. And did you know? The Briscoe is expanding its programming calendar for adults! The series ranges from hands-on, interactive experiences – including everything from painting and sculpting to tastings and lessons – as well as film screenings and conversations with artists and experts. February’s event includes RODEO at the Briscoe: Painting with DiZurita! offering guests a chance to enjoy a relaxing evening sipping beer, wine and painting with this incredible international artist! 

Purchase Tickets to Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) Performances

The Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) and Broadway Dallas (BD) are continuing their annual arts education accessibility partnership with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) for a fourth year. Located in the historic Music Hall at Fair Park, Broadway Dallas promotes excellence in live musical theater with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages. As the largest and oldest professional dance company in Dallas, The Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) is the fourth-largest Black dance company in the nation, the seventh-largest contemporary modern dance company, and ranked 36th among the nation’s leading ballet companies. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, Dallas Black Dance Academy offers year-round classes taught by dancers from DBDT’s two professional companies in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, and ethnic dances. See here to purchase tickets to Dallas Black Dance Theatre performances.

Check Out The Neill-Cochran House Museum

The Neill-Cochran House Museum is an 1856 historic site, home to one of Austin’s oldest standing residences and to the only intact and accessible slave dwelling left in the city. Visit the Museum to learn about over 100 years of Austin history, from its earliest days up into the 1930s, and to walk in the footsteps of the men and women who lived and labored to make Austin what it is today. This summer the Neill-Cochran House Museum will be hosting A Juneteenth Rodeo, photographs by photojournalist and best-selling novelist Sarah Bird that she took of Black rodeos during the 1970s. This show can be viewed June 5 – Sept. 1.

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Cover photo Kelly

Leean Vargas is the Highlight Reel newsletter editor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She is a concert enthusiast who loves traveling, photography, good food, and discovering new hangout spots in her beloved city, Austin, Texas.