February is Black History Month, and we’ve put together a list of ways to commemorate the occasion. From new exhibits and films, to history tours and Black-owned tastings, there are a number of ways to celebrate Black culture this month.
Paul Laurence Dunbar: Beyond the Mask
The Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum hosts a screening of a documentary about the life and impact of the historic Black poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, who lived in DC (free).
Still We Rise concert
The Washington Revels Jubilee Voices return to the Lyceum for another uplifting traditional African American concert featuring storytelling, spirituals, dance, and banjo melodies that will have the entire family singing along (free).
History of Black Georgetown
Journey through the history of Georgetown on a guided walking tour. The outdoor stroll invites participants to listen in on lesser-known narratives about freed African Americans who lived in the neighborhood during the early 20th century ($30).
Living the Dream … Singing the Dream
Washington Performing Arts and the Choral Arts Chorus band together for a family-friendly musical tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. at Strathmore (28+).
DC Black History Film Festival
The DC Black History Film Festival returns to Lincoln Theatre. This year’s events include go-go performances and a showcase of 15 films (free).
“Freedom and Resistance” at MLK Memorial Library
DC Public Library teams up with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones to present an art exhibition inspired by Hannah-Jones’s groundbreaking book and video project The 1619 Project. The “Freedom and Resistance” exhibition spotlights artworks from ten Black artists that explore themes of slavery, history, and, yes, freedom and resistance (free).
“At the Vanguard” exhibit at the NMAAHC
Discover the history of five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the “At the Vanguard” exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The new showcase narrates the origins and legacy of HBCUs and their impact on Black history through more than 100 objects collected from Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, Texas Southern University, and Tuskegee University (free).
Black Brewers Tasting Party
Raise a glass to Black History Month at Metrobar’s Cheers and Beers tasting. The Black Brew Movement and DC Beer collaboration serves pours of a variety of beers from local Black brewers, all inside the lively 125-seat heated railcar bar and lounge in Brentwood ($38).
The Fire on the Mountain at Lincoln Theatre
The works of Black writer and activist James Baldwin will be honored this month at the Lincoln Theatre. Audiences can watch this multi-media play, and join a post-production panel conversation (free).
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
