Whether you’re looking to learn about a different culture or become more aware of your own, here are a few ways to immerse yourself in The Palm Beaches’ Black history this February and throughout the year.

 

Visit Claire Salmon’s “Kigana Heroes” Poster Series

When: February 1, 9:30 am – 8:30 pm. Throughout the month of February, visit Claire Salmon’s poster exhibit, “Kihana Heroes.” Learn about the inspiring African and African American men and women who have shared their wisdom and example with us by their change-making actions.   Location: Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.  

Learn About Harriet Tubman at Arts Garage

When: February 10, 8:00 pm. On a barren stage with only a trunk of costumes, Leslie McCurdy thrills her audience with her passionate portrayal of The Spirit of Harriet Tubman. For a breath-taking hour, she embodies Tubman’s immortal spirit from early childhood to her elder years, sharing the life of the famous Underground Railroad conductor by recreating stories familiar and some rarely told, using words said to have been Tubman’s own. Through it all the audience learns of the faith and conviction that drove Harriet Tubman to follow her dreams. Tickets: $30. Get your tickets here.   Location: Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444.

 

Celebrate Black History with Music, Workshops and Classes

When: February 4, 9 am – 3 pm. Visit The Square for the Second Annual Black History Month Kickoff Event: See What I Can Be! presented by Rohi’s Readery and The Office of African American Studies. On February 4, 2023, from 9 am to 3 pm, enjoy a series of events celebrating African Diasporic people’s multifaceted history and culture. The Spirit of this event is to uplift a narrative that will include live music, vendors, classes for children, and workshops for adults. Register for the events!   Location: The Square, 700 South Rosemary Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

 

Celebrate African American Artists at the 17th Annual African-American Film Festival

When: February 9, 6:30 pm. The Kravis Center’s 17th Annual African-American Film Festival presents an award-winning selection of monthly films and featured panelists. “Poetic Justice” (1993), the second film of the three award-winning movies, will be presented on February 9 at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. The African-American Film Festival focuses on the celebration of African American culture, race relations and social justice and celebrates African American artists with ground-breaking films. Each evening includes a moderated introduction to the film, followed by post-screening panel discussion and audience Q&A. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online through the Kravis Center’s website, www.kravis.org or by phone at 561.832.7469 or 800.572.8471.   Location: Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

 

Recognize Black Female Attorneys with the Historical Society of Palm Beach County

When: February 7, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Join the Historical Society of Palm Beach County in recognizing outstanding local Black female attorneys. Famous Firsts recognizes the first Black females in the Palm Beach County legal community. Representing a wide range of professional positions that have been traditionally male dominated, these women faced gender and racial barriers and overcame them. Meet the first Black female attorney to practice law in Palm Beach County, founders of the first Black Women Lawyers Association, and impressive attorneys and judges who are recognized as all being the first. Cocktails at 5:30 pm. Presentation at 6:30 pm. Special Guest Speaker: The Honorable Sheree Davis Cunningham.   Location: Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, 300 N. Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

 

See Afro-Inspired Collections at the Palm Beach Black Culture Fashion Show

When: February 4, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Just in time for Black History Month, it’s The Palm Beaches’ only fashion show dedicated to black culture. Come see Afro-inspired collections from designers from all over in the beautiful city of West Palm Beach, just outside of The Square district.   Location: 600 N Rosemary Ave 600 North Rosemary Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

 

Join The First-Ever Gospel Shabbat

When: February 3, 7:00 pm. Celebrate Black History Month at the Temple Beth El in West Palm Beach. This first-ever Gospel Shabbat – open to the community and free of charge – will feature the Jubilate Vocal Ensemble, Music Director Dr. Nelson Hall, guest Speaker Pastor Billy Thompson (former Miami Heats and NBA Player) and the new Spiritual Leader Cantor Gastón Bogomolni, and the Gospel Band.   Location: Temple Beth El – West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, FL 33407.

 

Listen to Jazz & Gospel in the Gardens

When: February 12, 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Join the 4th Annual Jazz & Gospel in the Gardens and listen to jazz and gospel on the main lawn in the magical setting of Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens and discover the two-acre tropical gardens, monumental sculptures, artist studio and Norton House gallery including world-class exhibitions. On February 12, Jazz & Gospel in the Gardens will host Ms. Ritah Wilburn – Singer, Songwriter, Lyricist. Cost:

  Location: Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, 253 Barcelona Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

 

Celebrate Black Authors at the Mandel Public Library

When:

Celebrate Black authors and illustrators at the Mandel Public Library during two special edition storytimes on the occasion of Black History Month. On Wednesday, February 22, families with children up to 5 years old are invited to join Children’s Librarian Ms. Jin. On Friday, February 24, Children’s Librarian Ms. Jillian will host a special edition storytimes for families with babies from birth to 18 months old. Space is limited and in-person sign-up begins in KidSpace at 9:30 am. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call 561-868-7703.   Location: KidSpace, Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

 

Explore African Drumming With Abasi

When: February 18, 3-4 pm. Sign up starts at 2:30 pm. Join Spoken Word Poet and African Percussionist Abasi “Manblack” Hanif in an exciting journey into the heart and soul of Africa through music. Children grades 3-5 will explore basic drumming techniques while learning about the history of the instruments. For more information, visit WPBCityLibrary.org or call 561-868-7703.

Location: Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

 

Join the Event “Passageways to Liberation: The Black Experience Through Music, Dance, and Visual Arts”

When: February 16, 7 pm. Join lecturers Brian Knowles & Bianca Nightengale-Lee, PhD, as they discuss the historical experience of African Americans through the lens of music, dance, and visual art. Get tikets.   Location: The Raymond F. Kravis Center for The Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.  

Attend the 2nd Annual Black Luxe Picnic and Music Festival

When:

Friday, February 17. This amazing festival kicks off on Friday, February 17 with a day of inspiration from one of the top Black executives in television, Yvette Miley, the Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NBC Universal News Group. Saturday, February 18. The fun picks up Saturday at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton from 2 to 9 pm with the 2nd Annual South Florida Blackluxe Picnic and Music Festival. It features live music, food, luxury picnic settings, and a special Keke Wyatt performance.  Sunday, February 19. Enjoy fun in the sun on Sunday with “Frenzy.” It’s a day filled with kayaking, snorkeling, and other activities on Peanut Island, from 12 to 5 pm.   Locations:

 

Support Talented Black Artists

When: Wednesdays, 7 pm. Throughout February, enjoy a showcase of young talented black artists amplifying their voices in our community. Check them out here!

Location: City Hall Courtyard, 401 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.  

Visit Historical African American Sites

Florida’s African Americans have made significant contributions to the development of our State and continue to play a key role in shaping modern Florida. Palm Beach County boasts more than a century of African American history, which is showcased in multiple sites, architectural gems, and well-preserved historical sites that encompass the cultural contributions of one of The Palm Beaches’ vibrant communities.

 

Check Out Black-Owned Restaurants

Dive into some of the delicious dishes being served up at Black-owned restaurants and establishments in The Palm Beaches. From coffeehouses to bakeries and BBQ restaurants, there’s something to satisfy any palate!

Meet Local Black Artists

On the occasion of Black History Month, we have asked 8 local Black artists to share with us what they love about The Palm Beaches. Where do they find inspiration for their art? What’s their favorite weekend activity? Read the blog below to find out!