How Event Creators Honor Black History Month

Black History Month honors icons of the Civil Rights movement and members of the modern Black Lives Matter movement who continue advocating for change in society. Each February, we reflect on how we can celebrate and recognize Black history-makers every day. This year, we honor the theme of Black Resistance, which delves into the ways Black Americans have resisted oppression.

Read on to see how Black creators use Eventbrite to bring communities together with cultural events and raise awareness of important causes during Black History Month and beyond.

Black History Month events

Eventbrite creators host Black History Month events geared toward people of all ages and nationalities. The month commemorates the struggles and achievements of Black figures throughout the past and present. It also aims to educate people of all races.

Many people flock to virtual events because they are convenient. So, booking events with engaging speakers will help capture your virtual attendees’ attention and let them ask questions about history or current events. Other Black History Month virtual event ideas include putting together a book club featuring familiar and new Black authors, or virtual tours of historic sites that play a role in Black history or culture.

Explore more Black History Month event ideas, such as:

Youth-focused events with activities specifically directed at students, including trivia games and scavenger hunts.
Music events that celebrate with music like blues, jazz, and R&B, and artists such as Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson, Louis Armstrong, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin.
Author interviews of those writers who have an interesting or unique perspective on history, tolerance, music, art, or success.
Individual, group, or community Black history art projects geared to promote representation and success.

As you can see, your organization can host various meaningful events in and outside the month of February.

Creator spotlight: The Soul Restoration Project

Musician Darrell Grant’s Soul Restoration Project has been in residence at the Albina Arts Center since the summer of 2021. The Project’s hosts discuss various aspects of Black culture, from jazz to journalism. The program features musical performances and brings communities together through unique experiences. Here’s what creator Darrell Grant had to say about the Soul Restoration Project in our past Q&A.

What inspired you to create the project?

The Soul Restoration Project is a response to the turmoil the city of Portland has been through in the past two years. The combination of the pandemic and the 100+ days of riots and protests following the death of George Floyd has left the city torn and broken. The once-vibrant downtown area is a shadow of its former self, in need of something to bring the city back together.

With pandemic restrictions lifting in the summer of 2021, I decided to place an upright piano a few blocks from the epicenter of the recent protests and gather a few fellow artists together. My idea is to use art to weave our practices of music, movement, visual art, and spoken word into daily rituals of collective intention that embody welcoming, gratitude, reflection, and celebration.

After the first gathering, I returned to the public plaza in August, meeting with musicians each weekend. It quickly turned into a concert and impromptu jam session with meaningful conversation mixed in. From there, the Project has entered into a residency at the Albina Arts Salon. Nestled in the heart of Portland’s Black community, the project’s goal is to bring life and attention to the historic neighborhood.

How has the response been so far and how is it shaping up for future events?

The response to the project has been overwhelmingly positive. The Albina Arts Salon residency is drawing the community together in numerous ways. Instead of lasting the initially planned six weeks, it has turned into a four-month event. Artists participating in the events include Sunshine Dixon, Daren Todd, Bobby Fouther, Elijah Hasan, Intisar Abioto, Mic Crenshaw, Layna Lewis, Viva La Free, and Friends of Noise, as well as memory activism organization Vanport Mosaic.

We have hosted everything from concerts and film screenings to lectures, gatherings, communal meals, artisan markets, youth workshops, and open mics. There is also an art gallery, along with historical documentation activities. Elders and leaders are celebrated, and the program also mentors youth. It has become more than a series of events; instead, it is a continual gathering of Black creators celebrating where we have been, who we are, and where we are going.

Black History Month is, of course, a popular time for events celebrating Black history and culture — but how can event organizers continue to do so throughout the year?

Black History Month is only for a set number of days, but these events do not need to end on March 1st. To continue celebrating Black cultural events, spaces, and venues are necessary. There is enough energy in and outside the community to keep Black History Month events going throughout the year. The extended residency and continued interest in The Soul Restoration Project show that interest in Black culture doesn’t stop when February ends.

More inspirational cultural events from Black creators

Want more inspiration? See how other creators are celebrating Black History Month with their communities.

Black Com!x Day 2023

The Worldbeat Cultural Center is a nonprofit multi-cultural arts organization that opened its doors 30 years ago. It’s a place for all cultures and people to celebrate through art, music, and dance. This year, the center is hosting its third annual Black Comic-Con on February 11th and 12th.

Black Com!x Day (BCD) is free to the public and gives everyone a chance to meet professional Black comic book artists and writers from Marvel, DC Comics, and Image Comics, as well as independent publishers. Kids and adults can participate in interactive activities and games. Featured panelists will host a discussion on the challenges of being Black in the business world, and attendees can also participate in a discussion on Black women in comics. The two-day family-friendly event celebrates Black culture in the comic book world.

Afro-Caribbean Black History Gala & Awards

Authentic Caribbean Foundation is working to transform the lives of children with disabilities in the United States and the Caribbean. The foundation assists with health issues and education, holds a community exchange program, and hosts events. They hold Black History Month events, such as the Afro-Caribbean Black History Gala & Awards, which recognizes Caribbean Americans in Massachusetts who are contributing to the ongoing development of the diaspora community, including its youth. The gala and awards reception is always the highlight of their annual event.

Let Eventbrite help with your Black History Month events

Celebrate Black lives and accomplishments by hosting impactful events. It’s the perfect time to bring different communities and cultures together. Whether you’re planning virtual events or in-person activities, Eventbrite has the tools you need to make your celebration a success.