February was named Black History Month in 1976 under President Gerald Ford, designating it as a time to reflect on the adversity overcome and celebrate the great achievements and contributions the Black community has made. In Washington, D.C., everything from local businesses to the Library of Congress, National Park Service, and Smithsonian Institution hosts events, exhibits, talks, and more as a way of honoring the month and the Black community. Though Black History Month is slowly coming to a close, from museums to exhibits, to patronizing local businesses, and more, there are still a number of happenings and ways to honor the struggles and achievements of the Black community and commemorate this important historical holiday:
1. Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture will be “honoring the African American experience” throughout February with a number of talks, special exhibits, and highlight tours through the galleries.
- “Big Objects, Big Stories: Ten shards of stained glass” – February 23
- “Big Objects, Big Stories: The Paradox of the Liberty” – February 23
- “Big Objects, Big Stories: A charred penny from the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921” – February 24
- “Double Victory: The African American Military Experience Highlights Tour” – February 25
- “Afrofuturism Big Objects, Big Stories: I Go To Prepare A Place For You by Bisa Butler” – March 1
- “Afrofuturism Big Objects, Big Stories: The Paradox of the Liberty” – March 1
- “Afrofuturism Big Objects, Big Stories: I Go To Prepare A Place For You by Bisa Butler” – March 2
- Patronize the museum’s Sweet Home Café for its Black History Month Chef’s Table
2-5. Check out one of these renowned exhibits and plays
- “Black Like Me” at the Zenith Gallery
- “The High Ground” at Arena Stage
- “Wild Seeds of the Soufside” at Phillips@THEARC
- “Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South” at the National Gallery of Art
6. Indulge in the Black Chef Series at the Cambria Hotel
In honor of Black History Month, on Monday, February 20, the Cambria Hotel on the Capitol Riverfront (in partnership with Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey) are hosting a Black Chef Series. The series explores and honors the differing cuisines and heritages of five renowned Black chefs, each crafting one course of a five-course meal that exemplifies their diverse backgrounds. Each course is accompanied by a wine or cocktail pairing. The dinner will run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. for $125 per person.
7. View the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Situated along the Tidal Basin and sculpted from granite, King’s is the first memorial that honors an African American person along the entire National Mall. You can walk around his memorial and read more than 10 quotations from some of King’s most renowned speeches inscribed along the sculpture and its walls.
8. Hear classical renditions of renowned Black artists works
The Fever Originals Candlelight series is offering a concert that will honor Black History Month with performances of classical renditions of renowned Black artists’ hits amid soft candlelight:
9. Experience Black Lives Matter Plaza
Created in June 2020 following protests against police brutality, the mural situated outside the White House along a two-block span of 16th Street NW, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced it would become a permanent presence in October 2021. The Black Lives Matter Plaza mural is meant to “remain a gathering place for reflection, planning and action, as we work toward a more perfect union.”