Since 1976, the United States of America has celebrated Black History Month every February. The goal has been to remember the past, engage with the present, and build hope for the future for African American communities all across the country. This month, East Texas once again joins in on the celebration. Below is a list of various local events highlighting the joy and perseverance of Black culture. To learn more about Black History Month, as well as this year’s theme “African Americans and the Arts,” visit this great article by the History Channel.

Feb. 2nd

Our Sound - A Black History Month Presentation of Jazz and Poetry Night

- True Vine Brewing Company, Tyler (Earl Campbell Location)

- 6pm-9pm

The Caldwell Jazz Band, Boulter Jazz Band, Poetry Readers and more performers will kick off Black History Month at this free event held at True Vine Brewing Company.

Feb. 4th

Art Talk with Bill Walterman and Peter Brown

- Museum of East Texas, Lufkin

- 2pm

The Museum of East Texas is delighted to host an Artist Talk with Bill Walterman and Peter Brown, professor at the Glasscock School of Rice University on Sunday, February 4 at 2 p.m. The talk will focus on the process of creating Walterman’s book Shine the Light, a collection of 119 photographs captured at East Texas black churches over a period of six years. Twenty-one of the photographs from the book will be on display in our chapel throughout the spring.

Feb. 7th

Protect Your Crown

- East Texas Baptist University, Marshall

- 6pm

Ladies and Gentlemen, join Masterpiece Barbershop and local hair care professionals to learn more about how to protect your crown! You do not want to miss it. There will be FREE HAIRCUTS for students, and a drawing will be held at the end for haircare products that can help you protect your crown. We will be going over hair and skincare tips, health insights, and tutorials just for you.

Feb. 10th

Black History Month - Empowering You & Your Health

- Texas African American Museum, Tyler

- 11am-4pm

Join us for a free Health Screening/Education, Medication Counseling & Expired Medication Disposal. Sponsored by: The University Of Texas At Tyler - SNPHA. For More Information:903-218-1388903-283-6089

Feb. 17th

3rd Annual Black History Month Gala

- Holiday Inn Tyler - Conference Center

- 6pm-9pm

Join the Texas African American Museum at our Third Annual Black History Month Gala with special guest Pastor Ray Charles Lewis. Tickets are $50. Purchase tickets here.

Feb. 23rd

Dallas Black Dance Theater @ Caldwell Arts Academy

- Caldwell Gymnasium, Tyler

- 6:45pm

Members of Dallas Black Dance Theatre will perform Friday, February 23rd, for a evening community show at 6:45. Caldwell’s Black History Event will be on Friday, February 23rd, at 5:30 PM. It will conclude with “Our Dance” at 6:45 in the gymnasium. Tickets are $10. Purchase tickets here.

African American Read-in Celebration

- East Texas Baptist University, Marshall

- 7pm

Join us for our annual African American Read-In. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to come and enjoy literature readings and worship that shine a light on cultural diversity.