February is Black History Month, a celebration of the rich contributions of Black Americans throughout history. Throughout the month, there are endless ways to learn, reflect on and celebrate Black history right here in Charlotte. Read on for museum exhibitions, live performances and festivals to fill your calendar with this February.
Graphic GarMINT
Feb. 1 | Mint Museum Uptown
Graphic GarMINT will honor and highlight the creativity and work of 11 Black designers. This exhibition is a collaboration between the Mint Museum, the Mint group the Young Affiliates of the Mint (YAMs), and Davita Galloway (Dupp & Swatt and Crown Keepers). The exhibition will be on view for a 2-week duration.
The Men Inside
Feb. 2 | Booth Playhouse
Inspired by the exhibit Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. on display at the Harvey B. Gantt Center and the Levine Museum of the New South, this live production honors the paths and tells the stories of Black men who have become change-makers in their communities.
Men of Change exhibit at The Harvey B. Gantt Center
Through March 12
Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. profiles men—including Muhammad Ali, James Baldwin, Ta-Nehisi Coates, W.E.B DuBois, and Kendrick Lamar—whose journeys have altered Black history and culture. Visitors to the immersive exhibit will experience their achievements through photographs, quotes, works of art, poetry and more.
2023 N.C. Black Heritage Festival
Feb. 26 | Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
The 2023 North Carolina Black Heritage Festival will bring 100 Black-owned companies and the community together for an afternoon complete with vendors, games, performances, arts and crafts and more. Attendees can also expect free giveaways and kids activities.
African American Heritage Festival
Feb. 23-25 | Charlotte History Museum
This year’s event will emphasize regional HBCUs through performance, panels, and a college fair. The festival will also play host to dozens of local vendors, feature special tours at the 1774 Alexander Homesite, and feature the North Carolina Poet Laureate, Jaki Shelton Green, for a keynote address. Plus, there will be free admission to the Charlotte Museum of History in celebration Charlotte’s Black history and culture on February 25 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Cornelius Black History Month Celebration
Feb. 25 | 12 – 2 pm
The Cornelius Parks & Recreation Department celebrates Black History Month every year with a special event in February. This free, public event is offered in collaboration with the Smithville CommUNITY Coalition and features performances, speakers, children’s activities and more.
Black Owned Business Showcase
Feb. 26 | SouthPark Regional Library | 2-4 pm
Meet successful African American entrepreneurs from the Charlotte community from various industries for a motivational and enlightening afternoon of information and networking.
Town of Huntersville Black History Month Celebrations
Join Mecklenburg County’s David B. Waymer Recreation Center and the Town of Huntersville Parks & Recreation department every Monday, the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. Each Monday will feature a different Black History Program. These programs are free to the public. Events include:
- February 6, 2023 – 5:30pm: Showing of “Harriett” at 12pm and “Soul”
Dellwood Center – 508 Dellwood Drive - February 13, 2023 – 2:30pm: Story book reading by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Dellwood Center – 508 Dellwood Drive - February 20, 2023 – 2:30pm: Special Performance by Drums 4 Life
David B. Waymer Recreation Center – 14008 Holbrooks Rd. - February 27, 2023 – 2:00pm: Black History Bingo/Trivia program
David B. Waymer Recreation Center at 2pm -14008 Holbrooks Rd.
Take a walking mural tour of Black history
This guide by Charlotte’s Got a Lot includes many larger-than-life murals that tell the story and triumph of Black history.
CineMagic: A Celebration of Black Experiences Through Film
Sundays in February | Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library
Each Sunday in February, the Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library will host CineMagic: A Celebration of Black Experiences Through Film. Enjoy popcorn and light refreshments during the movie, then stay afterwards to discuss the film and explore relevant Library materials and resources.
- February 5, 1:30 p.m.: Black History: Tell Them We are Rising
- February 12, 1:30 p.m.: Back Love: Southside With You
- February 19, 1:30 p.m.: Black Love: The Photograph
- February 26, 1:30 p.m.: Black Excellence: King Richard
Matthews Heritage Museum Presents: Woven Treasures
Feb. 9 | Matthews Library | 2-3 pm
Join Barbara Taylor, director of the Matthews Heritage Museum, as she introduces the museum’s latest exhibition, Woven Treasures. This exhibit features the work of Mecklenburg County basket maker Leon Berry, who learned his craft from his grandfather, a former slave.
Collaging Like Romare
Feb. 11 | Myers Park Library | 11 am
Celebrate Black History Month by creating collages in the style of African American artist, Romare Bearden. All materials will be supplied for this in-person, informative art program open for preteens, teens, and adults ages 10 and up. Registration is required.
