Celebrate Black History in The Palm Beaches
While always something to be honored, celebrated, and studied, Black history comes into finer focus during the month of February.
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.
Black History Month Kickoff Events at The Square – West Palm Beach
When: February 3, 9 am – 8 pm
Visit The Square for the third annual Black History Month Kickoff Event presented by Rohi’s Readery. 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.
Location: The Square, 700 South Rosemary Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
Black History: Unity and Community – West Palm Beach
When: February 8, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
This season the Historical Society of Palm Beach County invites the community to unite for a special event to pay homage to homegrown African American stars in music, art, and dance.
A multimedia montage will feature local musicians from the first era of the Sunset Lounge, which is soon to rise again.
This celebration will include a multi-panel exhibit on these accomplished Palm Beach County residents in the historic courtroom during February.
Caron Bowman of Street Art Revolution, the source of many outdoor murals in downtown West Palm Beach, will offer a presentation about recognizing the contributions of our African American citizens. The Soul Movement Dance Ensemble, Soul Stage creative dance troupe will add to the festivities.
Location: Historical Society of Palm Beach County, 300 N. Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
The Palm Beach Black Culture Fashion Show – West Palm Beach
When: February 10, 6 pm – 9 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. Learn more.
Location: 600 N Rosemary Ave 600 North Rosemary Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
“Inventing Beauty,” the 18th African American Film Festival – West Palm Beach
When: February 15-18
Join author, curator and film scholar Terri Francis for the 18th African American Film Festival.
Francis and her special guests take you on a cinematic journey through the social, historical and personal dynamics of how we learn and question what and who we (should) find beautiful in the context of ground-breaking and gorgeous African American films. The films in INVENTING BEAUTY invite us to reflect on our personal and perhaps shifting notions of beauty—a concept that is as intimate as it is social, as timeless as it is always changing.
Guests attending PEAK performances in the Rinker Playhouse will receive one complimentary beverage with every ticket purchased (underage guests will be offered a non-alcoholic selection).
Location: Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
Black History Month Mini-Fest at Majestic 7 – West Palm Beach
When: February 17, 12 pm – 6:30 pm
Join Our Life and Love – A New Era of Inclusion, a family day of art creation and international music during Black History Month. This Family Day includes art creation, storytime, discussions, and international music to celebrate the valuation of art, culture and each other.
Schedule:
- 12:00 pm: Family Art Creation Workshop including literary art (Poetry and Book Reading)
- 2:00 pm: Discussion “New Era of Street Art.” A conversation with Lowe Collection and Street Art Revolution on the history and present day of public art in consideration of self-inclusion as part of our Unique History.
- 3:30 pm: dei 7 free range music– performance featuring international music from Africa to the Americas.
Admission is complimentary.
To attend, register here.
Location: Majestic 7, 407 Northwood Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
The Historically Black College Improv Comedy Show – Delray Beach
When: February 18, 7 pm – 8:30 pm
The Intelligent Fools improv comedy troupe presents at Arts Garage their improv and sketch comedy show dedicated to the Black college experience. Join The Intelligent Fools this February for this groundbreaking performance that will include improv, step, dance, and music! Come out and enjoy this Black history celebration through the art of improv.
Location: Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444.
Black Leadership Summit – Boynton Beach
When: February 23, 10 am – 5 pm
Join the 2nd Annual Black Leadership Summit on February 23, 2024, at the Arts & Cultural Center, located in Boynton Beach. The Black Leadership Summit is a one-day conference that includes a plenary session, workshop, and panel discussion.
The keynote speaker for this year’s event is Careshia Moore, President & CEO at the Usher New Look Foundation.
Topics include leadership and business development, financial literacy, education innovation, mental and behavioral health, diversity in technology, and more. This event is targeted at business and nonprofit executives and leaders seeking leadership development. This year’s theme is “Making an Impact: Where do you fit in?” Proceeds from the Black Leadership Summit will provide scholarships or grants for Palm Beach County students and young adults.
For more information about the foundation or event visit BOLD FOUNDATION, INC.
Location: Boynton Beach Cultural Arts Center, 125 E Ocean Ave, Boynton Beach, FL 33435.
BlackLuxe Picnic Festival – Boca Raton
When: February 24, 2 pm – 9 pm
Join a music and food festival in a luxury outdoor setting, celebrating the excellence of the black culture and highlighting black brands and vendors. Participants must dress in picnic/derby attire, while allowing them to bring picnic baskets with food and picnic tables. The event includes DJs, live bands, musical artists, colorful and dynamic photo installations for great picture taking, and interactive games.
The BlackLuxe Picnic Festival Weekend donates part of its proceeds to various nonprofits that aide in the development of the youth and organizations that seeks to advance the education of African Americans. Part proceeds from the event will benefit the Bold Foundation, a 501 c3 organization aimed at developing our youth through education and leadership training and the Juneteenth Foundation of Palm Beach County.
Location: Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 20405 Amphitheater Cir, Boca Raton, FL 33498.
B.A.M. Black Art Matters – West Palm Beach
When: Thursdays, 6:30 pm.
Throughout February, enjoy a showcase of young talented black artists amplifying their voices in our community. Check them out here!
Location: City Zen Garden, 400 Datura 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 to find out!
