Advertisement

Celebrate Black History Month with these Tampa Bay events

February is Black History Month.
 
Festivals, talks and other celebrations take place across the Tampa Bay area during February to honor Black History Month..
Festivals, talks and other celebrations take place across the Tampa Bay area during February to honor Black History Month.. [ JOHN MCCALL | South Florida Sun-Sentinel ]
Published Feb. 1, 2023

Black heritage and pride is strong in the Tampa Bay area. Here are a few ways you can honor Black History Month.

Central Ave. West Walking Tour: Curator of Black history Fred Hearns leads this tour with stops at the St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church Historic Building, the historical marker for Historic Harlem Academy School/School #2, the graves of enslaved Africans in Oaklawn Cemetery, the former site of Beulah Baptist Church, the International Longshoremen’s Association Local #1402 Building (former Tampa Branch of the NAACP Office), Kid Mason Community Center and 813 Short Emery Street, where Ray Charles made his first recording. Sold out. 10 a.m. Feb. 4. Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water St., Tampa. 813-228-0097.

Local Stories Live: Black in Business: This month’s discussion features Black business owners including Dr. Genevieve “Gen” Dobson (Degrees of Success), Miranda Johnson (Desirose Logistics) and Lyani Powers (Modern Herbal Apothecary). Free. 9 a.m. Feb. 10. Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 E Palm Ave., Tampa.

The Refinery: Redefining the Color of Wealth: This night of empowerment and inspiration features panel discussions, networking, live music, entertainment and food. $35-$600. 6-11 p.m. Feb. 10. Egypt Shriners, 5017 E Washington St., Tampa.

Many area museums and galleries will pay tribute to Black artists. [ DAVID CRANE | Los Angeles Daily News ]

Tampa Bay Area Black History Month Walk for Education: This year’s 5K walk kicks off Black History Month with a history-based path learning about historic leaders who have developed the historic district. The festival is a celebration of leaders who have paved a way for the development of education on our minority youth. $35. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 11. Perry Harvey, Sr. Park, 1201 N Orange St., Tampa. 407-392-4684

ReIMAGINE: The opening reception for works by Black contemporary artists who have been impacted by the criminal legal system. Participating artists include Alfred Cleveland, Catherine E. Weaver, Anthony Williams, Christopher Williams, F. Axom, Jabaar Edmonds, and David Lee Watson. Free. 5-8 p.m. Feb. 11. Tully-Levine Gallery at the ArtsXchange Plaza, 515 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg.

Then Women’s Dinner: Ladies are invited to join the Black Women’s Dinner Society for food and socializing. $25. 5-10:30 Feb. 11. The Tampa Club, 101 E Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.

ZuZu African Acrobats: Hailing from Tanzania, this troupe celebrates the two thousand year old Bantu culture of East Africa. Each member of the cast has been trained by elders in the Bagamoyo Arts and Cultural Institute to perform these ancient acrobatic traditions. Free. 7 p.m. Feb. 13. Pasco Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel.

Florida Conversations Voices of Carver City/Lincoln Gardens: Lisa Armstrong, Ph.D., shares stories and research from her quest to uncover the history of Carver City/Lincoln Gardens. Armstrong uses ethnographic research methods to gain insight into Black experiences and perspectives from this small but important historically Black neighborhood in Tampa. Free. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 15. Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water St., Tampa. 813-228-0097.

Planning your weekend?

Subscribe to our free Top 5 things to do newsletter

We’ll deliver ideas every Thursday for going out, staying home or spending time outdoors.

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Explore all your options

A Man Dreams: In conjunction with The Shape of Dreams exhibition and Black History Month, Cranstan Cumberbatch presents an immersive, interactive multi-media and theatrical performance centered around the pursuit of Dreams. $10, $5 members. 6 p.m. Feb. 16. The Dali Museum, 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. 727.823.3767.

I Am: This portion of the speaker series highlighting nationally recognized speakers, innovators, entrepreneurs and investors from the Black technology startup and innovation community features Omi Bell. $17. 6 p.m. Feb. 16. Embarc Collective, 802 E Whiting St., Tampa.

Collards After Dark: Food, Joy, History: Dine on a southern-prepared meal, including collards, black-eyed peas, fried chicken, and peach cobbler, as you listen to dialogue between Dr. Ladonna Butler, CEO of The Well for Life, and living history performer Dr. Martha Bireda. $45. 6-9 p.m. Feb. 17. Hammock Hall, 3010 31st St. S, St. Petersburg.

Wine Pairing Celebration: A wine pairing event featuring McBride Sisters Wine Company, the largest black-owned wine company in the United States, in celebration of black business owners in honor of Black History Month. $110. 6 p.m. Feb. 17. On the beach at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa, 301 S Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater. 727-373-1234.

Prayer Breakfast: The Daughters of Harram Court No. 96 host the “Fill My Cup: Ephesians 3:19″-themed breakfast. 9 a.m. Feb. 18. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 2200 N Oregon Ave., Tampa. 813-361-4539.

Carl Little, of Seffner, hands a customer their purchase of collard greens during the 2022 Tampa Bay Collared Green Festival. It takes place again in St. Petersburg Feb. 18. [ ARIELLE BADER | Special to the Times ]

Collard Green Festival: This event emphasizes education in food consumption, agricultural science, and improved lifestyle choices, including physical fitness. It adheres to a “health is wealth” initiative and focuses on healthcare disparities within the Black, Brown, and African American populations. Includes a collard green cook-off, food and health oriented vendors. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 18. Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, 2240 Ninth Ave. S, St. Petersburg.

Black History Month Reception: Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks will share the story that led to a 14-year Hall of Fame career. During the reception, the 2023 Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr. Award for the Preservation of Black History and Heritage will be presented to this year’s distinguished honoree. $75. 5:30-9 p.m. Feb. 24. Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water St., Tampa. 813-228-0097.

Black History Program: The fifth annual “Honoring Our Heroes” themed program recognizes Black community heroes that have served as First Responders. $50. 6-9 p.m. Feb. 24. 7326 E Sligh Ave., Tampa.

Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song: This important film in the history of Black cinema, was credited by Variety as leading to the creation of the blaxploitation genre..$8. 7-10 p.m. Feb. 24. Screen Door Cinema Kress Annex, 1624 E Seventh Ave., Tampa.

St. Petersburg Black History Bike Tour: Local historian Josette Green combines biking and education on this 5-mile looping tour that covers the fascinating history of St. Petersburg’s African American residents. Free. 9 a..m.-1 p.m. Feb. 25. Chief’s Creole Cafe, 901 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg. 727-503-4736.

Peddle your way through Black history on a St. Petersburg Black History Bike Tour. [ Katee Morales ]

Living History Saturday: The History of Rogers Park: Hear about the historic Rogers Park Golf Course and its service to the Black community as told by Lionel Ballard, a West Tampa native and outreach coordinator for First Tee of Tampa Bay. Included with admission. Noon-3 p.m. Feb. 25. Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water St., Tampa. 813-228-0097.

Pinellas African American Heritage Celebration: This festival showcases Black history and culture at Pinewood Cultural Park (Florida Botanical Gardens, Heritage Village and Creative Pinellas). Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 25. Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. 727-582-2117.

Living History Saturday: The History of Rogers Park: Hear about the historic Rogers Park golf course and its service to the Black community as told by Lionel Ballard, Outreach Coordinator for First Tee of Tampa Bay. Included with admission. Noon-3 p.m. Feb. 25. Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St., Tampa. 813-228-0097.

A Dry White Season: Set in South Africa in 1976, this film deals with the subject of apartheid. Marlon Brando was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. $8. 3-6 p.m. Feb. 26. Screen Door Cinema Kress Annex, 1624 E Seventh Ave., Tampa.

Time’s Undoing: Author Cheryl A. Head discusses her novel about a young Black journalist’s search for answers in the unsolved murder of her great-grandfather in segregated Birmingham, Alabama. Free. 7 p.m. Feb. 28. Tombolo Books, 2153 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg. 727-755-9456.