Here are 25+ events and ways to celebrate Black History Month in Louisville
Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month, is celebrated each February. It is a federally recognized time to reflect on the significant roles that Black Americans played in shaping United States history. There are more than 20-plus events taking place in Louisville and Southern Indiana to celebrate and honor Black history, from movie screenings to concerts, theater, discussions and more.
Here's a list of events taking place listed by date:
Unlocking Our Lost Stories
WHAT: Hear stories of local unsung heroes of Black entrepreneurship in 10 cities throughout the United States including Louisville. Sponsored by Amplify Louisville
WHERE: Loft, The Biscuit Lounge, 120 S. 10th St.
WHEN: Feb. 2, 5:30-8 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free, but reservations are requested. eventbrite.com.
The Chickasaw Book Project: A Dialogue of Shared Memories
WHAT: Join Dawne Gee, members of the Chickasaw Book Committee, and members of the community as they share recollections about life in the Chickasaw neighborhood between the 1940s and 1970s.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 4, 2 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free, registration is requested. 502-574-1611; lfpl.org.
DeRay Davis
WHAT: Comedian-turned-actor DeRay Davis can most recently starred opposite Taraji P. Henson in seasons 1 and 2 of the Lee Daniels and Danny Strong show "Empire" on the FOX network.
WHERE: Louisville Comedy Club, 110 W. Main St.
WHEN: Feb. 3, 7:30 and 10:15 p.m.; Feb. 4, 7 and 9:45 p.m.; Feb. 5, 7 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets start at $35. louisvillecomedy.com.
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Black History Month Film Series: 'Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am'
WHAT: "Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am." An intimate look at the life and works of the legendary storyteller and Nobel prize-winner, Toni Morrison. Presented by The Library and the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Rated: PG-13.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 5, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: A panel discussion will follow the film. Free. Registration is requested. 502-574-1611; lfpl.org.
BLatinX: Celebrating Puerto Rico's African Heritage Fast Class
WHAT: Dr. Thomas Wayne Edison, associate professor at the University of Louisville, will discuss the history, music, and poetry that reflect Puerto Rico's communities of African heritage.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Presented by MyLibraryU. Free. 502-574-1611; lfpl.org.
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'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'
WHAT: University of Louisville Department of Theatre Arts presents this musical comedy based on the book by Rachel Sheinkin about a spelling bee in Putnam Valley Middle School where six quirky adolescents compete in the Bee, run by three equally quirky grown-ups.
WHERE: The Playhouse, 1911 S. Third St.
WHEN: Feb. 10, 11, 16-18, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 12, 19, 3 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: $20 general admission; $15 seniors, UofL faculty and staff, $10 students. eventbrite.com.
Trevor Noah: Off the Record Tour
WHAT: Comedian and host of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning The Daily Show on Comedy Central.
WHERE: Louisville Palace, 625 S. Fourth St.
WHEN: Feb. 10, 8 p.m.; Feb. 11, 7 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets start at $74. louisvillepalace.com.
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History of the Buffalo Soldiers
WHAT: Members of the Kentucky Buffalo Soldiers Chapter will discuss how the black units of the 9th and 10th Calvary played a significant role in today's military.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, South Central, 7300 Jefferson Blvd.
WHEN: Feb. 11, 2 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. Registration is requested. 502-964-3515; lfpl.org.
Black Superhero Showcase
WHAT: In honor of Black History Month, the library will showcase graphic novels, artwork, and activities featuring some of the media's most popular and not-so-popular black superheroes. Come dressed as your favorite superhero. For ages 5 and older.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Portland Branch, 3305 Northwestern Parkway
WHEN: Feb. 11, 2 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. 502-574-574-1744; lfpl.org.
Collage Dance Collective
WHAT: Performing a diverse range of world-class dances. Part of Brown-Forman Midnite Ramble Series.
WHERE: Brown Theatre, 315 W. Broadway
WHEN: Feb. 11, 8 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets start at $29.25. kentuckyperformingarts.org.
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Black History Month Film Series: 'Aftershock'
WHAT: "Aftershock." The documentary examines the lives of two bereaved families who reckon with one of the most pressing American crises today, mental health. Rated: TV-MA.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 12, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: A panel discussion will follow the film. Free. Registration is requested. 502-574-1611; lfpl.org.
History Deep Dives: Shelby Lockhart's Family History Journey
WHAT: Shelby Lockhart will speak about her journey in researching her family’s history and strategies to apply to your own research. She'll share how she located her ancestors' country of origin in Africa and uncovered family stories–including her relation to Robert William Stewart, LAPD's first Black police officer. Part of Daytime History Speaker Series.
WHERE: Carnegie Center for Art & History, 201 E. Spring St., New Albany, Indiana
WHEN: Feb. 14, noon to 1 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free, but registration is required. carnegiecenter.org.
Black History Collages
WHAT: Celebrate Black History Month by creating a collage of notable figures, events, newspaper clippings, and more. Also learn about prominent Black collage artists, and how they highlight history in their work. Supplies provided.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Western Branch, 604 S. 10th St.
WHEN: Feb. 18, 1 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. Registration is requested. 502-574-1779; lfpl.org.
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History of the Buffalo Soldiers
WHAT: Members of the Kentucky Buffalo Soldiers Chapter will discuss how the black units of the 9th and 10th Calvary played a significant role in today’s military.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Iroquois Branch, 601 W. Woodlawn St.
WHEN: Feb. 18, 1 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. Registration is requested. 502-574-1720; lfpl.org.
Black Inventors Family Storytime
WHAT: The traffic light, potato chips, and the modern home security system were all created by Black inventors. Learn more about Black inventors with books, a craft, and a potato chip eating contest.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Southwest Branch, 9725 Dixie Highway.
WHEN: Feb. 18, 2 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. Registration is requested. 502-933-0029; lfpl.org.
African American History & Louisville Free Public Library: Western Branch
WHAT: Western Library was the first library in the nation to serve and be fully operated by African Americans. Today it is home to the African American Archives, featuring resources dedicated to African American history, including papers of poet Joseph S. Cotter, Sr., and librarian Thomas F. Blue. Join current branch manager Natalie Woods for a discussion of the history of the Western Library and highlights from the archive.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Bon Air Branch, 2816 Del Rio Place
WHEN: Feb. 18, 3 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. Registration is requested. 502-574-1795; lfpl.org.
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Black History Month Film Series: "Till"
WHAT: "Till." The true story of Mamie Till Mobley's pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, who, in 1955, was lynched while visiting his cousins in Mississippi. Rated PG-13. Presented by The Library and the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Rated: PG-13.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 19, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: A panel discussion will follow the film. Free. Registration is requested. 502-574-1611; lfpl.org.
17th Annual Thomas Merton Black History Month Lecture
WHAT: Topic: "Letters to a White Liberal, In a Queer Key." Speaker: Craig A. Ford, Jr., professor at St. Norbert College. Professor Ford is a sought-out speaker for sexuality and racial justice workshops and seminars, and his current book project seeks to articulate a new theology of sex and gender for the Roman Catholic tradition.
WHERE: Hilary's, Bellarmine University, 2001 Newburg Road
WHEN: Feb. 21, 7 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. 502-272-8187; merton.org/visit.aspx; merton.org/Events/#CF.
A Night with the Sages
WHAT: Honor and celebrate the professional trailblazers who have had successful careers in some of Louisville's most prominent businesses. Panel discussion with honored sages: Diane Whitlock, University of Louisville; Elmer Lucille Allen, Brown Forman Corporation; Karen Ash, Humana; David Cosby, Louisville Gas and Electric and Carol Jones Clay, Republic Bank.
WHERE: Republic Bank Foundation YMCA, 1720 W. Broadway
WHEN: Feb. 22, 6-7:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. eventbrite.com.
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Craig Robinson
WHAT: Standup comedian who starred in the TV show "The Office" and appeared on other television shows, including "Arrested Development," "Lucky," "Friends," "Halfway Home," and "Reno 911."
WHERE: Louisville Comedy Club, 110 W. Main St.
WHEN: Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 24, 7 and 10:15 p.m.; Feb. 25, 7 and 9:45 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets start at $40. louisvillecomedy.com.
Deep Greenwood 'The Hidden Truth of Black Wallstreet'
WHAT: The story of the affluent Black community known as the Greenwood District often referred to as "Black Wallstreet" and how it came into existence and the resolve of the Black community to stand together after a series of events led to the destruction of the entire Greenwood area.
WHERE: Louisville Memorial Auditorium, 970 S. 4th St.
WHEN: Feb. 24, 7 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets start at $42.50. eventbrite.com.
Louisville Orchestra's 'Aretha: A Tribute'
WHAT: "Aretha: A Tribute." A Tribute to the Queen of Soul featuring symphony favorite Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy Award nominee Ryan Shaw performing Aretha’s iconic hits that include "Respect," "Think’," "A Natural Woman," "Chain of Fools," "Amazing Grace" and many others. Bob Bernhardt, conductor. Part of the Pops Concert Series.
WHERE: Whitney Hall, Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.
WHEN: Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets start at $32. louisvilleorchestra.org.
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History of the Buffalo Soldiers
WHAT: Members of the Kentucky Buffalo Soldiers Chapter will discuss how the black units of the 9th and 10th Calvary played a significant role in today’s military.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Newburg Branch, 4800 Exeter Ave.
WHEN: Feb. 25, 1 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. Registration is requested. 502-479-6160; lfpl.org.
The Journey of the Drum
WHAT: River City Drum Corp Cultural Arts Institute Inc. in collaboration with Actors Theatre of Louisville will take you on a ride as they navigate the traveling journey of the drum alongside those who were enslaved and reprimanded for utilizing the drum.
WHERE: Bomhard Theater, Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.
WHEN: Feb. 26, 4 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets start at $22.50, $14.63 for children. kentuckyperformingarts.org.
'A Is For Affrilichia' Book Signing
WHAT: Join Gye Nyame Books & More for a book signing of Frank X Walker's, "A Is for Affrilachia." Attendees that purchase tickets in advance will have their books preordered and signed by the author and will also have a photo taken with Frank X Walker.
WHERE: African American Heritage Foundation, 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd.
WHEN: Feb. 26, 3-5 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets are $25. eventbrite.com.
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Black History Month Film Series: 'My Name is Pauli Murray'
WHAT: "My Name is Pauli Murray." A look at the life and ideas of Pauli Murray, a non-binary Black lawyer, activist and poet who influenced both Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Thurgood Marshall. Presented by The Library and the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Rated: PG-13.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 26, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: A panel discussion will follow the film. Free. Registration is requested. 502-574-1611; lfpl.org.
African American Pathfinders
WHAT: A presentation and discussion on little-known historical, innovative, and/or cultural contributions made by African-Americans. Each month will cover a different topic or genre. This month's topic: Librarians.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Western Branch, 604 S. 10th St.
WHEN: Feb. 28, 5:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. Registration is requested. 502-574-1779; lfpl.org.
The Humanity Archive: Book Launch
WHAT: Join author Jermaine Fowler, host of the history podcast "The Humanity Archive," for the launch of his new book of the same name.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 28, 7 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Presented in partnership with Carmichael's Bookstore. Free, registration is requested. 502-574-1611; lfpl.org.
Reach news clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Black History Month 2023: Louisville events and celebrations
