Black history is American history, and though we pay special attention to the significant achievements and contributions Black Americans and people of African descent have made to this country during February, learning and honoring Black history is absolutely of year-round importance.
“Black History Month shouldn't be treated as though it is somehow separate from our collective American history,” said President Barack Obama in 2016. “It's about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America.”
History of Black History Month
Black History Month’s roots started in 1915 — half a century after slavery was abolished — when scholar Carter G. Woodson co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. He urged other Black scholars and civic organizations to promote their community’s achievements, and out of that motivation the Association sponsored Negro History Week in the second week of February 1926.
By the late 1960s, Woodson’s concept was expanded into what we now recognize as Black History Month, officially recognized by President Gerald R. Ford during the 1976 bicentennial.
Why February
Woodson, considered the “father of Black history,” chose February to coincide with the birthdays of former slave and prominent abolitionist Frederick Douglass (believed to be Feb.14) and President Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12), who was influential in the emancipation of slaves. Woodson also chose this week out of tradition, as Black communities had already been honoring these two birthdays during the second week of the month.
Ways to Honor Black History Month in Nashville
🛍️ Support Local Black-owned Businesses
- Feast at some of our favorite Black-owned restaurants: Big Al’s Deli, Shugga Hi Bakery & Cafe, Riddim n Spice, Cal’s Country Kitchen, Germantown Pub, Prince’s Hot Chicken, 400 Degrees Hot Chicken, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, The Loading Dock, Rolled 4 Ever, and Cupcake Collection.
- Shop small at places like N.B. Goods, Alkebu-Lan Images, Queen Bee Ink, Gladly Gather, Pink Glitter Thrift Boutique, and The Black Candle Company.
- Discover new Black-owned local businesses by attending the Black History Month Expo from Feb. 28-March 1.
🎵 Attend a Performance
- Sudan Archives is performing at The Basement East on Feb. 3.
- Dress in your nicest black clothes for the 20th Annual All Black Affair at the Brooklyn Bowl on Feb. 6.
- Laugh along with Trevor Noah at the Ryman on Feb. 9-10.
- Listen to jazz played by Wynton Marsalis at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Feb. 11.
- Miguel is performing at the Ryman on Feb. 11.
- Tramaine Arte’Mis and The I7 Jazz Band will be playing for free at The Frist’s Café Cheeserie on Feb. 12.
- Be amazed by Ogemdi Ude’s “Major” at OZ Arts on Feb 12-14, which celebrates the power and legacy of majorette dance.
- “Hamlet” heads to the South in “Fat Ham,” playing at TPAC from Feb. 13-22.
- Acclaimed vocalist Vinéecia Buchanan pays tribute to jazz legend Carmen McRae with a free performance at The Frist on Feb. 15.
- See Mariah the Scientist at the Ryman on Feb. 18.
- Hear Robert Cray at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Feb. 20.
- The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to TPAC on Feb. 21-22.
👨🏾🎓 Learn More
- Take a Soul of America tour.
- Nashville Public Library has numerous free Black History Month events for all ages, from movies to story times to workshops.
- Go to the National Museum of African American Music, the only one of its kind.
- See an exhibit of local Black artist Barbara Bullock’s works at The Frist.
- Homeschooled kids can learn about our Black history at the Tennessee State Museum on Feb. 10.
- Attend the Nashville Conference on African American History & Culture on Feb. 13.
- Cheryl McKissack Daniel is in conversation with State Rep. Justin Jones about her book “The Black Family Who Built America” on Feb. 19 at the Tennessee State Museum.
- Learn about Nashville’s Black cinema culture at The Belcourt on Feb. 23.
